Kiradech comes alive on tour
Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha) – Final Round 70 (-2), Total 203 (-13)
Maybank Malaysian Open champion. How are you feeling right now?
Excited. I’m so happy this week. I’m proud of myself and my family. I almost won here a few years ago and finally I made it. I’m so happy.
It was very close but tell us what happened in the last three holes when you came back out after the weather delay?
After I made birdie on 16, I knew I had a chance to win. But in golf, you can’t say you can win when you’re not finished. I missed the second shot on 17. I was lucky my ball was still safe. If it rolled into the hazard, it would be tough to win. But anyway, I concentrated hard. On 18, I aimed for six or better. But it’s so tough. I’ve played here 20 times, on 18, I think I’ve birdied more than 10 times. Bogey was so tough for me.
Second win on Asian Tour and first win on European Tour. What are you going to do with the exemptions now?
I’ll try to play as much as I can on the Asian Tour. For sure I’ll keep my Asian Tour card. It’s the tour where I’m born from. When I’m 24, I got another 20 years to play. I’ll try to win as much as I can. I’ll travel around the world to play.
What’s your thoughts on the last hole?
I tried to put the ball on the fairway but missed to the right. I didn’t want to think so much in my mind. I wanted to hit near the green and make six. That was my goal for the last hole. It was good enough to win with a bogey.
Second Thai to win the Maybank Malaysian Open after Thongchai Jaidee. What does it mean to have an icon like Thongchai in your career?
The Thai pro golfers, we stay like family. Boonchu Ruangkit, Thaworn Wiratchant, Prom Meesawat, and Thongchai, they all give to the new generation. Boonchu and Thongchai teach me a lot, not to force myself. I played World Cup with Thongchai and I feel bad when I miss a shot but he would say never give up. I want to thank them as they are always supporting the young generation.
How important was the crowd support?
I would like to thank the golf fans. I have many fans from here as I played a lot in Malaysia when I was in the national team. There were many who followed me today. I want to thank them.
Talk about the importance of your caddie?
He caddied for Somkiat Srisanga and in our first event together, we won the SAIL Open two years ago. He’s been with me for three years now and we’ve won again.
Have you been working on your game and who is your coach?
After I played well in Malaysia in the last three years, I had something wrong with my swing and approach shot. I worked with my old coach and my form is getting back. I played quite well and I’ll find some wins again on the Asian Tour.
How did you cope with the weather disruptions this week?
After the 15th hole, during the suspension, I couldn’t eat anything. I was so excited. When I walked out, everything was shaking, even my voice. My caddie just told me to concentrate, just two more holes. I’m lucky that I played only 54 holes. Otherwise, I am so tired due to the weather and the golf course.
You’re known as Asia’s John Daly, what is your routine and diet?
I just play for fun. I don’t have any routine. I’m happy with the name, John Daly of Asia. He won a Major event and I’m proud someone has called me that.
What is your next ambition in your golf career?
I’ll try to win a Major event. I cannot say when it is but I’ll try my best.
You’re now No. 1 on the Asian Tour, will you try to finish the year as number one?
I’m having three tours to play now (Asian Tour, Japan Tour, European Tour) and my focus will be to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit. Tough work for my manager Pimporn to plan for me to play Asia, Japan and Europe. I’ll play in Asia as much as I can. I promise that I’ll come back to play.
What are you plans with your biggest pay cheque?
I will give to my mum and dad. It’ll be up to them to give me how much to use it!
How important was their role in your tough period with the thyroid problem?
I want to thank them for their support. When I felt bad and with the thyroid problem, my mum was really worried about it. The first two weeks, my dad didn’t allowed me to play. But it got better but I’ll see the doctor after this week. The trophy is quite heavy and I used a lot of energy to carry the trophy!
Charl Schwartzel – Third Round 71 (-1), Total 206 (-10)
It was disappointing today. It’s a hard week with being on and off the course the whole time. It’s difficult to find any rhythm. I feel like I swung the club pretty well, but I didn’t play that well today.
