Spain’s Chacarra Wins DP World India Championship
Golfer Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra won the DP World India Championship in New Delhi after a thrilling 25-hole Sunday marathon!
The lush green fairways of the Delhi Golf Club witnessed thrilling sports action on Sunday, 18 October 2026. Twenty-six-year-old Spanish golfer Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra showed incredible determination to win the prestigious DP World India Championship. He lifted the trophy after finishing with a magnificent four-round total score of 21-under-par 267.
The Spanish star stayed strong until the very final shot of the tournament. He managed to secure a two-stroke victory over his determined rival Daniel Hillier of New Zealand, who finished as the runner-up at 19-under par. It was an unforgettable weekend for golf supporters across the nation.
What happened?
Earlier during the tournament week, heavy rain disrupted play and caused long delays. Because of the wet weather, Lopez-Chacarra faced a grueling marathon on Sunday where he had to complete 25 holes in a single day. A regular round of golf has 18 holes, so playing 25 holes in one stretch requires amazing energy and patience.
He began his busy Sunday by completing his third round with a sensational 9-under 63 score. He carried that wonderful form directly into the final round, shooting a 2-under 70. This brave effort sealed his third DP World Tour title of the 2026 season, adding to his earlier tournament wins at the KLM Open and the Italian Open.
This triumph in New Delhi propelled Lopez-Chacarra straight to the top of the season-long Race to Dubai rankings with 4,092 points. The win moved him ahead of famous international competitors Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy. Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy also competed in the capital, carding a final-round 74 to finish tied for 42nd place at 4-under par.
Other international players delivered fine performances on the course as well. Adrian Meronk of Poland and Angel Hidalgo of Spain shared third place at 15-under par. Tommy Fleetwood of England, the defending champion from 2025, finished tied for fifth at 13-under par. Home supporters also cheered loudly for Olympian Anirban Lahiri, who registered the best finish among all Indian competitors by concluding the event tied for 23rd place.
Why does it matter to you?
Watching top athletes handle difficult weather delays teaches us how to stay calm when our own plans change. If sudden rain stops your cricket match or your school sports day is delayed, keeping your patience helps you perform your best when play resumes.
This championship also shows that India is hosting world-class sporting competitions in our own cities. Young sports fans in India can watch global stars up close and discover the discipline, practice, and mental strength needed to succeed at the highest level.
Words to know
- under-par: completing golf holes using fewer hits than the standard number set for the course
- runner-up: the player or team that finishes in second place in a sporting competition
- marathon: an activity or contest that lasts a very long time and requires great stamina
- major: one of the four most prestigious and historic tournaments in men’s professional golf
Did you know?
With a prize fund of 4 million US dollars, this tournament was the richest DP World Tour event ever staged in India! The competition will continue for many years too, as DP World announced an extension of its title partnership through 2035 alongside Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) President Kapil Dev and European Tour CEO Guy Kinnings.
Think about it
How do you stay cheerful and focused when unexpected interruptions delay your favourite games? Which global sports competition would you like to see live in your city?
Quick quiz
How many holes did Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra complete on Sunday to win the tournament?
- 18 holes
- 21 holes
- 25 holes
See the answer
25 holes
Sources
This story was prepared by the Kids Gazette news desk with the help of AI research and writing tools, using the sources listed above.
