Kolkata, February 6, 2009: Himmat Singh Rai lived up to his reputation of being one of the brightest young prospects of Indian professional golf when he posted his first professional win at the PGTI Players Championship presented by Tollygunge Club on Friday. The 21-year-old thus became the youngest professional to win on the Aircel-PGTI. Himmat's final round 69 took his tournament total to nine under 271. Lucknow's Sanjay Kumar finished second at seven under 273. Kolkata's SSP Chowrasia climbed from overnight fourth to third as a result of his final round 68. He totaled six under 274 for the tournament.

Himmat Singh Rai (65, 70, 67, 69), the overnight leader, did not concede his lead at any moment during the final round. His accurate tee shots on the second and eighth (both par 3s) set up birdies for the Delhi-based professional. Himmat's nearest rival, the vastly experienced Sanjay Kumar, managed to catch up with him after the former bogeyed the 12th and 14th holes. Himmat three-putted from just off the green on the 12th and followed that up with another three-putt from 15 feet (downhill) on the 14th. The turning point came when Rai once again grabbed the sole lead after making a 25 feet birdie putt on the 16th.

An elated Himmat said, "It's like a dream come true for me. In fact, the victory hasn't sunk in as yet. I was a little nervous at the start of the round today but the birdie on the second helped me settle down into my rhythm. I played solid from then on. I then had to struggle for a brief period from the 12th to the 14th. The 25 feet birdie putt that I made on the 16th turned out to be very crucial because it gave me the lead with just two more holes to go."

He added, "I felt I had the psychological edge over Sanjay after I had done really well over the last three holes in round three. When I approached the 16th tee on Friday, I knew I had the advantage. I also putted really well not only today but throughout the tournament. In fact, on the final day I missed just one putt inside six feet."

The champion went on to say, "It's been very satisfying to lead from the day one. I have realized that it takes a lot to win. I made some changes to my swing about a month back under the guidance of my coach Romit Bose and that seems to have worked. The credit for my win goes to my parents and coach as they have always stood by me. My caddie Sachin has also contributed towards my success as I always trust his judgment when it comes to reading the line on the greens."

Sanjay Kumar (69, 66, 68, 70) posted his second successive runner-up finish on the Aircel-PGTI when he finished with a total of seven under 273. Sanjay now leads the Aircel-PGTI Order of Merit. In the final round, the 37-year-old came up with birdies on the second and seventh and bogeys on the ninth and 18th.

"I had a few chances today but could not convert them. A poor second shot on the ninth and an ordinary chip shot on the 18th led to my two bogeys during the final round. Nevertheless, I have had a good start to the season with a couple of runner-up finishes and would like to continue playing like this," said Sanjay.

SSP Chowrasia (68, 70, 68, 68) finished third at six under 274 while veteran Mukesh Kumar (67, 71, 71, 66) was a further stroke behind in fourth place.

The Kolkata duo of Feroz Ali Mollah and Raju Ali Mollah was tied eighth at even par 280.

Himmat Singh Rai at the tee of Round 4