Akash Kumar was crowned champion for the 19th edition of the Indian Independence Cup, which marked the start of the Indian Golfers Society’s 2015-16 season.

Kumar won the overall title by matching his handicap on a day of tough scoring conditions at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club with 36 stableford points.

His effort was one shot clear of fellow Dubai Creek member Aarkesh Bhatia and Emirates Golf Club member, Nelly Amarnani.

After a card countback, Bhatia and Amarnani were adjudged the winner and runner up of Division A respectively, with Anish Bhatia finishing in third place after a solid round of 34 points.

In Division B, Kuttan Malattiri stormed to a three-shot victory with a fine round of 33 points.

– MENA: James Allan stays in contention for his maiden title
– HSBC: Russell Knox wins Shanghai tournament
– Qatar: New plans unveil ambitions new Gulf golf course

However a countback was needed once again, but this time to separate Division B’s runner-up and third place position. Joseph Andrade and Nigel Pinto both carded 30 points, but Andrade’s better back nine ensured he sealed the runner-up spot.

Despite missing out on the Division A prizes, Anand Lakhiani did manage to seal the best senior prize, with a fine score of 30 points. Nikhil Kohli, Salim Shaikh and Moti Jham showed great accuracy on the par 3s, claiming the nearest to the pin prizes.

Lakhiani and Bhatia scooped some more on-course prizes as well, winning the nearest to the pin in two and nearest to the pin in three on the third and 10th hole respectively.

Gaurav Verma claimed the straightest drive prize on the 17th, Antoin Breen and Surender Kandhari won the longest drive prizes on the seventh and 12th holes.

More than 90 members of the Indian Golfers Society participated in the tournament, which was supported by Bentley Emirates, Chivas, Nexus, Kohinoor, AIPL and MidCom