Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño came to the rescue in rough waters during a tough Saturday of individuals.
Asia took a stand for a historic comeback in the first EurAsia Cup. Miguel Ángel Jiménez won the first point of the day against Nicholas Fung, and Europe continued with a 5-point lead (8-3).
Victory was imminent, although the scoreboards at the course pointed to the opposite: lots of red and uncertainty against the surging force of the Old World.
Suddenly, the threat of Asian victory came on strong, and the Glenmarie course in Malaysia rang loud in clear. Jaidee defeated McDowell, Aphibarnrat beat Bjorn, Kim won Vs. Larrazábal, Lahiri beat Dubuisson, Bhullar took Olesen and Siddikur beat Gallacher. Donaldson was the only one who managed to lock down half a point against Marksaeng with sweat and blood, and Luiten won his against Oda.
In treacherous waters and a difficult outlook, Gonzalo, who came out in the second to last match of the day, stood alone on the course to proudly defend his European roots. The rest was done, and the tournament tied up. One short putt away from par missed on the 15th after an excellent approach resulted in a tie, placing the Madrid native at one below.
Tension high in the last dual of individuals, and of the tournament. But Gonzalo refused to crack under pressure, and pulled off the best shot of the day. A fantastic wood from the rough on the 16th, setting the stage for an eagle. Tanihara made the birdie, and with an incredible effort, Gonzalo made the putt to even out the battle. Tied up and two holes left to go.
Gonzalo and Tanihara tied on the 17th and the 18th, both ending in pars, and not without a fight. The Spaniard sank a putt from one meter away for a par on the last hole to seal the tie and save the day.
And thus the first EurAsia Cup in history ended up a tie, as the rules of the tournament allow for this possibility. Gonzalo walked away undefeated after winning the fourball and tying the foursome and individual. A good personal record and epic first edition of the tournament, painting a bright future for the Spanish golfer.
