Gandranata's Game Change Pays Off At CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters

Jakarta, April 27 - Highly-rated George Gandranata of Indonesia made an astute change to his game strategy which eventually paid off when he posted a final round one-under-par 71 at the US$750,000 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters on Sunday.

Before coming to the tournament, Gandranata decided to move away from his usual aggressive approach and play more conservatively.

That change in tactics saw him emerge as the sole Indonesian to have made the weekend cut, which was the first in three attempts for the 28-year-old at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

“I decided to play a little more conservative this time round and I didn’t attack as much as I did in the past. My caddy and I discussed about how to attack the course on the day before we came for the practice round. I did some work with my coach as well. I am happy the plan worked out for me,” added Gandranata.

Although he posted a four-day total of one-under-par 287 to finish in tie-44th place, Gandranata, who is Indonesia’s highest ranked golfer, was thankful for the huge support he received from the local crowd.

“It has been a great week. I obtained my first goal which was to make the cut but didn’t achieve my second goal which is to get into contention. My worst round this week is better than my best round in the last two years! The local crowd has been very supportive and I hope I did not disappoint them,” said Gandranata, who mixed his card with four birdies against three bogeys.

Since turning professional in 2012, Gandranata has been playing regularly on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which he claimed has been a great learning platform to hone his game.

“Playing on the ADT has obviously helped a lot in my game. The competition on the ADT is getting better and better. You gained the experience from getting into contention in ADT events which is the closest you get to Asian Tour events. It has been a great learning experience,” said Gandranata.

While he is determined to perform well on the premier Asian Tour and the ADT, Gandranata is ready to lend his support for the new domestic Tour- Professional Golf Tour of Indonesia (PGTI).

“My plan for the remaining of the season is to get into as many Asian Tour events as I can. I will continue to play on the ADT as well as the new domestic Tour which I have mentioned earlier. I want to be there for the new Tour and give it all the support I can to help it grow,” said Gandranata.

Last Hole Drama As Lahiri Takes Crown At CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters

Jakarta, April 27 - India’s Anirban Lahiri won his fourth Asian Tour title and first outside India with a spectacular eagle putt on the last hole to win the US$750,000 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters on Sunday.

The 26-year-old Indian, who is getting married next month, survived a gamut of emotions on the final day before breaking away from the chasing pack to seal victory with a four-under-par 68 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Korea’s Baek Seuk-hyun enjoyed a stroke of fortune despite carrying an elbow injury when he finished second alongside Australian rookie Cameron Smith after signing off with a 65.

Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand showed he is inching his way back into the winner’s circle again with a fourth placed finish at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters which celebrated yet another successful conclusion to the fourth edition of the prestigious event in Indonesia.

Arwin Rasyid, President Director of CIMB Niaga said, “On behalf of CIMB Niaga and all the other sponsors and partners of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters 2014, I would like to give my heartfelt congratulations to Anirban Lahiri.

He played very well and was amazing to watch. This year’s event has been another huge success and we are very happy to conclude on such a high note. We look forward to being a part of the future editions of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters and bringing you the best of golf right here at Royale Jakarta Golf Club. See you all next year!”

Starting the day trailing by a single shot behind Smith, Lahiri went out quickly by firing three successive birdies starting from the second hole.

He stumbled with a bogey-five on the fifth hole but recovered with another birdie on 12.

However a double-bogey six on 13 after a lengthy three-hour rain delay saw the Indian ride out a tense finish as a host of marquee players from the Asian Tour were wrestling for the lead then.

“I had an awkward lie on 13. During the rain delay I was just thinking that I have to get up and down there. I got a bad break there but I know Lin Wen-tang dropped a shot as well. Unfortunately I got a double bogey there but I am glad I came back strong,” said Lahiri.

With Baek holding the clubhouse lead at 16-under, Lahiri knew he had to produce a superlative effort on 18 to get the outright win.

“My mind was blank when I prepared for the last putt on 18. All I told myself was I had to get it into the hole. When I was walking up to the greens, I was actually thinking if I need to prepare for a playoff tomorrow morning,” said Lahiri.

The Lahiri did not disappoint and screamed in delight when he watched his 20-ft eagle putt sink into the hole for a winning total of 17-under-par 271.

