Thai veteran Thaworn Wiratchant recorded a five-under-par 67 to win the King's Cup in Khon Kaen on Sunday, securing his 18th Asian Tour title.
His sizzling final round pushed India's Anirban Lahiri, who had led from the opening day, into settling for a share of second place with Andrew Dodt of Australia in the 72-par $500,000 event.
Thaworn -- a comparative veteran at the age of 47 who now holds an unprecedented 18 titles on the Asian Tour -- secured an advantage with a birdie on 10 before dropping only one shot in the round on the par-four 12.
Thaworn Wiratchant hits a shot during the third round of the Asian Tour’s US$500,000 King’s Cup at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club. AFP PHOTO / Asian Tour / Paul Lakatos
"It was not easy out there as Anirban and Andrew were piling the pressure on me. It got a little shaky on 12 when I bogeyed for the first time today. But I maintained my composure and managed to see it through," said the local hero.
Lahiri, 27, was disappointed to miss out on the title after taking the lead since the tournament began on Thursday.
"I had my chances and I just didn't take them. I don't think I played poorly but it was just not good enough to close it out," he said, according to a statement released by organisers.
Dodt, who struck birdies in his last three holes, put himself in a good position but had to settle for joint second place.
"I thought that if I could birdie the last three holes and even eagle the last, I'll be in for a chance. I hit a good putt on the last but it didn't go in but full credit to Thaworn as he's a world class player and managed to finish it off," said the Australian.
Leading scores after the final round at the King's Cup in Khon Kaen:
268 - Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 68-67-66-67
270 - Andrew Dodt (AUS) 69-65-69-67, Anirban Lahiri (IND) 65-67-68-70
273 - Kalem Richardson (AUS) a66-72-68-67, Danthai Boonma (THA) 66-70-68-69, Paul Peterton (USA) 69-68-67-69
274 - Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 71-68-67-68, Panuphol Pittayarat (THA) 68-69-66-71
275 - Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 71-71-65-68, Prom Meesawat (THA) 68-69-67-71, Jakraphan Premsirigorn (THA) 69-65-69-72