Gavin savours Saujana high after comeback

PETALING JAYA: It was a triumphant return for golfer Gavin Green when he bagged his first title this year.

The Oympian, competing in only his second tournament after serving a three-month suspension for a doping offence, won the Tun Ahmad Sarji Trophy by a six-stroke margin at Saujana Golf and Country Club yesterday.

Gavin made a four-under 68 to seal the title on a total of 14-under 216.

He had started the final round with a five-stroke advantage over defending champion Anson Yeo after a sizzling nine-under 63 on the opening day and five-under 67 on Wednesday.

Anson finished second with a three-day total of eight-under 208 (69-70-69), just one stroke ahead of Marcus Lim (71-69-69).

The 32-year-old Gavin received a three-month suspension from the DP World Tour (European Tour) in January after testing positive for a banned substance found in a herbal supplement, which he had used for a medical condition.

“I had not played in a tournament since December, so this competition was to get the competitive feel again,” he said. “This is my second title here after 2022 and I’ve always enjoyed playing at Saujana,” said Gavin, who pocketed RM31,500 yesterday.

Liyana Durisic continued her hot run by winning her third title of the year.

She claimed the title and RM10,000 winner’s purse with a three-shot victory (69-68-74) over Zulaikah Nasser (73-69-72). Liyana won the Sand Greens Women’s World Championship in Australia and also the KPGA Closed Championship recently.