Thaindian News

Chandigarh, Jan 20 (IANS) There were upsets galore Friday as many of the leading contenders fell by the wayside on a long day when the prequarter and quarterfinal matches were gone through at the Indian Golf Union’s flagship event, the 111th All India Amateur Golf Championships, at the Chandigarh Golf Club here Friday.

Two-time defending champion S. Chikkarangappa was the biggest casualty as he lost to S.K.Pappu in the pre-quarter finals in the morning session. The unfancied Pappu beat the India No.1 Chikka 2 and 1 and then scored another fine win in quarters beating Sri Lanka Vijita Bhandara by the same margin. Chikka was looking for the first hat-trick of All India titles since 1930.

Also going out on a day of upsets was Khalin Joshi. Joshi lost to fellow Bangalorean Syed Saqib Ahmed in the pre-quarters on the 19th hole.

The experienced Gagan Verma in the morning beat Trishul Chinappa 1-up and then defeated Honey Baisoya of Delhi 2 and 1. He now meets S.K.Pappu in the semis.

Angad Cheema also came through to last four beating HS Kang 1-up in quarters.

One of the oldest amateur championships in the world, the All India Amateur Championship started in 1892 and is run by the Indian Golf Union. It has a 36-hole stroke play qualifying competition over the first two days from which the leading 32 players proceed to the match play knockout event.

Quarterfinals: Angad Cheema beat HS Kang 1-up; Syed Saqib Ahmed beat IPS Mann 6 and 4; Gagan Verma beat Honey Baisoya 2 and 1; SK Pappu beat Vijita Bhandara 2 and 1;

Pre-quarterfinals: HS Kang beat Raghav Bhandari 5 and 4; Angad Cheema beat Mohd Nazim 2 and 1; Syed Saqib Ahmed beat Khalin Joshi 19th hole; IPS Mann beat Karan Taunk 4 and 3; Honey Baisoya beat Simarjeet Singh 1-up; Gagan Verma beat Trishul Chinappa 1-up; Vijita Bhandara beat Shubhankar Sharma 4 and 2; SK Pappu beat S Chikkrangappa 2 and 1.