Spain’s Carlos Pigem claimed his first professional title after beating Japan’s Shunya Takeyasu in a playoff at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club in New Taipei City yesterday.
The 25-year-old Spaniard, who carded a 67 to finish on 12-under 276, gained confidence early in the playoff when his second shot on the par-five 18 landed in the middle of the fairway, while Takeyasu’s fell into the rough.
An emotional Pigem knew the title was his when the Japanese’s fourth shot only touched the edge of the green.
Photo: AFP / Asian Tour / Arep Kulal
“Playoffs are always going to be a 50-50 affair,” said Pigem, who turned professional in 2013. “I’m really at a loss for words. I cried when I sunk that birdie putt on the playoff hole.”
“That feeling of winning my first professional title here at the Yeangder TPC is simply indescribable,” he said.
Australia’s Scott Barr, who took a solo third-round lead, finished tied for third place with Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung a shot behind the leaders.
Lin Wen-tang was a further shot back in a group tied for fifth place after a 64, a shot ahead of fellow Taiwanese Hung Chien-yao (72), and two ahead of Lu Wei-chih (67) and Lee Chieh-po (68).
Additional reporting by staff writer
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