Rattanon savours maiden title
21-year-old survives late charge from Kapur
Rattanon Wannasrichan became only the fourth Thai to win the national open after he fended off a late challenge from India’s Shiv Kapur to claim his maiden Asian Tour title at the Thai Country Club in Chachoengsao yesterday.
The prestigious t ournament was launched in 1965 and only three Thais have lifted the trophy graciously donated by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej — Suthep Meesawat (1991), Boonchu Ruangkit (1992 and 2004) and Prayad Marksaeng (2013).
The 21-year-old Rattanon’s pillar-topost victory capped a remarkable week for the Chanthaburi native, whose 21-under 263 for the tournament saw him beat off India’s Kapur who hit 10 birdies in a final round charge.
Rattanon wobbled slightly on the 18th, dropping a shot to finish on 67 for the day, setting up a nervy finish with Kapur, who had rattled in the birdies all day for a nineunder 63.
But Kapur fell two shots short, undone by a pair of bogeys.
That left him level in second place with compatriot Gaganjeet Bhullar (67) whose title challenge was undone by a stuttering front nine on the final day.
The Indian pair finished on 19-under (265), two shots clear of Thailand’s Panuphol Pittayarat (70).
Danthai Boonma (66) rounded off the top five after finishing a further stroke back on 268.
“I am very happy to win my first Asian Tour title at my own national open!,” said Rattanon who took home US$54,000 (around 1,890,000 baht).
“It’s the biggest win of my career. I played solid again today and just focused shot by shot. Nothing different from the last three rounds. I waited five years [since turning professional in 2012] for this win. I am really proud of myself. I finally proved that I can do it.
“I would like to thank everyone for their support, especially my parents who have always been there for me.”
The 2013 winner Prayad, who finished 27th on 10-under 274, congratulated his young compatriot.
“I’m so happy a Thai player managed to finally win our national open again. I’d like to congratulate Fluke [Rattanon’s nickname] for winning such a prestigious honour,” said Prayad.
Reigning Order of Merit champion Scott Hend of Australia marked his best efforts of the week with a solid 64, finishing in sixth place on 269 alongside Jazz Janewattananond (67), Kiradech Aphibarnrat (70) and Terry Pilkadaris (69).
The final round was delayed f or two hours and 45 minutes in the morning due to heavy rain and the threat of lightning.
The tournament returned to the Asian Tour calendar for the first time in eight years.
(Thai unless stated, par-71)
263 — Rattanon Wannasrichan 62-69-65-67
265 — Shiv Kapur (IND) 70-67-65-63, Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 65-66-67-67
267 — Panuphol Pittayarat 64-69-64-70
268 — Danthai Boonma 66-69-67-66
269 — Jazz Janewattananond 67-67-68-67, Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 67-67-66-69, Kiradech Aphibarnrat 66-68-65-70, Scott Hend (AUS) 69-67-69-64
270 — Thaworn Wiratchant 69-68-67-66, Gavin Green (MAS) 71-66-67-66, Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA) 71-67-64-68, Pawin Ingkhapradit 70-62-68-70, Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol (THA) 68-68-67-67
271 — John Michael O’Toole (USA) 70-68-69-64, Jarin Todd (USA) 72-65-65-69, Lionel Weber (FRA) 71-6966-65, Kim Sih-Wan (USA) 67-71-68-65, Ben Leong (MAS) 70-64-66-71
272 — David Lipsky (USA) 74-67-66-65, Mitchell Slorach (SGP) 69-66-68-69, Natipong Srithong 70-6968-65, Brett Munson (USA) 72-68-62-70, Scott Barr (AUS) 67-67-67-71
273 — Poom Saksansin 68-68-67-70, Namchok Tantipokhakul 73-68-64-68
274 — Prayad Marksaeng 65-74-68-67