Victorious Thaworn eyeing money title in Japan
>> Thai veteran Thaworn Wiratchant won his third Japan Senior Golf Tour title with a six-stroke victory at the Fujifilm Senior Championship yesterday.
With a four-shot advantage after two rounds in the 54-hole tournament, Thaworn shot a fourunder-par 68 on the final day with five birdies and one bogey at the Edosaki Country Club in Ibaraki.
The 52-year-old star had a total of 200, ahead of Japan’s Toru Suzuki on 206 and England’s Barry Lane on 207.
It was Thaworn’s third career win on the Japan’s senior circuit and second of the season.
In September, he beat compatriot Prayad Marksaeng, a 15-time winner on the Japan Senior Golf Tour, in a play-off to win the Komatsu Open.
Season money leader Prayad, 53, finished joint fourth at the Fujifilm event.
The Hua Hin native is seeking his fourth money title but won’t be playing in the remaining two tournaments of the season.
With yesterday’s victory, Thaworn moved closer to overtaking Prayad on the 2019 money list.
He has earned ¥46,484,525 and is just behind Prayad, who has won ¥46,978,478.
Thaworn stands a good chance of winning the money crown as he will compete in the two remaining events of this year.
Next week, Thaworn will be in action at the Elite Grip Senior Open while Prayad will play at the Mitsui Sumitomo Visa Taiheiyo Masters on Japan’s regular tour.
Meanwhile, India’s Khalin Joshi will be bidding to become the first player to successfully defend his title at the Panasonic Open India which starts on Thursday.
The US$400,000 Asian Tour event will be played at the Classic Golf and Country Club for the first time and welcomes players from over 16 countries.