Still, it’s nice to come back to Malaysia and have a good week on The European Tour.
I was hitting terrible iron shots from the middle of the fairways. That’s my strength. For some reason I was hitting short irons all over the show. What can I do?
Sixteen, 17 and 18 are good birdie holes. But 16 shows how badly I’m hitting it – I had a sand wedge from a hundred yards and missed the green. That’s disappointing. You can’t play that sort of game.
Kiradech did well today. I would’ve like to have applied a bit more pressure on him.
Wu Ashun (Chn) – Third Round 73 (+1), Total 208 (-8)
I’m not very happy with my finish. I think I learned a lot from this week. I learned how to play in hot, wet and rain suspensions. This week gave me the chance to learn how to relax despite playing in these conditions. You really need to maintain your concentration in every shot. This is very difficult to do with all the suspensions. This is a very good experience because every day it is like this. It is training to focus on every shot and putt. Of course this will make me a better player. I think I had a chance to win but I will try again. I’m still happy with my round because I played with the winner Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Masters Tournament winner Charl Schwartzel.
(On the double bogey on the 16th hole) I hit my tee shot and it landed in a bad lie. Then I needed two chips to get on the green and two putted.
S. Murthy (Mas) – Third Round 80 (+8), Total 217 (+1)
I tried to play my best golf today and unfortunately two holes (nine and 10) really let me down. The rest I think I played really solid.
On hole number 10: I hit my ball on the left side. There were about a thousand people there but they couldn’t find my ball. Someone said stuck on the tree so my caddy (Atan) climbed and didn’t find it. Our time to find the ball was up so it was considered lost ball. I returned to the tee and it went to the rough again. I hit a punch shot but my next shot really pulled me down because it was plugged on the lip of the bunker. I couldn’t get out and made nine. It was a solid nine.
On hole nine: I was on the right. There was a stone and mud on my ball but I couldn’t clean it because I was in the slight rough. I hit the ball but it couldn’t fly.
After those two holes, I told myself that it is already over. I tried to recover after that.
I’m happy I made the cut. I played with Padraig Harrington and he is a nice guy. I enjoyed my flight. He is very steady and relax. Even when I lost my ball, they said take it slow. At least they give me some time to think.
I learned a lot of things from Harrington. I loved the crowd because they cheered me on this week. It was nice to hear them say ‘I love you Murthy’ on the 18th hole! I’m sorry that I let them down.
Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind) – Third Round 68 (-4), Total 209 (-7)
I had a great start yesterday. I was five-under after 11 holes. I didn’t drive the ball that well in the morning. I bogeyed 12 and had birdie chances coming in but didn’t convert. I was one-over on the back nine and finished 68 which I think is a good round. I shot seven-under for three days. I could have done better but I’m happy. The good part is my round is getting neater day by day. I needed another round to make it better but I’m happy with a 68.
The rain suspension did stop a bit of momentum yesterday. Obviously you want to keep it going but that’s Malaysia. You have to get used to it and get into the momentum when you go out there. Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t.
I’m playing well and I’m injury free. I’m getting better with my game. I’m improving each week so that’s a positive. If I keep improving every week then a win should be around the corner.
I’m injury free and practising more. I’m building more confidence that way and all I need is four good rounds together. But I don’t practise that much now compared to last time! I used to hit 300 balls last time but now I hit about 150 balls. You got to respect the age (smiles)!
Kuala Lumpur, March 24: Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat completed a sensational wire-to-wire victory at the weather-shortened Maybank Malaysian Open when he overcame a host of stars with a gutsy performance on Sunday.
The big-hitting 23-year-old held his nerve for a battling two-under-par 70 to lift his second Asian Tour title by one-shot from Ryder Cup star Edoardo Molinari of Italy, who signed off with a 67, at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
Anders Hansen of Denmark shot a 66 to finish two shots back while 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa settled for tied fourth position following a 71 in the US$2.75 million championship sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
Kiraech, who is the fourth Thai after Thongchai Jaidee, Thaworn Wiratchant and Chapchai Nirat to win a co-sanctioned tournament, said: “I’m so happy this week. I’m proud of myself and for my family. I almost won here a few years ago (2010) and finally I made it. I’m so happy.
