(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan’s Saad Habib Malik Finishes Runner-Up at Sri Lanka Amateur Golf Championship
KARACHI: Pakistan’s promising golfer Saad Habib Malik finished as the runner-up at the 134th Sri Lanka Amateur Golf Championship, narrowly losing in a playoff to local star Chanaka Perera at the Royal Colombo Golf Club.
A Close Contest Over 36 Holes
The final was played over 36 holes, with Habib trailing by three strokes after the first round. The young Pakistani staged a strong comeback in the second round, leveling the match early and keeping it tied right through to the finish.
On the 17th hole, Habib narrowly missed a putt that could have given him the lead. With the match still tied after 36 holes, the title was decided through a playoff. Perera, using his experience on home turf, secured the win with confident putting.
Road to the Final
Habib’s journey to the championship match was marked by impressive victories:
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Defeated M.D. Sanjeewa of Sri Lanka 7/6 in the Round of 16
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Beat Jacob Norton 3/2 in the next round
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Overpowered India’s Vivaan Ubhayakar in the quarterfinals
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Outclassed Sri Lanka’s junior talent Reshan Algama 3/2 in the semifinal
A Promising Future
Although he fell just short in the playoff, Habib’s solid performance throughout the tournament highlighted his consistency and growing reputation in regional golf. His accurate driving and iron play were standout features, and his runner-up finish further boosts Pakistan’s presence on the Asian golf stage.
