Yuvraj Singh Sandhu secured a T-4th finish, marking the best performance by any Indian on the Asian Tour this season
Yuvraj Singh Sandhu, a 27-year-old rising star from Chandigarh, delivered an impressive performance at the US$1 million Mercuries Taiwan Masters, securing a tied-4th finish with rounds of 72-69-70. Having earned his Asian Tour card this season via the Asian Development Tour (ADT), Sandhu’s strong showing this week earned him US$41,666.67 (approximately ₹35 lakh), and a crucial jump to 59th in the Asian Tour rankings. His position is vital as the top 60 players retain their tour cards for the following season. With eight events still to go, Sandhu’s focus will be on maintaining his momentum to secure his spot on the 2025 Asian Tour.
Sandhu’s tied-4th result also marks the first top-five finish by an Indian on the Asian Tour this year, surpassing Saptak Talwar’s tied-6th performance at the Mandiri Indonesia Open back in August.
Rashid Khan, a two-time Asian Tour winner, finished tied-10th with rounds of 68-75-70, ending at 3-under 213. Bangalore’s Chikkarangappa S. posted a tied-23rd finish at even-par 216 after rounds of 69-74-73. Indian-American Varun Chopra tied for 37th at 3-over after rounds of 71-68-80, while six-time Asian Tour winner S.S.P. Chawrasia ended tied-42nd, carding 70-72-78 for a 4-over 220 total.
However, several notable Indian players, including Karandeep Kochhar, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Ajeetesh Sandhu, missed the cut in Taiwan.
Gearing up for a battling weekend at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters ⛳️☁️
: Mercuries Taiwan Masters Tournament Comittee #MTM2024 pic.twitter.com/QpcJiyJubP
— Asian Tour (@asiantourgolf) October 4, 2024
The tournament, shortened to 54 holes over two days and played in a shotgun format, faced disruptions caused by Typhoon Krathon, which forced two days of no play. Historically, Indian golfers have consistently found success on the Asian Tour, led by Gaganjeet Bhullar with a record 11 titles. Though the 2024 season has yet to yield a victory on the main tour, Rahil Gangjee’s two ADT wins this year have virtually secured his Asian Tour playing card for next season.
The Asian Tour continues this week in China, with the US$1 million SJM Macao Open running from October 10-13.
Photo – Asian Tour