Pavit dedicates crown to His Majesty

Pavit dedicates crown to His Majesty

Thai edges Lahiri forfirst Asian Tour victory

Pavit Tangkamolprasert with the Macao Open trophy. PR
Pavit Tangkamolprasert with the Macao Open trophy. PR

Macau: Pavit Tangkamolprasert dedicated his first Asian Tour victory at the Macao Open to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej after prevailing over India's Anirban Lahiri in a play-off yesterday.

The 27-year-old Thai and reigning Asian Tour No.1 Lahiri put on an exhibition of golf by shooting a seven-under-par 64 and 65 respectively in the final round to tie at 16-under 268 at the Macau Golf and Country Club.

Pavit, who earned US$S198,000 for his career breakthrough, triumphed in extra-time with a birdie on the par-five 18th hole after Lahiri, the 2014 champion here, found the water hazard with his second shot following an errant drive en route to a bogey. Lahiri settled for the runner-up spot for a third time in four years.

It was an emotional week for Pavit and the Thai players as the Thai King died on Thursday and Pavit believed the revered ruler was helping him all week.

"All the Thai players are very sad after hearing the news. The King is our inspiration this week, our life and this trophy is for the King. I dedicate this win to the King," said Pavit.

A five-time winner on the Asian Development Tour where he was No.1 in 2014, Pavit has only one top-10 finish on the Asian Tour in 65 starts previously but it all clicked in a pulsating final day showdown with Lahiri

Big-hitting Pavit overturned a one-shot deficit into a three-shot lead with some hot putting, going to six under through 13 holes and was seemingly coasting to a well-deserved victory.

However, Lahiri, who looked out of contention and trailed by five at one stage, produced his best stuff coming home as he brilliantly nailed seven successive birdies to force the play-off.

Pavit said: "I didn't think I would be in a play-off but I got lucky as Anirban hit his second shot into the water. All the hard work paid off this week. I didn't think about winning because I don't even have an Asian Tour status. I just wanted to play my best. This win will now give me a two-year exemption."

Being the third Thai first-time winner on the Asian Tour this season, Pavid added that he didn't know Lahiri was on a birdie blitz and hot on his heels late in the day. "I didn't see the scores on the back nine as there was no leaderboard.

"I had nothing to lose in the play-off. My caddie, my mum and dad texted me to say I had nothing to lose. Kiradech [Aphibarnrat] also sent me a message to say 'Come on, you can do it' and that was a big motivation for me."

The 29-year-old Lahiri was disappointed his good work in regulation play was all for nought.

"I was happy I won the toss and I wanted to go first [in the play-off]," said Lahiri.

"I think I rushed into that and I was trying to lay up on the second shot but the rough was a bit thick. I didn't even think of the hazard being there."

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