With a winner’s cheque of US$458,330, Kiradech jumped to the top of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit with his season’s haul of US$594,230.
The burly Thai, dubbed Asia’s John Daly due to his physique and style of play, had to overcome tiredness because of a thyroid problem and four days of weather disruptions to prevail at the Maybank Malaysian Open which was reduced into a three-round tournament.
He led by one shot through 15 holes of the third and final round when play was suspended for two hours because of a lightning storm and came back out shaking at the prospects of winning his career’s biggest title yet.
He birdied the 16th hole upon the resumption of play from four feet to open up a two-shot advantage and then enjoyed a stroke of fortune when his approach into the 17th green ended just a few feet from the water hazard. After leaving his chip some 15 feet short of the flag, Kiradech drained his par putt and celebrated with a clenched fist.
Playing it safe with an iron off the tee on the last, a closing bogey did not matter as his three-day total of 13-under-par 203 was one clear of Molinari.
“After I made birdie on 16, I knew I had a chance to win. But in golf, you can’t say you can win when you’re not finished. I was lucky my ball was still safe (on 17). If it rolled into the hazard, it would be tough to win. But I concentrated hard on 18. I’ve played here for about 20 times, and on 18, I think I’ve birdied it more than 10 times. Bogey was so tough but it was good enough to win,” said a beaming Kiradech
“During the suspension, I couldn’t eat anything. I was so excited. When I walked out, everything was shaking, even my voice. My caddie told me to just concentrate, just two more holes. I’m lucky that I played only 54 holes. Otherwise, I am so tired due to the weather and the golf course.”
Molinari, who was getting ready to warm up for a possible play-off, was disappointed he only made par at the closing 18th hole after a wayward drive. “I felt if I birdied the last I might have won outright because it puts a lot of pressure on the guy coming up behind,” said the Italian.
“It’s mixed emotions because I’m very happy to have a good week for the first time in a long time. The swing changes (with new coach Sean Foley) are starting to pay off which is surprising because I thought it would take a lot longer. But I’m disappointed because I had a lot of chances on the back nine. The 18th is only the second fairway I missed all day which is very disappointing.”
Schwartzel, playing in the last group with Kiradech, rued the missed opportunity to emulate countryman Louis Oosthuizen, who won the Maybank Malaysian Open last season. “It was disappointing. It’s a hard week with being on and off the course the whole time. It’s difficult to find any rhythm. I feel like I swung the club pretty well, but I didn’t play that well today,” said the South African, who was searching for his second title in Asia after winning the Thailand Golf Championship last December.
“I was hitting terrible iron shots from the middle of the fairways. That’s my strength. For some reason I was hitting short irons all over the shop. What can I do? Kiradech did well. I would’ve liked to have applied a bit more pressure on him.”
China’s Wu Ashun was the next best Asian in tied 11th place on 208 after closing with a 73 while Malaysian amateur Gavin Green enjoyed a creditable equal 22nd place finish after a closing 69 fir a 210 total.
Scores after round 3 of the Maybank Malaysian Open being played at the par 72, 6967 Yards Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club course (a- denotes amateur):
203 – Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 65-68-70.
204 – Edoardo MOLINARI (ITA) 66-71-67.
205 – Anders HANSEN (DEN) 66-73-66.
206 – Victor DUBUISSON (FRA) 67-69-70, Charl SCHWARTZEL (RSA) 67-68-71.
207 – Pablo LARRAZABAL (ESP) 69-70-68, Mark FOSTER (ENG) 69-69-69, Alexander NOREN (SWE) 69-68-70, David HOWELL (ENG) 69-68-70, Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL) 69-68-70.
