Chan captures King’s Cup title
PATTAYA: Taiwan’s Chan Shih-chang held off last-day challenges from compatriot Lin Wen-tang and Danthai Boonma of Thailand to win the US$750,000 King’s Cup by two strokes yesterday.
Playing in his third Asian Tour event this year, the 30-year-old Taiwanese followed his third round 63 with a final 67 to win his first Asian Tour title on 12-underpar 268, two shots ahead of Lin (66) at the par-70 Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.
“I feel so good. Finally, I have done it,” said Chan, who became the second Taiwanese to win the King’s Cup after Chan Yih-shin’s victory in Khon Kaen in 2009.
“It is amazing. I cannot believe I made it,” Chan added.
After overcoming a bout of nerves in the final round, the champion said: “I tried to focus on my own game and not think of anything else at the time.”
Chan took home the winner’s purse of $135,000 while Lin received $82,500.
The best performer among the Thais was Danthai who shot a brilliant 64 to share third place with Mark Forster (68) of England on nine-under 271.
Danthai, a former member of the Thai national squad who won his first Asian Tour title in Singapore last year, carded one eagle, six birdies and two bogeys on the final day.
It was Danthai’s first top-five finish in 10 tournaments this year after failing to make the cut in six events. His best finish before the King’s Cup was a joint-35th place at the Queen’s Cup.
Danthai and Forster each received $42,375.
Lionel Weber (69) of France finished fifth on 272.
Thailand’s Chinnarat Phadungsil started with a first-hole bogey but fought back with five birdies for a 66 to share seventh place on seven-under 273, while Thitiphun Chuayprakong (67) finished a stroke behind.
Natipong Srithong endured a rollercoaster ride during his first 12 holes where he had an eagle, three birdies, two bogeys and two double bogeys. However, two late birdies helped him finish with a 69, tied for 15th on 276.
Prom Meesawat (70) and Chapchai Nirat (70) were joint 20th on three-under 277.
Sattaya Supupramai (72), who led after the first two rounds, finished tied for 24th on 278 with the likes of Phachara Khongwatmai (72), Sutijet Kooratanapisan (70), 2010 winner Udorn Duangdecha (67) and American David Lipsky (70).