Dodt triumphs at Thailand Classic

Dodt triumphs at Thailand Classic

Australian edges out Thongchai by one shot

Hua hin: Australia's Andrew Dodt yesterday came back from three shots behind to win the inaugural Thailand Classic at Black Mountain Golf Club.

Andrew Dodt with his trophy after winning the Thailand Classic. 

He won by a shot from home favourite Thongchai Jaidee and overnight leader Scott Hend, claiming his first win since 2010.

Five birdies in a flawless final-round 67 left him 16-under for the tournament, with 272 over the four days' competition at the Black Mountain course in Hua Hin.

It was enough to edge him ahead of Thai star Thongchai, who was well set until a horrible double-bogey on 13 left him playing catch up for the co-sanctioned European and Asian Tour title.

Dodt has been in dismal form since winning the Avantha Masters in India in 2010. He lost his European Tour card in 2013 and had to endure qualifying school last November.

"I'm speechless — it's just come out of nowhere," the stunned 29-year-old said, according to a European Tour release.

"I played really well yesterday and today but I just didn't think I'd come out on top.

"To be honest, losing my card was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. I went home last year, spent 12 months at home, played the Asian Tour again, found myself again, found my game and to be in the winner's circle again — it's unbelievable."

Thongchai finished with 71 for the day and 273 overall, level with third-round leader Hend.

"I misread the green and it is a bit short," Thongchai said of his birdie putt on the final hole. "Today, pin placement was really tough, especially in the back nine."

"I made a big mistake at the 13th and three putted at 16th and 18th. Overall, I am happy with my result this week and thank all the supports from the Thais."

Kiradech Aphibarnrat shot his second straight 70 to share fourth on 274 with Richard T Lee of Canada (66) and Jason Knutzon (67) of USA.

Early pace-setter Miguel Angel Jimenez endured a poor day, finishing one over after blundering through the front nine. He drifted to 13 under for the tournament three shots off the lead, alongside Spanish compatriot Carlos Pigem, Sweden's Johan Carlsson and Wade Ormsby of Australia. 

Pariya Junhasavasdikul turned at 36 with two birdies and two bogeys and then made four birdies in the last five holes to finish at four-under.

He tied for 21st on 10-under 278 with India's Anirban Lahiri (67), who won the Malaysian Open last week, Nathan Holman of Australia (69) and Berry Henson of USA (70).

Hua Hin-born Prayad Marksaeng closed with a 72 to share 25th on nine-under 279 with five players, including Denmark's Thomas Bjorn (72) and Marc Warren of Scotland (67).

Prom Meesawat made a final 69 to finish on eight-under 280 while Thanyakorn Khrongpha tied for38th on 281 following his 72. bangkok post/afp

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