208 – Thomas AIKEN (RSA) 71-71-66, Joonas GRANBERG (FIN) 71-68-69, Peter LAWRIE (IRL) 68-69-71, Tommy FLEETWOOD (ENG) 70-66-72, Gregory BOURDY (FRA) 66-69-73, WU Ashun (CHN) 67-68-73.
209 – Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) 71-70-68, Mikko ILONEN (FIN) 70-70-69, Matteo MANASSERO (ITA) 69-71-69, Lee SLATTERY (ENG) 68-70-71, Scott JAMIESON (SCO) 66-72-71.
210 – Gavin GREEN (am, MAS) 73-68-69, Joost LUITEN (NED) 69-71-70, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 72-71-67, Rafa CABRERA-BELLO (ESP) 72-67-71, LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) 70-68-72, Stephen GALLACHER (SCO) 71-73-66.
211 – Ignacio GARRIDO (ESP) 70-71-70, Alvaro QUIROS (ESP) 75-67-69, Alastair FORSYTH (SCO) 69-70-72, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 68-71-72, Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 73-71-67.
About Maybank
The Maybank Group is Malaysia’s regional financial services leader with an international network of over 2,200 offices in 20 countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China, Myanmar, Laos, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Great Britain and the United States of America.
The Group offers an extensive range of products and services, which includes commercial banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. It has over 46,000 employees serving 22 million customers worldwide.
About the Malaysian Golf Association
Founded in 1929, the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) as the sole governing body of golf in Malaysia has been entrusted to promote the game while preserving its traditions and integrity.
It’s a non-government organization that runs by volunteers who are passionate about the game with the help of a team of management staff.
The Association’s portfolios have increased over the years ranging from conducting 14 state amateur opens, national amateur open, national amateur close, Malaysian Open to processing handicaps through its National Handicap System to promoting grassroots programs and training of the athletes to represent Malaysia in the international events.
We take our responsibilities seriously in promoting the game in Malaysia while simultaneously upholding the Rules of Golf as prescribed by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A).
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf.
About The European Tour
The European Tour is committed to celebrating the game of golf from the origins of the professional game, building a proud history of achievement, sportsmanship and integrity as well as showcasing our diverse global talent and rich landscapes. The European Tour’s innovative approach enables us to embrace the world, combining championships of tradition with new tournaments in the cities and countries of the future.
The European Tour International Schedule, which from 2009 has incorporated The Race to Dubai, is a thriving global brand which, in 2012, will feature a minimum of 46 tournaments spread across all five continents of the world; the European Challenge Tour focuses on the up and coming players of the future; while the European Senior Tour provides a new start for champions celebrating their 50th birthday.
The European Tour’s corporate identity features the iconic silhouette image of six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon who gives his name to The Harry Vardon Trophy, presented to the player who is crowned European Tour Number One and winner of The Race to Dubai at the end of the season.
About Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) is a member of Sime Darby Property Bhd and a propriety Club wholly-owned and operated by KLGCC Berhad. The club has won numerous accolades from both local and foreign golfing fraternity, the latest being voted the Malaysia’s Golf Club of the Year in Par Golf Awards 2011, No.1 Golf Course in Malaysia and Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2011 and HAPA Golf Course of the Year by the prestigious Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards Regional Series 2011 – 2013. Today, it has become a landmark as the most luxurious golf resort development in Malaysia and KLGCC has in recent years hosted numerous international championships such as the Maybank Malaysian Open and the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.
About GlobalOne
GlobalOne is an executive lifestyle sports marketing consultancy. We have in the past created partnerships in golf, motor racing, sailing, tennis, rugby, skiing, athletics, basketball, cycling and skiing. Today, as an event promoter, GlobalOne’s primary focus and area of sports rights ownership is professional golf.
Kuala Lumpur, March 23: S. Murthy is hoping lightning will strike twice as inclement weather saved his day again at the rain-shortened US$2.75 million Maybank Malaysian Open on Saturday.
