Sukree triumphant after 28 months at PGA Championship

KUALA LUMPUR: Sukree Othman snatched a winning birdie at the last hole to wrap up a wire-to-wire victory at the prestigious PGA Championship of Malaysia at Kelab Rahman Putra, Sungai Buloh yesterday.

According to a Professional Golf Association of Malaysia ( PGAM) statement, the 39-yearold traded four birdies against two bogeys, to close with a solid two-under-70.

Sukree, who led from the opening round, finished on 13under 275, one shot clear of Airil Rizman Zahari, who battled valiantly in defeat with his fourth consecutive 69 of the week.

It was his first win in over 28 months and for his effort Sukree walked home with RM28,000 and a return ticket to Langkawi courtesy of Malindo Air.

“I’m a relieved man! After two years of grinding hard and coming close on so many occasions, to finally win again feels really sweet. It is a real honour to add my name to a list of greats that have won this storied championship,” Sukree was quoted as saying in the statement.

“Leading from day one gave me the momentum I needed and even though Airil pulled level with me at the halfway turn, I stuck to my game plan and made two crucial birdies to give mysel f some breathing space,” he added.

R Nachimuthu, who shot a tournament best of eight- under 64 on Friday, carded a six-under 66 to finish third on 277.

Shaaban Hussin ( 71) was a further shot back in 278 while Kemarol Baharin (70) settled for sole fifth on 279. — Bernama