“It’s really great to get my first win outside of India. I have missed out on it for a long time and I am so glad I managed to do it today. I need the world ranking points so I am really happy I can win this week,” said Lahiri.

Although Baek missed out on a grandstand finish, the Korean took pride in his battling performance which saw him pipped to his maiden title by a single shot by Lahiri.

“I actually thought of withdrawing just before the start of the first round this week. On the first day, I told my caddy if I can par the first hole, I will continue to play. I managed to do that and I moved on with my game.

On the second day, I thought I should just try and make the cut. I have no confidence at all. Until today, I didn’t expect myself to do so well. My elbow got better so I just try and focus on my game. I didn’t look at the leaderboard because I don’t want to give myself any pressure,” said Baek, who carded rounds of 71,68, 68 and 65.

Meanwhile overnight leader Smith believes his game will only get better as he savors his best performance at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters since graduating from the Asian Tour Qualifying School earlier in the year.

“This is my best result so far in a professional tournament. It would have been good to win but I guess this is just another day. This has definitely boosted my confidence in my game.

I hit the ball and putted well. There is not much more that you can really do. I am looking forward to the next tournament on the Asian Tour already,” said the 20-year-old rookie.

Despite closing his campaign two shots back of Lahiri, Kiradech believes he can be the man to watch again after a stellar 2013 season where he was crowned Asia’s number one.

“With my current ball striking, I think I can win a tournament on the Asian Tour soon! It has been a year since I last won. I’m confident it will come soon, maybe next week! I just have to continue to stay the way I am striking the ball,” said Kiradech.

Leading scores after round 4 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course:

271 - Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 70-69-64-68

272 - BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) 71-68-68-65, Cameron SMITH (AUS) 68-67-67-70

273 - Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 71-69-65-68

274 - Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 71-72-67-64, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 68-70-69-67, LIN Wen-tang (TPE) 70-64-72-68, S.S.P CHOWRASIA (IND) 71-66-69-68

275 - Rashid KHAN (IND) 70-70-64-71

276 - Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-68-72-68, Bernd WIESBERGER (AUT) 68-71-69-68, Gunn CHAROENKUL (THA) 70-69-67-70

George Gandranata Aims To Finish On A High At CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters

Jakarta, April 26 - George Gandranata believes the future of golf in Indonesia is bright as he cast his eyes on finishing off his campaign on a high at the US$750,000 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters on Saturday.

As the sole Indonesian to have made the weekend cut at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters, Gandranata struggled to a three-over-par 75 but is determined to end his week at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club with a flourish.

“I didn’t do as well as I wanted to. My putting was not good at all. The greens were faster and I can’t really judge the speed. My iron shots were not as good as yesterday’s as well. I still have 18 more holes to play so hopefully I can get back tomorrow,” said the 28-year-old, who compiled a three-day total of even-par 216.

Despite returning with a disappointing score, Gandranata is thankful for all the support he received from the home crowd this week.

“It has been a really good experience playing in this big event. I got a lot of support from the home crowd which is really helpful for me. I was having a tough time today but they cheered me up,” added Indonesia’s highest ranked golfer.

Gandranata believes more Indonesians can make a similar impact on the Asian Tour if they take advantage of the playing opportunities available.

He has been honing his game on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) since turning professional in 2012 and the results are beginning to show as he finally made the cut for the first time in two appearances at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.

“I know I am the only Indonesian who made the cut but I will try not to think too much and get stressed about that. Golf is golf. I think the most important thing is to stay focused and concentrate on playing one shot at a time. I am pretty sure we will get to see more Indonesians making the cut in future. We have a new Tour so I am confident the standard of golf in Indonesia will continue to grow,” said Gandranata.

Rookie Smith takes The Lead At CIMB NIAGA Indonesia Masters

Jakarta, April 26 - Australian rookie Cameron Smith will face one of his career’s biggest test after he posted a five-under-par 67 to take the third round lead at the US$750,000 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters on Saturday.

Smith, who has enjoyed a distinguished amateur career, compiled a three-day total of 14-under-par 202 to head into the final round in pole position in what is only his second professional event on the Asian Tour.

