Gaganjeet Bhullar overcomes nerves to earn historic title triumph

Gaganjeet Bhullar became the first Indian to win on the Challenge Tour after triumphing by one shot at the season-opening Guajarat Kensville Challenge, held in his homeland.

Bhullar battled with his nerves during a closing round of 75, but his five- under total was enough to see off England's Matt Ford, who signed for a round of 70 to finish on four-under. Such was the demanding nature of the course and conditions at the Jeev Milkha Singh-designed Kensville Golf Club in Ahmedabad, only six players finished under par.

"I'm very pleased to begin the season with a victory," said 22-year-old Bhullar, who earned €32,000. "Last year I also began the season with a victory on the Asian Tour, but I cherish this moment as this is my first international victory in India. It was my father's birthday on January 14, so I dedicate this win to him.

"I hope that this season brings me more success, and I'm now looking forward to stepping up to The European Tour."

Callum Macaulay finished as leading Scot, the former Tulliallan man closing with a 72 to finish in a tie for 11th on 292. Dubai-based Ross Bain finished on 295 after a 76, with Craig Lee, the only other Scot to make the cut, closing with a 75 for 300.

In Hawaii, overnight leader Stuart Appleby was tied with Shigeki Maruyama as the pair finished the second round of the Sony Open in Hawaii with a two-shot lead. Appleby followed up an opening 65 with a round of 66 for a 10-under-par 130 where he was joined by Maruyama, who equalled his first-round 65 at the Waialae Country Club.

The pair were two ahead of the trio of Roland Thatcher, Steve Marino and Mark Wilson on eight-under-par.