It’s Justin again
Justin Thomas is the undisputed champion of the CIMB Classic. The 23-year-old American retained his crown in grand style after carding a bogey-free eight-under 64 to win by three shots from Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama at the TPC Kuala Lumpur. Thomas rolled i
AMERICAN Justin Thomas is the undisputed champion of the CIMB Classic.
The 23-year-old American retained his crown in grand style after carding a bogey-free eight-under 64 to win by three shots from Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama at the TPC Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Thomas rolled in eight birdies – including four in his opening five holes – as he lifted his second US PGA Tour title with a 23-under 265.
“It’s great to win here again,” said Thomas. “It’s obviously a place I’m very comfortable with. I think this is by far my favourite place outside of the United States.
“It’s definitely worth the 24 or 25 hours travel to get here.
“This is a huge win for me. Hopefully I’ll be able to build on it to go forward. I’m looking forward to coming back next year,” added Thomas, who pocketed US$1.26mil (RM5.27mil) for the second straight year.
Matsuyama, the winner of last week’s Japan Open, posted a flawless 66 to finish sole second on 268. He took home US$756,000 (RM3.16mil).
“I really didn’t hit the ball the way I would like to, but I’m happy with the finish. Justin played great and deserved to win,” said Matsuyama.
Overnight leader Anirban Lahiri of India was left kicking himself after squandering a four-shot advantage to settle for joint third with American Derek Fathauer on 269. Anirban could only manage a 72 – his worst score of the tournament – after having sizzled with rounds of 66-66-65.
The 29- year- old Anirban shockingly gave away the lead with a quadruple bogey nine on the par-five third hole. Anirban’s trouble started when he lodged his tee-shot in a tree. He then sent his fourth shot into the next tee-box. It was certainly not his day as he went on to miss a three-foot putt.
“Disappointment obviously ... I got unlucky with the tee-shot and just compounded my errors,” lamented Anirban.
“But I tried my best. I fought back as best as I could, but I just couldn’t get the putts to fall on the back nine.”
Still, it was Anirban’s best ever finish on the PGA Tour. He previously finished joint sixth at the Dean & Luca Invitational in Texas.
Australian Marc Leishman, who will partner Adam Scott at next month’s World Cup of Golf, proved his credentials by finishing fifth with a 271 total after a 66.
Former PGA Championship winner Keegan Bradley shot a 68 to be a further stroke back in sixth, while Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Scott Hend, who opened with a 74 in the first round, completed a remarkable turnaround to tie for seventh on 273.
Malaysian Gavin Kyle Green carded a 72 to finish joint 69th on 289. National No. 1 Danny Chia was last in the 78-man field after closing with a 72 – his best score in the four-day extravaganza – for a 17-over 305.
Gavin took home US$14,070 (RM59,000) while Danny picked up US$12,880 (RM53,900) in the no-cut tournament.