India’s Anirban Lahiri displayed the qualities that made him a EurAsia Cup hero when he fired a flawless 64 to trail Smith by one in second place while compatriot Rashid Khan was equally impressive as he also matched Lahiri’s effort with a 64 to take third place.

Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand meanwhile signed for a 65 to take fourth place on 205 total at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Smith made a bold decision to move into the play-for-pay ranks after an illustrious amateur career where he won a host of events including the 2013 Australian Amateur, Australian Junior Championship and Australian Stroke Play Championship in 2011.

Having earned his Asian Tour card when he finished tied-18th at Qualifying School earlier this year, the 20-year-old missed the cut in his first professional event in the Philippines in March.

However it has been a refreshing change of fortune for the Australian as he now finds himself atop the leaderboard for the first time after rounds of 68, 67 and 67 at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.

“I’m feeling good, pretty ecstatic right now. I am actually leading a professional tournament for the first time!” said Smith, who traded five birdies, an eagle and two bogeys.

“I started off a bit slow. The eagle on the ninth kept the birdies coming. That was the highlight of the day as I holed a pretty long putt. It has been great three rounds so far. I’ll keep to the same game plan tomorrow which is to hit as many fairways and greens as I can and continue to putt well,” added Smith.

Lahiri, a three-time Asian Tour winner, could be on the verge of landing his first title outside of India after he posted the day’s lowest score alongside Khan.

“It was a relief for me to actually play the kind of round that I did back home at the Delhi Golf Club. I’ve been playing very well and it’s nice to finally see it reflecting on the leaderboard,” said Lahiri.

Lahiri, who played a key role in Team Asia’s epic 10-10 draw with Team Europe at the EurAsia Cup last month, continued to impress when he got off the starting tee quickly with birdies on holes two, five, six and nine for an outward 32.

He further asserted himself with three successive birdies starting from the par-four 10th and would complete a sensational round by closing with another birdie on 18.

“I’m just glad I have put myself in a good position going into the final round as I am obviously looking to break into the top 100 on the world rankings so that I can get into the bigger events,” said Lahiri, who is currently ranked 102nd on the Official World Golf Ranking.

“I’m hitting the ball good. I don’t have to do anything different tomorrow. If I can just keep hitting the fairways and greens tomorrow like how I did today, that would help. I am confident with how I am playing right now,” added Lahiri.

Still riding high on confidence following his career breakthrough at the Asian Tour season-opening event in India, Khan was equally impressive as he marked his card with seven birdies, an eagle and one bogey.

“This is my third tournament on the Asian Tour and it really gives you a good boost when you’ve won a tournament. Everything looks easy after that win but you still have to score well to win a tournament,” said Khan.

After two rounds of matching 70s, Khan found the greens too quick for his liking and returned to the putting green for practice which eventually paid off.

“I didn’t really expect to post such a good score today as I’ve been struggling with the fast greens here. But I managed to hole putts today and got comfortable with the greens as I’ve been practising on the putting green,” said Khan.

Tournament marquee names Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and France’s Victor Dubuisson were forced to withdraw from the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters because of a back and shoulder injury respectively.

“As much as I would love to, I cannot carry on playing at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters as I’ve hurt my back and I’m unable to swing my club. The hospitality and the atmosphere at the event has been fantastic. I’m very disappointed and hope to be back again next year. I want to thank everyone concerned about my injury and I hope to recover soon,” said Oosthuizen, 2010 Open Championship winner.

Leading scores after round 3 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (a- denotes amateur):

202 - Cameron SMITH (AUS) 68-67-67

203 - Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 70-69-64

204 - Rashid KHAN (IND) 70-70-64

205 - Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 71-69-65

206 - Gunn CHAROENKUL (THA) 70-69-67, S.S.P CHOWRASIA (IND) 71-66-69, LIN Wen-tang (TPE) 70-64-72

207 - Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 72-68-67, Marcus BOTH (AUS) 69-70-68, BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) 71-68-68, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 68-70-69

Talented Gandranata Outshines Top Stars At CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters

Jakarta, April 25 - Rising star George Gandranata of Indonesia outshone many of the tournament’s biggest names including Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and France’s Victor Dubuisson by carding a two-under-par 70 in the second round of the US$750,000 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters on Friday.

