Witchayanon claims Malaysian Amateur Open crown

SHAH ALAM: Thailand’s Witchayanon Chothirunrungrueng has finally nicked the Malaysian Amateur Open crown at the third time of asking.

The 23-year-old, fondly known as “Zoom”, could only close with a one-over 73 but it was good enough for him to run away with a fivestroke win over compatriot Sadom Kaewkanjana at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf Club yesterday.

Witchayanon, who put victory beyond doubt after building an eight-shot lead at the 54-hole mark, carded three birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey to finish on 16-under 272.

Sadom, the man who pipped Witchayanon to last year’s title in a playoff, carded a 70 to end his campaign on a 277 total, three ahead of Kuala Lumpur SEA Games champion Kosuke Hamamoto (71) as the Thais flexed their muscles in a 1-2-3 finish.

It was the second major triumph for Witchayanon on Malaysian soil, having captured the Saujana Amateur Championship in 2016.

“This victory is so fulfilling ... I wanted to win it so badly,” said a jubilant Witchayanon, who idolises four-time Major champion Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland.

“After two close calls in the last two years, the goal for this week was to win. I wouldn’t settle for anything less.

“I felt really good with my game and that showed with two low rounds on the second and third day (65 and 64), which proved to the key to my victory,” added Witchayanon, also the winner of last year’s Thailand Amateur Open.

Witchayanon’s triumph was such a fitting end to the tournament with carmaker Mazda coming on board as the presenting partner. The brand is known for their “Zoom-zoom” promotional tagline.

With the win, Witchayanon has become only the third Thai winner after Sadom and Thanyakorn Khrongpha in the tournament’s history, which dates back to 1894.

Victor Ng Yu Kai rose to the occassion to ensure the host is represented in the top 10 of the 130man field.

He shot a steady 71 to finish a creditable eighth on a one-over 289 total.

“I’m really happy. It’s a great result and I got more than what I have aimed for,” said Victor.

“I didn’t come with big expectations because I couldn’t even make the cut in the last four years. The only time I made the cut was when I was 12-years-old – I finished 58th. So, I couldn’t be more pleased with how I finished this year.”