Prayad secures an emotional triumph

Sports News : Monday December 10, 2007

GOLF / VOLVO MASTERS OF ASIA

Prayad secures an emotional triumph

Pagunsan lets his big lead slip away

ROGER CRUTCHLEY

Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng pulled off an amazing victory in the Volvo Masters of Asia yesterday when he overcame a five-shot deficit to overhaul Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines in a thrilling final round at the Thai Country Club.

After a day of considerable drama, it all came down to the final hole. In the penultimate group Prayad sunk a birdie after a great approach shot to move to 13-under and tie with Pagunsan. It was the only birdie on the 18th the entire day.

The 41-year-old Thai player, who shot a 69, then had an agonizing wait as Pagunsan played the final hole.

The Filipino's second shot found the sand and the subsequent bunker shot left him a 14-foot putt to force a play-off. He just missed to the right and Prayad was champion, much to the delight of the enthusiastic local crowd and fellow golfer Prom Meesawat who was on hand to give Prayad a big hug.

It was an emotional moment for Prayad who was in tears as he dedicated his victory to His Majesty the King and to his long-time coach Supphaphorn Maphungphong, who passed away two weeks ago.

It was Prayad's sixth victory on the Asian Tour and his most precious. ''It's certainly the biggest win of my career,'' he said. ''I am very happy.''

Prayad, who picked up US$135,000 in prize money for his efforts, praised his caddie who he said gave him good advice and was spot on in calling the yardage.

He said he was mentally prepared for a play-off but when he heard Pagunsan was in the bunker he thought he would have a chance for outright victory.

It was hard not to sympathise with the personable Pagunsan who had played brilliantly all week but let it slip in the final round, finishing with a 75.

''It was disappointing to lose like that,'' admitted Pagunsan. ''I played very badly on the front nine.

''At that stage I thought I wouldn't win.''

He also praised Prayad for his victory.

''I am happy for him. That is golf.''

England's Chris Rodgers was joint runner-up after a fine 68 on a what turned out to be a nail-biting day of action.

''I thought it was going to be my day,'' a disappointed Rodgers said. ''Somehow I lost my focus a little bit at the end.''

Scotland's Simon Yates and New Zealand's Mark Brown shared fourth spot.

It had been an extraordinary day as Pagunsan frittered away his overnight four-shot lead on the front nine with four bogeys. He saw Prayad, Yates and Rodgers all close the gap to share the lead.

But the 28-year old Filipino rallied with birdies at the 10th and 12th and moved into a two-shot lead and briefly appeared to be back in command.

The tension showed amongst all the players as both Prayad and Yates found the water, the Scottish player's hopes sinking with his third shot on the 17th where he recorded a double bogey.

Prayad made crucial saves on the par fives after he had found water twice on the back nine to stay in contention and then came what turned out to be his title-winning birdie at the 18th.

Of the other Thai players Prom Meesawat hit 71 yesterday to finish in a respectable joint ninth place

Chapchai Nirat ended a very successful season with an even par 72 to finish in joint 12th place.

The Thai player finished second in the UBS Order of Merit and can look forward to even more success in 2008.

Also joint 12th was Thaworn Wiratchant following a 73.

After a miserable third round, defending champion Thongchai Jaidee had a much better day yesterday, hitting a four-under 68 to finish in joint 18th place. Last night the players attended the Asian Tour's UBS Awards Gala evening at the Conrad Hotel, including the presentation of the Order of Merit trophy to China's Liang Wen-chong.

By : Bangkok Post