The 28-year-old compiled a two-day total of three-under-par 141 to emerge as the highest-ranked Indonesian in tied-23rd place, two shots ahead of Thongchai and Dubuisson, who took a share of 38th place after returning with rounds of 72 and 69 respectively at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Gandranata is feeling upbeat about his chances at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters as he managed to make cut for the first time in two appearances.

“It’s the first time I made cut here at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters. I did not do well last year. I’m glad I rewrote history today. I came into the tournament hoping to make the cut. Now that I’ve achieved that, I really hope to see myself in contention tomorrow!” said Gandranata, who marked his card with five birdies against three bogeys.

Despite playing on home soil, Gandranata does not feel the pressure of having to play well in front of home crowd this week.

“I think playing on home soil actually helps my game. We don’t have lots of big tournaments here and I treasure every opportunity I get to play here. Playing at home makes me feel like there are a lot of people supporting me,” added Gandranata, who has been a regular player on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) since turning professional in 2012.

The second round of the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters was suspended at 5pm local time due to lightning threats on Friday.

Local amateur Fadhli Rahman Soetarso will be one of the 19 players to resume their second rounds at 6.45am on Saturday. Soetarso is currently the second-placed Indonesian on tied-47th. He is even-par through 11 holes.

Indonesia's top-ranked player Rory Hie had to retire at hole 16 because of a wrist injury.

Round three will not start before 8am tomorrow.

Scores of the Indonesian players after day 2 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (a - denotes amateur, leader at -10):

141 - George GANDRANATA 71-70

(Par) - Fadhli Rahman SOETARSO (A) 72 Par (11)

148 - Ramadhan ALWIE 76-72

149 - Fahmi REZA 77-72

150 - William SJAICHUDIN 76-74, Kurnia Herisiandy SANTOSO 75-75

(+6) - Jamel ONDO 78 Par (11)

151 - Denny A. WIJAYA 77-74, Jordan IRAWAN 74-77, Sarmilih 73-78

152 - Rinaldi ADIYANDONO 78-74

(+8) - Andik MAULUDIN 77 +3 (12)

153 - Tirto TAMARDI (A) 77-76

(+9) - Benny KASIADI 78 +3 (14)

(+10) - Johannes DERMAWAN 75 +7 (14), Bramantio ADI 81 +1 (13), Ilyasyak 79 +3 (10)

155 - Ian ANDREW 77-78

156 - Asep SAEFULLOH 81-75, Ade SEBUL 80-76

157 - Kevin C. AKBAR (A) 77-80, Junaidi IBRAHIM 81-76

167 - Naraajie RAMADHANPUTRA (A) 79-88

168 - Abhi SAHARI 84-84

         Rory HIE 76 RTD (16)

Refreshed Lin Stays Cool In The Heat At CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters

Jakarta, April 25 - Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen-tang took advantage of a well-rested break and fired a sparkling eight-under-par 64 to take the second round clubhouse lead at the weather disrupted US$750,000 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters on Friday.

Lin, a six-time Asian Tour winner, is clearly the man to catch when play resumes on Saturday morning as he marked his card with nine birdies against one lone bogey to take his place atop the leaderboard with his two-day total of 10-under-par 134.

Inclement weather brought a halt to the day’s action at 5pm (local time) and 19 players will now have to return to Royale Jakarta Golf Club to resume their round at 6.45pm (local time) tomorrow.

Australian rookie Cameron Smith continued to impress in what is only his second start on the Asian Tour by carding a 67 to trail Lin by one while a grieving Nicholas Fung of Malaysia held back his emotions and battled to a 69 to share third place with Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat.

Lin was forced to withdraw from an event in Malaysia last week because of heat and fatigue.

But having taken a well-rested break, the 40-year-old came out with all guns blazing in the morning.

“I wasn’t feeling very well coming to this week. I had to withdraw from the tournament in Malaysia last week because the weather was just too hot! I spent two days resting in the hotel. I have never slept so much before it was quite scary. I guess my body really needed some rest,” said Lin.

Taking advantage of the cooler conditions in the morning, Lin reached the turn with an outward 33.

He then played like a man possessed as he ran off two birdies in three holes before surging ahead with three successive birdies from the seventh hole.

