Hua Hin (Thailand), Dec 21 (NationPress) In a gripping finale, India's 22-year-old golf sensation Shaurya Bhattacharya faced a challenging finish but ultimately clinched the runner-up position in the Final Stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School, securing full playing privileges for the 2026 Asian Tour season.

Starting the final round with a narrow one-shot lead, Bhattacharya was in strong contention for victory throughout the day. However, he encountered difficulties, dropping bogeys on three of the last seven holes. His final round score of 72 left him just a stroke behind Lin Yuxin of China, who triumphed with an impressive five-round total of 16-under-par at the Lake View Resort & Golf Club.

Lin, a two-time champion of the Asia-Pacific Amateur, finished with a 67, edging out Bhattacharya, who concluded at 15-under. In a dramatic turn, needing a par on the par-four 18th to tie for the lead, the Indian golfer bogeyed, settling for second place.

It was a promising day for Indian golf overall, with three additional players earning their Asian Tour cards by finishing in the top 35. Rashid Khan shot a 68 to tie for 15th at 7-under, while Ajeetesh Sandhu surged with a final round of 67 to place tied-19th at 6-under. Shubham Jaglan secured the last available card after a tense five-hole play-off among twelve players tied at 5-under.

Khalin Joshi narrowly missed qualification, finishing at 4-under after a bogey on the final hole. Kartik Singh (74) and Honey Baisoya (78) tied for 57th, while S Chikkarangappa (73) finished tied for 64th, all earning limited status.

Coached by former Asian Games team silver medallist Rahul Bajaj, Bhattacharya reflected on the demanding final day, choosing to highlight the positives.

“It was a challenging last day, but I focused on the positives,” he stated. “I recorded a total of 27 birdies this week, which is commendable. I always aim to win, even at Q-School. My goal was to finish first, but I fell just short.”

Currently ranked third on the Professional Golf Tour of India Order of Merit with two victories this season, Bhattacharya concluded an impressive week despite the near miss.

Canadian Henry Lee finished third at 14-under after a final round of 70, while Roberto Lebrija from Mexico (72) took fourth, and Will Florimo from Australia (70) completed the top five.