The Malaysian veteran struggled through four holes of the third and final round at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, playing four holes in one over par and dropping to six-under for the championship in tied 19th position. He is five shots behind leader Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand when play was called off at 4.02pm.
On Friday afternoon, Murthy, who shot a superb first round 67, was three over through seven holes of his second round but was saved by the weather suspension. He returned this morning and brilliantly fought back with four birdies and one eagle to sign for a 70.
The 42-year-old is hoping he can bounce back again on Sunday morning when play resumes at 9.45am at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
“Honestly, I was quite happy play was suspended. I finished eight holes in the morning (second round) and I was one over after four holes. Now I have time to think about my game and relax a bit,” said Murthy.
His best finish was equal 56th in the 1999 Malaysian Open but knows he must produce the fireworks in his remaining 14 holes if he is to become the first local player to lift the Seagram Trophy.
Murthy is not thinking too far ahead just yet and simply wants to concentrate on his own game. “I still want to hit more fairways and make more putts. I’m not thinking about the title at all. I want to do and try my best. I want to take things one shot at a time. It is going to be an interesting final round and I’m not too far from the leader,” he smiled.
Murthy was delighted to have the strong support from the Malaysian crowd and his wife, Nanthini, who has been loyally following her husband despite the harsh humidity and thunderstorms.
“I always enjoy the crowd support. I’m looking forward to some crowds following my group,” said Murthy.
Highly rated Malaysian amateur Gavin Green negotiated 11 holes in two under and stood at five-under for the championship in joint 25th place. “I think I’ll just have to play better tomorrow in my last seven holes, try to finish good and see what happens,” he said.
The 19-year-old, who was the first Malaysian amateur to make the halfway cut in 10 years, is still determined to finish inside the top-20 which will boost his amateur world ranking.
“I’m a bit more relaxed but I still want to finish in the top-20. I want to stay in the top-50 (in the amateur world ranking) so that I get exempted into the US Amateur. That’s what I’m aiming for. I’m 49th right now, so the higher up I finish here, the better for me,” said Green.
The 19-year-old Malaysian Amateur champion, who is studying at the University of New Mexico, is relishing the experience of playing alongside the elite cast at the Maybank Malaysian Open.
He was paired with 2011 Maybank Malaysian Open winner Matteo Manassero of Italy and current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Gaganjeet Bhullar of India in the opening two days and will continue the third and final round with multiple Asian Tour winner Prayad Marksaeng and 2011 Iskandar Johor Open champion Joost Luiten of the Netherlands.
“I think I’ll just have to try and finish good and see what happens. I’m going to try to hit some putts early tomorrow morning. Only seven holes to play so I want to aim to be more aggressive as there are not many holes left for me. We’ll see how it goes. I’m really enjoying the experience,” he said.
Ends.
About Maybank
The Maybank Group is Malaysia’s regional financial services leader with an international network of over 2,200 offices in 20 countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China, Myanmar, Laos, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Great Britain and the United States of America.
The Group offers an extensive range of products and services, which includes commercial banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. It has over 46,000 employees serving 22 million customers worldwide.
About the Malaysian Golf Association
Founded in 1929, the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) as the sole governing body of golf in Malaysia has been entrusted to promote the game while preserving its traditions and integrity.
It’s a non-government organization that runs by volunteers who are passionate about the game with the help of a team of management staff.
The Association’s portfolios have increased over the years ranging from conducting 14 state amateur opens, national amateur open, national amateur close, Malaysian Open to processing handicaps through its National Handicap System to promoting grassroots programs and training of the athletes to represent Malaysia in the international events.
We take our responsibilities seriously in promoting the game in Malaysia while simultaneously upholding the Rules of Golf as prescribed by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A).
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf.
About The European Tour
The European Tour is committed to celebrating the game of golf from the origins of the professional game, building a proud history of achievement, sportsmanship and integrity as well as showcasing our diverse global talent and rich landscapes. The European Tour’s innovative approach enables us to embrace the world, combining championships of tradition with new tournaments in the cities and countries of the future.
