26-year-old Karandeep Kochhar, who was in contention for a top finish all week with rounds of 67-67-70 blew up to a final round 79 to drop to a disappointing T-61 at the US$ 1.1mn New Zealand Open.
Kochhar sits 7th after 2 starts in the early season on the Asian Tour and suffered a similar fate in the Philippines two weeks earlier when he started Sunday two shots in the lead but closed with a 77 finishing 4th.
Kochhar secured his 2026 Asian Tour playing rights after winning on the Asian Development Tour in Egypt last November and finishing fifth in the season standings.
The only other Indian in the field, Dubai-based veteran player Shiv Kapur, a four-time Asian Tour winner, missed the cut by six shots after rounds of 77 and 69.
Photo – Asian Tour
