Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant claimed a record 14th Asian Tour title as he cruised to a three-shot victory at the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters in Malaysia yesterday.
The 45-year-old shot a three-under-par 69 in the final round for a winning total of 16-under-par 272 at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club.
India’s rising star Gaganjeet Bhullar was second in the US$395,000 event, with Vietnam’s Michael Tran, Bangladesh’s Siddikur and Spain’s Javi Colomo tied for third another shot behind.
Photo: AFP / ASIAN TOUR / KHALID REDZA
“I’m very glad to win this tournament,” said Thaworn, who pocketed US$60,900 for his record triumph, according to an Asian Tour press release.
“When I played in the practice round, I thought I would have a disadvantage on the par fives, but I holed a few birdies and my confidence started to build,” he said.
“The first time I joined the Asian Tour, I couldn’t make the cut. I never thought I would come this far. After I won my first title [1996 Sabah Masters in Malaysia], I thought I could win more and I kept practicing more and more to make myself better,” Wiratchant added.
Bhullar, 24, said Thaworn, who held a three-shot lead overnight, was too far ahead to catch.
“He’s an experienced guy as he knows how to close the deal. Congratulations to him,” he said.
Tran, 22, Vietnam’s only player on the Asian Tour, has thought about quitting the game after a lack of success.
“This should give me some hope to get into the events later, like the Thailand Golf Championship and Iskandar Johor Open. If I can get my card by finishing in the top-60 [of the Order of Merit], it will change my decision,” he said.
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