Boonchu back in winner’s circle with a one-stroke victory
>> Boonchu Ruangkit ended the Thailand Champions Tour season on a high note, winning the 5th Singha Thailand Champions Tour 2018 at Kabinburi Sport Club in Prachin Buri yesterday.
The 62-year-old Boonchu shot a final-round five-under-par 67 to finish on 16-under 200, one stroke ahead of Thanachai Sontham, who closed with a six-under 66 for a 15-under 201 total at the one-million-baht season finale.
Somkid Cheuncham (70) was third on 10-under 206 while Nadeem Inayat (67) was fourth on 208.
Overnight leader Boonchu got off to a strong start by sinking four birdies in his first seven holes. Although he managed just one more birdie on the back nine, at the 12th, his effort was enough to secure the victory.
Boonchu pocketed the 120,000baht winner’s cheque while Thanachai and Somkid received 80,000 and 60,000 baht respectively.
Boonchu, whose last victory was at this tournament last year, was delighted to finally get back to winning ways.
“I’m happy because it’s been a long time since I won my last title,” said Boonchu. “My knee hurt a bit during the back nine so I wasn’t able to shoot a low score. I did just enough to beat Thanachai but it was definitely close!”
Thaworn Wiratchant, with three victories, won the money title with a total earning of 415,500 baht.