ASIAN TOUR NEWS RELEASE
Singapore: Danthai Boonma’s cautious and patient strategy proved to
be the winning formula when he emerged triumphant after carding a final
two-under-par 69 at the inaugural World Classic Championship
at Laguna National, Singapore.
The
young Thai was one of only two players to have broken par after four
days of punishing and tense battle with the region’s heavyweights at the
US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
Danthai's two-under-par aggregate of 282 gave him a one-shot victory over Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, who was the other player
to end the week with a red number.
South Korea’s
Jeunghun Wang signed off with a 69 to finish in third place ahead of
Australia’s Sam Brazel who secured fourth place with his 285 total.
From
the start of the week, the 19-year-old, who won two gold medals at the
2012 South East Asia (SEA) Games, always knew it was going to be a tight
contest at the World Classic Course, dubbed ‘Asia’s toughest
test’ because of its treacherous slopes and tricky greens.
After
emerging as the last man standing, Danthai, who is playing in his first
year as a professional, was clearly elated with his breakthrough
victory on the region’s premier Tour.
“I’m
so excited and happy that I’m now a champion on the Asian Tour,”
exclaimed Danthai, who took home the winner’s prize purse of US$135,000.
“I
didn’t want to think too much about winning the tournament during my
front nine especially after dropping a shot there. But after making
three birdies in four holes after the turn, I started to believe
that this could be my week,” added the Thai.
Fung’s
challenge at the World Classic Championship effectively came to an end
at the par-four 16 where he three-putted for a bogey.
“The hole that cost me the title this week was the 16th hole where I missed a two-foot putt to save par.
“I
knew Danthai was ahead of me by one after that but I also knew there
were still birdie opportunities on 17 and 18,” said Fung.
After
making par on 17, the Malaysian had another chance to pile the pressure
on Danthai on 18 where a birdie would have forced a play-off. However a
poor putt meant he had to settle for a runner-up spot.
“I
misjudged my putt on 18 where I should have hit the ball slightly to
the right. But it’s okay. This may not be my week but I’m still proud I
managed to prove myself under such challenging conditions.
This is golf. What’s yours will be yours one day,” said Fung.
Wang
enjoyed his best result on the Asian Tour this year with his
third-place finish and believes his game can only get better following
his performance at the Lion City.
“Actually
I didn’t even think I would be able to post such a good score this
week. This is my first visit to Singapore and also the first time I’m
playing on this golf course, which is not easy.
“I’m
so happy now and I just want to keep going next week and try my best
again. If anything, I need to work on the mental aspect of my game,”
said Wang.
LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 284 (4x71) Yardage 6,935
282 Danthai BOONMA (THA) 72-69-72-69.
283 Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 74-67-70-72.
284 Jeunghun WANG (SKOR) 69-75-71-69.
285 Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 69-74-72-70.
286 Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 71-71-77-67, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 73-73-70-70, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 76-69-69-72.
287 Scott BARR (AUS) 69-71-76-71, Danny CHIA (MAS) 73-72-70-72.
288 Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 79-68-68-73.
290 Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 74-69-74-73, Josh YOUNGER (AUS) 73-71-72-74,
Akinori TANI (JPN) 74-74-67-75, Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA) 71-69-74-76,
Paul PETERSON (USA) 71-73-70-76, Berry HENSON (USA) 70-70-73-77.
291 Daniel CHOPRA (SWE) 75-73-72-71, Soomin LEE (SKOR) 75-71-72-73, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 72-73-70-76.
Labels: ASIAN TOUR
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