PETALING JAYA: Rashid Ismail overcame the pain barrier to become the match-winning hero as Malaysia clinched the Prudential Causeway Trophy with a sensational 12½-11½ victory over Singapore.
Malaysia who were ahead 6½ – 5½ at the start of the singles, was leading 12-11 when it all came down to the last singles match between Rashid and Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang in the Ryder Cup-style match play event at the Laguna National Golf and Country Club on Sunday.
Tze Huang desperately needed the win to tie the overall scores in which case Singapore would have retained the Trophy by virtue of being the defending champions.
Rashid, who was forced to sit out the opening-day foursomes due to a jarred back, had other plans.
The 41-year-old, who went ahead for the first time at the 12th hole, sealed victory with a stunning birdie at the par-four 16th when he struck a majestic nine-iron approach from 117m to sink the ball and secure the all-important half-point.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Rashid who was mobbed by his jubilant team-mates after the shot.
“I have a swollen tendon (in lower back) which is very painful, especially when hitting iron shots.
“I had physio and treatment to help me play in the fourball, but I was worried I wouldn’t make it for the singles. This morning I took a painkiller and I managed to get through, even though I was only able to swing at about 60%,” he added.
“This is certainly a highlight in my career.
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