The European Tour International Schedule, which from 2009 has incorporated The Race to Dubai, is a thriving global brand which, in 2012, will feature a minimum of 46 tournaments spread across all five continents of the world; the European Challenge Tour focuses on the up and coming players of the future; while the European Senior Tour provides a new start for champions celebrating their 50th birthday.
The European Tour’s corporate identity features the iconic silhouette image of six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon who gives his name to The Harry Vardon Trophy, presented to the player who is crowned European Tour Number One and winner of The Race to Dubai at the end of the season.
About Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) is a member of Sime Darby Property Bhd and a propriety Club wholly-owned and operated by KLGCC Berhad. The club has won numerous accolades from both local and foreign golfing fraternity, the latest being voted the Malaysia’s Golf Club of the Year in Par Golf Awards 2011, No.1 Golf Course in Malaysia and Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2011 and HAPA Golf Course of the Year by the prestigious Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards Regional Series 2011 – 2013. Today, it has become a landmark as the most luxurious golf resort development in Malaysia and KLGCC has in recent years hosted numerous international championships such as the Maybank Malaysian Open and the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.
About GlobalOne
GlobalOne is an executive lifestyle sports marketing consultancy. We have in the past created partnerships in golf, motor racing, sailing, tennis, rugby, skiing, athletics, basketball, cycling and skiing. Today, as an event promoter, GlobalOne’s primary focus and area of sports rights ownership is professional golf.
Ends
Kuala Lumpur, February 4: A red-hot Shubhankar Sharma of India fired 10 birdies for a remarkable 10-under-par 62 to claim a stunning two-shot victory at the US$3 million Maybank Championship on Sunday.
At the age of 21, the talented Indian overcame a four-shot deficit with a dominant display to clinch his second Asian Tour and European Tour title with a winning total of 21-under-par 267 in windy conditions at the Saujana Golf and Country Club.
In his fourth start since winning the Joburg Open in South Africa in December, Sharma produced a sensational final round where he made five birdies in each half which included clutch birdie putts on 17 and 18.
He defeated co-overnight leader Jorge Campillo of Spain, who eagled the opening hole before returning with a 68 to settle for second place, while Pablo Larrazabal and Ryan Fox of New Zealand finished in third place after posting identical 66s.
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Khalin Joshi of India, who is Sharma’s roommate this week, finished in a share of fifth place alongside Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa, Hideto Tanihara, Nino Bertasio and world number 47 Dylan Frittelli of South Africa.
Sharma produced a great comeback after struggling in the opening two rounds where he was tied in 48th place at the halfway stage. A third round 66 put him within four shots of the lead and he charged into contention on the final round when he got off to a hot front nine.
He marked his card with further birdies on 11, 13 and 14 which gave him a two-shot advantage on the 16th hole as he romped to victory in emphatic style to become the first Asian to win the third edition of the Maybank Championship.
The victory earned him US$500,000 and moved him to the top of the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings and on the Race to Dubai on the European Tour.
Did you know?
- Sharma dropped only three shots the entire week where he had one bogey in round one, two and three. He was flawless today.
- This is Sharma’s fourth start since winning at the Joburg Open in South Africa in December.
- His final round 62 is his joint lowest score on the Asian Tour in relation to par. He shot a 61 (par 71) in the second round of the Joburg Open and a 62 on the last day of the 2016 Resorts World Manila Masters.
- Sharma’s winning total of 21-under is the lowest winning score at the Maybank Championship. His two-shot victory equals the largest winning margin in the event. Marcus Fraser also won by two shots in the inaugural edition in 2016.
- He is the first Asian to win the Maybank Championship and second Asian Tour member after Fraser to clinch the title.
- The last time an Indian won in Malaysia was Anirban Lahiri in 2015. He went on to win the Order of Merit title in the same year.
- This is Sharma’s second Maybank Championship appearance. He finished tied ninth last year to seal his Asian Tour card.
