Wen-tang ends title drought with win in Taiwan

TAIPEI: Home hero Lin Wen-tang secured a maiden Asian Tour title with a stylish three-stroke victory at the US$300,000 Taiwan Open yesterday. 

Lin, who led by two heading into the final round, carded a closing three-under 69 for a four-day total of 13-under 275 at Sunrise Golf and Country Club. 

He beat Scotsman Simon Yates, who signed off with a 68, into second place and scooped the first prize of US$47,550. Australian Pat Giles, battling to secure his Asian Tour card for next season, enjoyed a third place finish following a 68. 

Last year's Taiwan Open and Order of Merit winner Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand shared fourth place with Chinese Taipei veteran Lin Keng-chi, both wrapping up the week with matching 71s. 

“It feels wonderful. I feel great,” said an elated Lin, who moved up to 25th place on the latest UBS Order of Merit. “Since last year and in recent weeks as well, I've had several chances to win on the Asian Tour but finally, I've played a good final round to win here.” 

It was a long-awaited breakthrough for the likeable Lin, who had previously amassed 15 top-10s, including two runner-up outings, in 80 previous starts in the region since 1998. – AFP