Chachoengsao: Panuphol Pittayarat of Thailand claimed a special victory at the Thailand Open after closing with an even-par 70 at the US$300,000 Asian Tour event yesterday.
The bubbly Thai became the fifth local player to lift the prestigious Thailand Open trophy after holding off countryman Poom Saksansin's strong challenge at the Thai Country Club.
It is only the second time in the tournament's history that has back-to-back Thai champions. Suthep Meesawat claimed the title in 1991 and Boonchu Ruangkit followed him the next year. Rattanon Wannasrichan won the title last year.
The 25-year-old Panuphol battled nerves heading into the final six holes where he bogeyed 13 and 18 and almost found the water with his third shot on the par-five 17th hole. He held on to victory and signed for a 13-under-par 267 total.
"This means everything to me. This is my national trophy, my home course and this is where I practice. I'm very, very happy," a tearful Panuphol told the reporters.
"I felt a bit of nerves coming down the stretch but I tried to be cool and patient. I tried not to let the nerves get the better of my thinking and my game. I think I kept things pretty well under control."
The baby-faced Poom, who represented Asia at the EurAsia Cup earlier this year, overtook the leader early in the round but struggled to maintain his title charge following bogeys on 10 and 12.
He ended his campaign on a 70 to settle for second place, one shot behind champion Panuphol while 20-year-old Sarit Suwannarut put in his best performance on the Asian Tour by securing third place.
"I know I was on top of the leaderboard at one point but I had no confidence and I wasn't playing well," said Poom, who continued to struggle with his driver.
"I was putting well and I thought I had a good opportunity to force a play-off on the last hole. I read the line wrong and missed my birdie chance. I finished second so that's OK because I can keep my Asian Tour card."
Sarit, who closed with a 70 to finish on 11-under 269, was happy with his overall show.
"It was a pretty awesome week. It was tough on the last day but I'm proud of my finish," said Sarit.
"I felt a lot of pressure today but I handled it pretty well. It will be easier the next time when I'm in the same position. It was a tough front nine and I didn't make a putt at all."
The victory was especially sweet for Panuphol as he won the coveted Thailand Open trophy on his home course. The victory also marked a return to form for the Thai who came into the tournament following four straight missed cuts.
"This win is a dream come true. It is every Thai golfer's dream to win the National Open. It took a little bit longer for me to sleep last night but I managed to sleep.
"Poom didn't make it easy for me. He is one of the best golfers in Thailand and Asia. He beat Paul Casey in a match play [at EurAsia Cup] and it was like me playing match play against him. I didn't push myself but he gave me a hard time."
With the win -- his second on the Asian Tour -- Panuphol also took the early lead in the 2018/2019 Panasonic Swing race.
First-round leader Natipong Srithong (67) came fourth on 270 while Chapchai Nirat (71) was a stroke further back at fifth place.