Local hero Prayad Marksaeng won at the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia yesterday, dedicating his victory to the king of Thailand.
The 41-year-old Prayad birdied the 18th hole at the Thai Country Club in a roller-coaster three-under-par 69 to win the US$750,000 Asian Tour finale by one shot from overnight leader Juvic Pagunsan and England's Chris Rodgers, who both bogeyed the closing hole.
China's Liang Wen-chong was crowned the UBS Order of Merit champion after nearest rival Chapchai Nirat of Thailand failed to secure the win that was needed to lift Asia's number one mantle.
PHOTO: AFP
After securing his sixth triumph in the region, a tearful Prayad dedicated the victory to King Bhumibol Adulyadej and also Supphaphorn Maphungphong, the so-called godfather of Thai golf who died recently.
"I would like to dedicate this win to the king [who celebrated his 80th birthday last week] and Khun Supphaphorn, who was my coach," said Prayad, who was the only player to birdie the 18th hole during the final round.
"This is certainly the biggest win of my career," he said.
A disappointed Pagunsan, of the Philippines, searching for his second win of the year, showed signs of nerves as he struggled on the outward nine with four bogeys but fought back with birdies on 10 and 12.
Walking up the 18th, he was tied with Prayad but sent his eight-iron approach into the bunker and splashed his third shot well beyond the flag.
"I bogeyed the last hole again and it was costly [he bogeyed the 18th three times during the week]. My approach did not connect properly and it went into the bunker. It was disappointing to lose like that," Pagunsan said.
Rodgers produced his best finish of the year but rued a missed opportunity.
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