Thailand's Chawalit Plaphol dashed Mithun Perera's hopes of making history when he birdied the last two holes to win the Zaykabar Myanmar Open yesterday.
Overnight leader Chawalit was tied with Mithun on 17-under heading into the last hole but the Thai set up a three-foot birdie putt with an exquisite approach shot at the par five 18th hole to win his fourth Asian Tour title at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club. Chawalit closed with a three-under-par 69 while Mithun, aiming to be the first Sri Lankan to win on the Asian Tour, fought bravely with a sensational 65 at the US$300,000 event, which is the curtain raiser for the 10th Asian Tour season.
There was heartbreak again for Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who lost in a play-off last year, as he settled for third following a 70. Hwang In-choon (67) of Korea, Darren Beck (69) of Australia and Angelo Que (70) of the Philippines were a further shot back in fourth.
"I'm happy but a first win in two years is not enough! I want to win more Asian Tour titles. I knew at the 17th hole that Mithun was on 17-under. Luckily, I managed to hole a 15-foot birdie putt (17) to tie for the lead," smiled Chawalit, who registered 18-under-par 270 and won US$54,000.
Chawalit, 38, was a figure of consistency through the week and held the lead for most of the round until Perera came charging home with five birdies in the last seven holes.
"It wasn't smooth for me during the front nine because I was forcing myself to play it safe. I put myself under a bit of pressure and it felt better on the back. This win gives me more confidence to play on the Asian Tour," said the Thai.
Leading fourth-round scores:
270 - Chawalit Plaphol (Tha) 67-66-68-69.
271 - Mithun Perera (Sri) 71-68-67-65.
272 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha) 64-67-71-70.
273 - Hwang In-Choon (Kor) 66-70-70-67, Darren Beck (Aus) 66-69-69-69, Angelo Que (Phi) 69-68-66-70.
274 - Quincy Quek (Sin) 71-69-67-67, Lionel Weber (Fra) 67-69-70-68, Rahil Gangjee (Ind) 71-66-67-70.
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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2013/02/25/late-birdies-make-chawalit-a-winner/
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