- The victory will likely push Sharma to 70th place on the Official World Golf Ranking. He will potentially be the highest ranked Indian in the world.
- Sharma is one of the rising stars on the Asian Tour and he joins a list of young champions to emerge from the region’s premier Tour.
- Overnight co-leader Campillo will continue his search for a career’s first victory. He opened with an eagle before shooting one birdie against as many bogeys on his inward nine. He closed with two birdies to finish second on his own.
- Joshi is close friends and roommates with Joshi this week. He finished tied fifth to earn US$92,880 and has virtually secured his Asian Tour card for next season.
Player Interviews:
Shubhankar Sharma (Ind) – Final Round 62 (-10), Total 267 (-21)
I played pretty solid and it wasn’t easy because it was windy. I kept pushing the whole day. I knew I had to make a lot birdies to catch the leaders. I made a lot of birdies in the front nine and just continued on the back.
To be honest, I wasn’t thinking about the leaderboard. I wanted to set a target in my mind and try to achieve it. On the 13th I knew I was somewhere near the leaders but on 16 I knew I had a two-shot lead. I told myself if I can make two more birdies, that would give me a good chance to win.
The last two months have changed my life. I’ve been a member on the Asian Tour for a while and I will continue to be a member on the Asian Tour. I’ve always dreamt of winning and now I’m a two-time winner on the Asian Tour and European Tour.
I didn’t make a birdie on the first hole which is quite disappointing because that’s quite an easy hole. I wasn’t putting too well just the way I was driving the ball I knew The win in Joburg helped a lot. Especially today, I was very calm on the course. I wasn’t under any pressure.
I didn’t make a bogey at all and it is very rare because you usually end up slipping after making birdies. I played really well, especially with the way I started. It is always tough to make birdies when you are trailing the leaders but I relaxed.
I’m over the moon. The last two months have been fantastic for me. I’m playing in The Open championship this year so I can’t ask for anything more. Whatever happened today was fantastic.
I had a few 10-under-pars before. I shot my first one in the Philippines two years ago to safe my Asian Tour card and I shot another one before winning the Joburg Open. I made a brilliant birdie on the nine. I pushed my tee shot to the right but I hit a brilliant second shot holed my birdie from about 15 feet.
On the 16th hole I saw the leaderboard and I had a two-shot lead so I told myself I needed one more birdie and I made a very nice birdie on 17. On 18, my ball was in the greenside bunker and the easiest up-and-down to make. I was just telling myself ‘don’t mess this up, don’t duff it or top it.’
It is still early in the season and I haven’t thought about winning the Habitat for Humanity Standings. I’m also leading in the Race to Dubai but I’m not thinking about it because there are so many events left. If I play well enough, I will have a good chance to win the Habitat for Humanity Standings. This win is great because it opens so many doors for me. I’m also playing in The Open so I’m excited about that. All and all, it is a great day.
This is a very special golf course. I finished tied ninth here last year and it was my first Maybank Championship and best result in a co-sanctioned event. I kept my Asian Tour card here because of this result here. Obviously, I love the course. It wasn’t easy today because it was very windy but this course suits my eye.
Gavin (Green) is a great friend. We know each other for three years now. He is a great guy and he is obviously a Maybank Ambassador and the reigning Order of Merit champion. He is a great guy and a great player. We’ve been good friends and he will also be playing on the European Tour so I will have some good company.
More and more players are coming out of Asia and India. More Asian players are doing well. You’ve had players like Arjun Atwal, Jyoti Randhawa and Anirban Lahiri. Just seeing them do well inspire us. Especially me winning now will inspire some kids so we need more idols to inspire more people and give them the confidence that they can do it as well. Asian golf is in the right hands and it is doing very well. You will see more and more Asian players winning in Europe.
No, not at all. I never thought I would win today. In a way that’s good because I was four shots off the leaders. The best thing was that I wasn’t in the leader group. I didn’t go in with the mind-set to win but I went in with the mind-set to shoot a low round. That really helped me today. I had a good feeling I would play well and shoot a low number and that’s what I did.
