Thaworn wins Taiwan Open by one

TAIPEI: Thai stalwart Thaworn Wiratchant stormed from three shots back to win the US$300,000 Taiwan Open yesterday, his second title of the season. 

The 38-year-old Thaworn fired a superb eight-under-par 64 in the final round at Chang Gung Golf Club to lift the title by one stroke from compatriot Chapchai Nirat, who closed with a 67.  

ThawornWiratchant

Overnight leader Scott Strange of Australia settled for third place, three shots behind the winner, after a 70 and was tied with Taiwan's Lu Wei-lan and Terry Pilkadaris of Australia. 

Thaworn's victory was his sixth on the Asian Tour and the winner's cheque of US$47,250 pushed him back to the top of the Order of Merit, a week after he was overhauled by compatriot Thongchai Jaidee, who did not play in Taipei this week. 

“I'm really happy. Everything worked in my favour in the final round,” said Thaworn, whose sensational finish tied the course record and helped him post a four-day total of 18-under-par 270.  

“At the start of the day, I thought that three shots back were a bit too much for me but when I started to putt well and caught the leaders, I knew I had a good chance to win.  

“It's really nice to be the Order of Merit leader again and I hope to hold on to it for as long as I can.” – AFP