“I don’t really like playing in the hot weather. I’ve to walk with an umbrella and use ice to cool my face all the time. But I guess I had an advantage today because the weather was cooler when I started in the morning. I putted better than yesterday too. My drive has been pretty good the last two rounds as well,” said Lin.

After missing the cut in his debut event in the Philippines in March, Smith is relishing the prospect of playing in the weekend rounds at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.

The Asian Tour graduate, who finished tied-18th in Qualifying School earlier this year, traded eight birdies against three bogeys to put himself into contention for his maiden win.

“Today was a better start for me as I got the ball rolling pretty quickly early. I got a couple of bogeys which was disappointing but hopefully I can wipe them off the cards over the weekend,” said Smith.

“My life has changed a little bit since I turned professional. There’s a little bit more travel, more work into golf which is nice but overall it’s not a bad job that I have,” added the Australian.

Despite carrying a heavy heart with the passing of his grandmother, Fung continued his chase for his career breakthrough on the region’s premier Tour.

The Malaysian, who started on the front-nine, simply could not find those decisive birdie putts as he made 11 straight pars.

“I think I lost focus in my front nine. Then my caddy told me to put aside the unhappiness of my grandma’s passing and concentrate on my game,” said Fung.

A superb eagle-three on 12 hauled Fung back into the mix before a birdie on 16 ensured he would head into the weekend rounds in a favorable position on the leaderboard.

“I will try and win this week just for my grandma. I’m very happy with my 69 today and still seeing my name on the leaderboard,” said the Malaysian.

Chapchai believes he is close to rediscovering his winning form as he fired four birdies, one eagle and two bogeys to put himself in a good position of ending his five-year title drought at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters.

The three-time Asian Tour winner’s last victory on the region’s premier Tour came in 2009 where he posted a stunning 32-under-par 256 winning total in India to set a 72-hole world scoring record.

“I feel I’ve got a good chance to do well this week. I’ve been hitting the ball really good and I know that I just got to stay patient and not get too distracted to get that win.

It has been a long time and it will really be nice if I can land another victory. But I don’t want to think too far just yet as I only want to put myself into contention on Sunday,” said Chapchai.

George Gandranata Spearheads Local Charge At CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters

Jakarta, April 24 - Indonesia’s George Gandranata kept alive the local hopes when he posted a one-under-par 71 to stay four shots back of first round leaders Nicholas Fung of Malaysia and Korean American Anthony Kang in tied-34th place at the US$750,000 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters on Thursday.

The 28-year-old, who plays regularly on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which is the Tour’s secondary circuit, fired three birdies against two bogeys to stay on track for a possible breakthrough win on home soil.

Gandranata was delighted with his solid round after riding on a hot putter which was the key for him at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

“I already have a plan on attacking this golf course according to my skills set and I must say it went well for me today. I think the key to playing well on this course is to putt well. You got to put the ball in the right place and you need to putt well to score well. The greens here are really sloppy,” said Gandranata.

Gandranata hopes to take advantage of his experience of playing on the ADT and make his impression at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters this week.

“Playing on the ADT has really helped my game. It has given me a lot of experience playing with the professionals out here. The competition is really good here and it gives you the opportunity to hone your game,” said Gandranata, who has been playing on the ADT since turning professional in 2012.

Local amateur Fadhli Rahaman Soetarso signed for a 72 while compatriot Sarmilih is tied on 61st after carding a 73.

Scores of the Indonesian players after round 1 of the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7340 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (a - denotes amateur, leaders at 67):

71 - George GANDRANATA

72 - Fadhli SOETARSO (a)

73 - SARMILIH

74 - Jordan IRAWAN

75 - Johannes DERMAWAN, Kurnia Herisian SANTOSO

76 - Rory HIE, Ramadhan ALWIE, William SJAICHUDIN

77 - Ian ANDREW, Andik MAULUDIN, Fahmi REZA, Denny A. WIJAYA, Kevin C. AKBAR (a), Tirto TAMARDI (a)

78 - Benny KASIADI, Jamel ONDO, Rinaldi ADIYANDONO

79 - Naraajie RAMADHANPUTRA (a), ILYASSYAK

80 - Ade SEBUL

81 - Junaidi Ibrahim, Bramantio ADI, Asep SAIFULLOH

85 - Abhi SAHARI