Thai veteran Thaworn Wiratchant secured a record-equaling 13th Asian Tour title and his first win in nearly two years with a three-shot victory at the Queen’s Cup in Koh Samui, Thailand, yesterday.
The 45-year-old star had a glorious eagle at the last hole of the Santiburi Samui Country Club for a three-under par-68 to hold of challenges from Bangladesh’s Siddikur and reigning Asian No. 1 Juvic Pagunsan.
Thaworn matched countryman Thongchai Jaidee’s number of triumphs on the circuit with a winning total of seven-under par-277, earning himself US$47,550 in the process, but he had to come from behind after bogeying the first.
“There was pressure from the first tee as I didn’t hit a good tee shot and made bogey,” Thaworn said in comments released by the organizers. “I’m very happy as I have worked hard in the past few weeks. My experience helps with the mental game. It helps me calm down and not get nervous. I can control that.”
Siddikur, chasing a second Asian Tour title, missed a costly par putt from two feet at the 15th hole, while he was one ahead of Thaworn.
The Thai hero took full advantage, holing a five-foot birdie on 16 before a 12-foot eagle conversion at the 18th hole.
“The turning point was the 15th hole when Siddikur missed his putt,” Thaworn said. “On 18, I was teeing off first and I couldn’t afford to make any mistake. I hit a good drive and I was quite confident. I could then smile after that.”
Pagunsan closed with a solid 68 to finish tied second in what was the 11th leg of this season’s Asian Tour.
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