My dad was in the army and we pretty much went all over the place in India. We were in many places. Dad used to be posted all around and we as a family followed him. I got into the game when I was seven. I turned professional when I was still in school. My dad is one of the biggest reasons that I could take this step. He has been a great inspiration. I’m 21 but this is my sixth season as a professional. I already feel like a veteran.
Both my wins now are very special. Joburg Open was obviously my first win and it was a different atmosphere because I was the only Indian there. It was very calm. I was more in the zone. The first wins are always special. I was leading going into the final round of the Joburg Open so I was expected to win. Today, I had no expectations. I didn’t even know I was going to win until the 16th leaderboard. Both wins are different but very special.
Jorge Campillo (Esp) – Final Round 68 (-4), Total 269 (-19)
I started really good. I started good in the first eight holes then I missed my drive on the ninth hole. After that I made some good up-and-downs and gave myself some birdie chance. I finished good so I’m happy with that.
I knew he had to shoot low but not that low. It was windy and it was quite tricky out there. It is tough to beat someone who shoots a 10-under. I kept trying and I’ve finished second way too many times.
I finish by myself so that’s quite positive. I’m very happy with that.
Khalin Joshi – Fourth Round 70 (-2), Total 272 (-16)
I kept myself together all week. I didn’t go as low as I could have today but there are so many positives from this week. Now I believe I can play better and I know that I can compete at this level. I showed that to everyone and I proved that to myself. It’s a good week for me. Going to rest this week and then I will start off in India again I’m not sure. I am going to meet my coach and spend some time working on a couple of things. Hopefully I can get a few more invites and looking forward to the next couple of events. Things have changed so much for me this past year, I was struggling to keep my card just last year and this week comes and I have secured my card already. It changes a lot mentally, now I play to win and not just to play and secure my card. I am so happy for Shubhankar, we were roommates this week and last night we were talking about being roommates on tour if I won. We are good friends and I learn a lot from him and it motivates me to work harder and be up there with him.
Scores after round 4 of the Maybank Championship being played at the par 72, 7135 Yards Saujana GCC course (am – denotes amateur):
267 – Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 70-69-66-62.
269 – Jorge CAMPILLO (ESP) 69-66-66-68.
270 – Pablo LARRAZABAL (ESP) 70-70-64-66, Ryan FOX (NZL) 68-68-68-66.
272 – Nino BERTASIO (ITA) 68-65-70-69, Ryo ISHIKAWA (JPN) 74-66-63-69, Hideto TANIHARA (JPN) 71-64-68-69, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-70-65-70, Dylan FRITTELLI (RSA) 69-66-66-71.
273 – Berry HENSON (USA) 69-68-65-71.
274 – Matthieu PAVON (FRA) 70-67-70-67, Joost LUITEN (NED) 72-68-66-68, Maximilian KIEFFER (GER) 69-66-71-68, Romain WATTEL (FRA) 67-73-65-69, Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 72-62-70-70, Paul PETERSON (USA) 69-70-65-70.
275 – Andy SULLIVAN (ENG) 71-66-71-67, David LIPSKY (USA) 67-68-71-69, Scott JAMIESON (SCO) 68-69-69-69, Benjamin HEBERT (FRA) 69-70-65-71, Mike LORENZO-VERA (FRA) 66-71-67-71, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 68-65-70-72.
276 – Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 68-67-72-69, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 72-66-70-68, Thomas DETRY (BEL) 68-68-69-71, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 70-67-67-72.
About Maybank – Humanising Financial Services
Maybank is among Asia’s leading banking groups and South East Asia’s fourth largest bank by assets. The Maybank Group has an international network of 2,400 offices in 20 countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Hong Kong SAR & People’s Republic of China, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Laos, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, Great Britain and the United States of America. The Group offers an extensive range of products and services, which includes consumer and corporate banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. It has over 44,000 employees serving more than 22 million customers worldwide. (www.maybank.com)
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
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