PETALING JAYA: Danny Chia bounced back from injury to successfully defend his PGM Northport Glenmarie Championship title.
The 41-year-old Malaysian beat Sattaya Supupramai of Thailand on the third playoff hole at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in Shah Alam on Saturday to pocket US$10,720 (RM34,304).
Sidelined for the last six months by injury, Danny shot a closing round 68 for a four-day total of 13-under 275 on a day that was interrupted by inclement weather.
Third-round leader Sattaya also finished on 275 after he could only manage a final-round 70.
Thai Piya Swangarunporn was third after posting a 67 for a 276 total. Suppakorn Uthaipat, also of Thailand, carded the low round of the day when he carded a 65 for a 277 total to finish joint fourth with Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung (68).
India’s Shubhankar Sharma finished in sole sixth spot after a 71 for a 279 total.
Arie Irawan was the third Malaysian to finish in the top seven when he finished on 281 with a final round 70.
Danny was pleased to return to the winner’s circle again after spending most of last season on the sidelines after undergoing a surgery to remove bone fragments which were pressing on a nerve in his right arm.
“I feel fantastic right now. I was feeling nervous during the rain delay. My putting helped me a lot today. I managed to hole a lot of good putts,” said Danny.
“I still need a bit of rehab to regain the strength in my right arm. The doctor is not convinced that I should start playing now because I’m not 100% recovered. I will play for two weeks and then take two weeks off,” added Danny, who was the first Malaysian to win on the Asian Tour when he won the Taiwan Open in 2002.
Danny dedicated the victory to his wife and mother.
“It has been a tiring week, having to play more than 18 holes a day but I am feeling great right now. I can’t wait to go home and celebrate with my wife and mum tonight. It will be a double celebration for us since it’s Mother’s Day tomorrow (Sunday),” said a gushing Danny.
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