Viraj Madappa Claims Chennai Open 2026 Title with Stellar Performance

Viraj Madappa showcased an exceptional performance at the Chennai Open 2026, overcoming a three-shot deficit to win by one stroke. With a bogey-free final round of eight-under 64, he finished at 22-under 266, marking his fourth professional title. Ajeetesh Sandhu, the overnight leader, secured the runner-up position, while Amardeep Malik and Rashid Khan also performed well. Madappa's disciplined approach and strategic play were key to his success, and he humorously credited his love for dosas as part of his routine. This victory significantly boosts his standings in the DP World PGTI Order of Merit.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 11, 2026, 23:03 IST

Madappa's Remarkable Comeback

Viraj Madappa staged an impressive comeback, overcoming a three-shot deficit to secure victory at the Chennai Open 2026, held at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course. The 28-year-old golfer from Kolkata finished the tournament with a bogey-free eight-under 64, concluding with a total score of 22-under 266, which earned him a prize of Rs one crore.

Starting the final round three shots behind Ajeetesh Sandhu, Madappa made eight birdies throughout the day, marking his fourth professional win. This victory not only boosted his earnings to Rs 23,90,042 but also elevated his position from 44th to 22nd in the 2026 DP World PGTI Order of Merit.

Runner-up and Other Competitors

Ajeetesh Sandhu from Chandigarh, a five-time PGTI champion, finished as the runner-up with a total score of 21-under 267 after closing with a four-under 68. He earned Rs 10 lakh and improved his standing from 21st to 15th in the Order of Merit, bringing his season earnings to Rs 33,47,375.

Noida's Amardeep Malik secured third place with a score of 17-under 271, while Delhi's Rashid Khan and Gurugram's Veer Ahlawat rounded out the top five.

Madappa Reflects on His Victory

This win marked Madappa's first title since the PGTI Players Championship in April 2025. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, "I had been playing reasonably well without scoring as well as I would have liked. But I knew from experience that if I kept putting myself in position, I would eventually get something out of my game."

Madappa attributed his success to a disciplined approach, noting that he played the final three rounds at a combined 22-under par. He emphasized the importance of mental discipline in his game, which allowed him to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Celebrating with Dosas

Madappa humorously mentioned that dosas had been a staple in his diet throughout the week, stating, "I’ve had dosas every day and ate three of them today. I’ll probably celebrate with more when I get home because the dosas there are unbelievable."

Race to India Championship Update

In the Race to India Championship, current leader Saptak Talwar finished tied for eighth at 12-under 276, increasing his season earnings to Rs 91,32,484. Defending champion N Thangaraja from Sri Lanka ended tied for 19th at eight-under 280.