Thai golfer wins 2013 Malaysian Open Championship

Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat completed a sensational wire-to-wire victory at the weather-shortened Maybank Malaysian Open when he overcame a host of stars with a gutsy performance at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, here, today.

The big-hitting 23-year-old held his nerve for a battling two-under 70 to lift his second Asian Tour title by one-shot from Ryder Cup star Edoardo Molinari of Italy, who signed off with a 67.

Anders Hansen of Denmark shot a 66 to finish two shots back while 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa settled for tied fourth position following a 71 in the US$2.75 million (RM8.52 million) championship sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Kiradech who became the fourth Thai after Thongchai Jaidee, Thaworn Wiratchant and Chapchai Nirat to win the co-sanctioned tournament, said: “I’m so happy this week. I’m proud of myself and for my family. I almost won here a few years ago (2010) and finally I made it. I’m so happy."

With a winner’s cheque of US$458,330 (RM1.42 million), Kiradech jumped to the top of the Asian Tours Order of Merit with his season haul of US$594,230 (RM1.84 million).

The burly Thai, dubbed Asia’s John Daly due to his physique and style of play, had to overcome tiredness because of a thyroid problem and four days of weather disruptions to prevail at the Maybank Malaysian Open which was reduced to a three-round tournament.

He led by one shot through 15 holes of the third and final round when play was suspended for two hours because of a thunderstorm and came back out shaking at the prospects of winning his careers biggest title yet.

Upon resumption of play, he birdied the 16th hole from four feet to open up a two-shot advantage and then enjoyed a stroke of fortune when his approach into the 17th green ended just a few feet from the water hazard.

According to the Asian Tour website, after leaving his chip some 15 feet short of the flag, Kiradech drained his par putt and celebrated with a clenched fist.

“After I made birdie on 16, I knew I had a chance to win. But in golf, you cant say you can win when youre not finished. I was lucky my ball was still safe (on 17).

If it had rolled into the hazard, it would have been tough to win. But I concentrated hard on 18. Ive played here for about 20 times, and on 18, I think Ive birdied it more than 10 times. Bogey was so tough but it was good enough to win,” said a beaming Kiradech.

Italy's Edoardo Molinari who teed-off in joint second position overnight also showed an impressive performance in the final day with five under 67 to close his round on 12 under 204 for second spot and took home US$305,550 (RM950,627).

Anders Hansen of Denmark on the other hand maintained third position in the final round after carding a six under 66 for a three-day total of 11-under 205.

He took home US$172,150 (RM535,593) for his feat.