Rhys Davies beaten in play-off for
Hana Bank Vietnam Masters

Former Walker Cup player Rhys Davies missed a 4ft play-off birdie putt that would have given him his first victory as a rookie pro. But he missed it and bunker trouble at the third extra hole ended his challenge for the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters at Ho Chi Minh City today.
Victory went to Thai star Thongchai Jaidee who ended his two-year title drought by holing 5ft putt for part at the third play-off hole at Vietnam Golf & Country Club. It was his ninth Asian Tour title.
Thongchai collected the winner’s cheque of US$79,250 and rises to 15th place on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.
“This win is dedicated to my family, especially to my two days old son who was born on December 5th. He has given me the inspiration and the drive to win,” said the former Asian Tour number one.
In regulation play, Thongchai fired a five-under-par 67 for a 15-under-par 273 total to force a three-way play-off with Rhys Davies and Australian Andrew Dodt who had both completed their rounds with birdies on the par four 18th hole.
Davies missed a three-feet birdie opportunity in the first play-off hole as all three players parred and headed back to the 18th tee for the second play-off battle.
Dodt then found the rough off the tee in the second play-off hole and his run ended when his chip at the edge of the green slipped by, leaving Thongchai and Davies to return to the tee after both players closed in with birdies.
In the third play-off hole, Davies struck a wayward drive and found the bunker. A mishit in the bunker proved costly for Davies as Thongchai, who had found the fairway, produced a solid chip at the edge of the green and left the ball within five feet away for a par putt and the win.
“I played well even in regulation play. But the play-off was intense. Rhys was unlucky but I took advantage and I’m extremely delighted. It’s been two years since my last win and to win again brings back a fantastic feeling,” admitted Thongchai, who had previously triumphed at the 2006 Volvo Masters of Asia.
Welsman Davies was pleased with his overall performance in Ho Chi Minh despite the play-off defeat.
“I’m pleased as I played well. But in the third play-off hole, the ball was buried quite deep in and I had a mishit. It was unfortunate,” said the Asian Tour rookie.
Australia’s Dodt, who was ranked 72nd on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit prior to this week, was happy to have sealed his card for next season. He shot a blistering course record of 63 which had booked place in the play-off.
“The positive side of things is that I have secured my playing rights for next year. It was a good week. I was nervous heading out to the play-off but credit to Thongchai and Rhys who played well.
“I had a great run on the back nine in regulation play. I fired an eagle on the 10th hole followed by four straight birdies. That was a nice comeback,” said Dodt, who produced his fifth top-10 finishes this year and rises to 51st position on the money list.
With an eight iron, Australia’s David Gleeson shot an ace at the par three 181 yards 13th hole while Filipino Frankie Minoza produced an accurate shot using a nine iron for a hole-in-one at the par three 150 yards third hole for the tournament’s fourth hole-in-one.
Minoza carded a 71 for a 281 total to finish in joint 15th place while Gleeson posted a 70 to end his campaign in a tie for 58th place.
LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 288 (4 x 72)
273 Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 67-69-70-67, Andrew Dodt (AUS) 70-71-69-63, Rhys Davies (WAL) 67-70-70-66
276 Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 72-65-71-68
277 Kodai Ichihara (JPN) 65-69-72-71
278 Scott Barr (AUS) 66-72-74-66, Chawalit Plaphol (THA) 71-70-68-69, Sattaya Supupramai (THA) 69-70-70-69, Lam Chih Bing (SIN) 73-69-67-69
279 Artemio Murakami (PHI) 67-69-71-72, Young Nam (KOR) 67-70-70-72
280 Joo Hewng-chul (KOR) 74-69-71-66, Wang Ter-chang (TPE) 66-70-73-71, Pijit Petchkasem (THA) 69-70-69-72
281 S. Siva Chandhran (MAS) 71-70-69-71, Frankie Minoza (PHI) 69-72-69-71, Pyo Suk-min (KOR) 66-67-73-75