Dubai: Debutant Sanjiv Kapoor heaped praise on his playing partner, Bayar Khan, after the pair combined to win the 19th edition of the Gulf News Merchants Cup at The Montgomerie on Thursday evening.
Nine-handicapper Khan played a starring role in the duo’s 43 points tally which saw them defeat tournament regulars Archie Sharma and MP Sharma (40 points), who in turn snatched second place from Colin Cordery and Colin Gow on a countback.
Kapoor, who almost never made it to the tournament due to a busy schedule, admitted it was a wonderful feeling to have won in his first appearance in the annual event which attracts members of the UAE’s business community.
“I think what makes the tournament special is that it brings together such a diverse group of golfers,” Kapoor said. “I very nearly did not play but I’m really glad I did in the end.
“It was just an incredible experience playing with Bayar against such quality players. I’m sure I’ll be back next year.”
Khan, who in 2011 won the most valuable player prize, admitted he had not played better golf than he has this whole week.
“I’ve really been enjoying my golf. I thought I played well in the Race To Dubai Pro-Am and in the Merchants Cup as well,” he said. “I’m a regular in the Merchants Cup and I’ve had the pleasure of having some wonderful playing partners.
“It’s an enjoyable experience playing in the event and I think both Sanjiv and myself played as well as we could play. It felt great to win.”
