Final-round flourish wins Jazz crown

NAKHON NAYOK: Jazz Janewattananond retained his Singha Classic title after shooting a stunning 61 in the final round yesterday.

The 21-year-old from Nonthaburi sank three straight birdies to finish on 16-under 268, edging overnight leader Panuphol Pittayarat, who shot a 71, by a single stroke.

Chan ac hokDej pi rattan am on gkol came third on 14-under 270 after a 67 at the twomillion-baht All Thailand Golf Tour event at the par-72 Royal Hills Resort and Spa.

Veteran star Udorn Duangdecha (70) finished fourth on 12-under 272.

Jazz took home the 300,000baht winner’s cheque, Panuphol received 185,000 baht while Chanachok got 114,000 baht.

Defending champion Jazz was tied for 16th on 207, nine shots behind leader Panuphol after a disappointing 73 in the third round. He started off with a birdie and picked up an eagle on the third. He dropped a bogey on the next hole but was unstoppable from then on as he picked up eight more birdies on 6, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17 and 18.

“I didn’t think I had a chance to win today after being nine strokes behind at the start of the round,” said Jazz. “I didn’t have the best of day yesterday [Saturday] so I didn’t get my hopes up.

“After getting a birdie on my first hole I still didn’t think much about winning. The turning point, I think, came at the third where I got an eagle. It was a very difficult hole but I got an eagle. It felt like I won by two or three strokes at that moment,’’ he added.

“From then on I felt a lot more confident and the three birdies on my closing holes helped a lot.

“Also I would like to thank my parents for their support all these years.”

Sarit Suwannarut, 19, was the best amateur player with a total score of 10-under 274.

Pawin Ingkhapradit received an autozkin longest driver award after hitting 309yard shot during yesterday’s final round.