Prayad Shoots Career Highest to Defend
Reigning champion Prayad Marksaeng wrapped up a wire-to-wire victory in the Bt2 million Chiang Mai Open with a fine 66 that gave him a 26-under 258 total at the Mae Jo Resort and Spa yesterday.
The 50-year-old overcame a double bogey on the 12th hole, which cut his lead over youngster Phachara Kongwatmai to three strokes, to fire two birdies to seal victory, which was eight shots better than last year when he triumphed here.
“This is by far my best score. Even though I had a double bogey I was confident of sewing it up because I had a big lead. The boys told me that it was hard to catch me when I am leading,” said Prayad.
The victory was Prayad’s second and 19th overall on the All Thailand Golf Tour. In May, he won on the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course. “Winning last week on the Senior Japan Tour in Hyogo really boosted my confidence. I hope to take this good form into next week’s Thailand PGA Tour in Lumpoon,” said Prayad, who earned Bt300,000 for his effort.
Seventeen-year-old Phachara fired a 68 to shared second place along with 22-year-old Poosit Supupramai, who also had a 68. Both scored 21-under-par 263 to take the runners-up prize money of Bt149,500.
“Prayad was very solid. I need to focus on my game,” said Poosit, who will play in the Japan Tour qualifying school later this year.
Chiang Mai’s Kousuke Hamamoto beat Poom Rattaropong in a play-off to win the amateur category after both were tied at 13-under-271.
“If I had made some of the putts, I would have finished with a lower score. I am happy that I won the amateur trophy, “ said the Thai-Japanese, who birdied the par-4,11th hole to win the play-off.
