Dhaka, January 28, 2010: Bangladesh’s Mohd. Siddikur Rahman eased to a comprehensive seven-stroke win on the final day of the American Express Bangladesh Open 2010 at the Kurmitola Golf Club in Dhaka. The local favourite posted a 69 on Thursday to end up with a tournament total of 16 under 272. Sujjan Singh of India finished second at nine under 279.

Mohd Siddikur Rahman (72, 66, 65, 69), who registered his fourth win on the Aircel-PGTI on Thursday, began his round in spectacular fashion, chipping-in for birdie from the left side of the green on the first. Siddikur built on the good start with birdies on the third and seventh where he made a couple of crucial chip-putts. He then bogeyed the eighth and ninth as a result of missing some short putts.

Siddikur, however, held on to his advantage by putting up a solid effort on the back nine. He made seven pars on the back nine besides sinking birdies on the 11th and 18th. Two magnificent approach shots from over 100 yards that landed within four feet of the pin earned Rahman birdies on the 11th and 18th. Siddikur, thus took home the winner’s cheque worth Rs. 3,23,300 (INR).

“It’s a very special win for me because it came on my home course and before my home crowd. This win has placed me first on the Aircel-PGTI Order of Merit for the first time and that gives me lot of satisfaction. I now hope to cash in on this good start and make the most of my opportunities in the 2010 season, be it on the PGTI or in Asia,” said a jubilant Siddikur.

He added, “I was quite relaxed all through my round today since I enjoyed a huge overnight lead. I attacked the pin from the word go but somehow did not putt well. Hitting was the best aspect of my game. I also hit almost all fairways. I hit the ball really close on a few occasions and the chip-in on the first was of course the best moment of the day.”

Sujjan Singh (72, 66, 72, 69) of Chandigarh came up with a fighting 69 to earn second place at nine under 279. Sujjan’s round included an eagle, five birdies and four bogeys. He chipped-in from just off the green for eagle on the 14th and sank a 25-footer for birdie on the second.

“Patience was the key for me today. I made bogeys at regular intervals today but despite that I was patient and made some crucial putts coming down. I was also in good hitting form and found most of the fairways,” said Sujjan, who posted his best finish on the Aircel-PGTI.

Sanjay Kumar of Lucknow carded a 72 to finish third at seven under 281.

Bangladesh amateur Mohd Dulal Hossain and Australian Kunal Bhasin were tied fourth at six under 282. Dulal Hossain also won the trophy for the best amateur as he had the best score among all the amateurs.

Mohd Jamal Hossain Mollah, the 2009 champion, secured tied 29th place with an overall score of eight over 296.