Delhi Challenge 2025: Quim Vidal Claims Thrilling Playoff Victory Over Joshua Berry

Nuh (Haryana), March 23 (NationPress) - Spanish golfer Quim Vidal emerged victorious in a thrilling playoff against English golfer Joshua Berry at the US$ 300,000 Delhi Challenge 2025, held at the Classic Golf & Country Club on Sunday.

Both players finished the regulation 72 holes with identical scores of 18-under 270, leading to the playoff. Vidal (65-68-66-71) and Berry (69-66-67-68), who claimed victory at the Kolkata Challenge the previous week, entered the playoff tied at the top of the leaderboard.

Vidal faced a bogey on the front nine but made a pivotal 30-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole, securing his place in the playoff with a steady 71. Berry, on the other hand, recorded six birdies and two bogeys for a final round of 68. Ultimately, Vidal clinched the title with a two-putt birdie from 20 feet on the third playoff hole, as Berry missed his birdie attempt.

Indian golfer Arjun Prasad (68-68-70-67) made six birdies against one bogey, finishing tied for sixth at 15-under 273. Other notable Indian players included Rashid Khan (66), who finished tied 11th at 13-under 275, along with Harshjeet Singh Sethie (69) and Kshitij Naveed Kaul (72), both finishing tied for 15th at 12-under 276.

Vidal, who started the final round leading by three shots, held firm with a solid 71 to share the lead with the in-form Berry. Both players birdied the initial two playoff holes before Vidal secured his victory with a stunning birdie on the third playoff hole.

Reflecting on his performance, Vidal stated, “I wasn’t anticipating this after a challenging day, but I’m at a loss for words. The playoff was incredibly tough, and the outcome was uncertain. I knew I had to make an eagle to reach the playoff, and I was highly focused on that putt. It was likely the only long putt I made all day, and it felt special.”

Arjun Prasad, who made two 12-foot birdies on the third and fifth holes, stumbled briefly with a bogey on the eighth but rebounded strongly with two more birdies on the 12th and 14th. He capped off his week with birdies on the 16th and 18th, including a 20-footer on the former, securing his position as the best Indian finisher.

Prasad commented, “I put together four solid rounds, so I’m happy with my performance this week. Putting was crucial in round four due to tough pin placements. I’m pleased I capitalized on my opportunities on the greens.”

Rashid Khan’s flawless 66 was the best score among Indians in the final round, propelling him up 17 spots from tied 28th to tied 11th. Khan, who hit all greens in regulation, left himself easy birdie tap-ins and made several from 15 to 25 feet.

Khan remarked, “After a long time, I genuinely enjoyed playing a round. I focused on one aspect of my putting after the first round, which led to significant improvements over the last three days.”