Resorts World Manila Masters ends with thrilling double playoff win for Indian S.S.P. Chawrasia
THE $1-million 2016 Resorts World Manila (RWM) Masters climaxed in what could be the most exciting one yet for tournament as Indian S.S.P. Chawrasia rose from a double playoff to capture the trophy against rising stars Sam Chien of the US and Nicholas Fung of Malaysia at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.
The win marked the 38-yearold Asian Tour veteran’s first championship outside of India and his fourth in the Asian Tour, despite a slow start in round 4 of the tournament. “I started three shots behind the leader,” Chawrasia shared in a personal walkthrough. “I made plans last night so I can shoot a lower number and no bogey. I made a couple of bad drives, and back at nine I caught up and finally made an 18th hole birdie to declare a double playoff,” he added.
Chawrasia forced a three-way tie with Chien and Fung at the end of the 18th with 19-under 269. For the first playoff, Chawrasia shot a 264-yard drive that helped him and Chien edge out Fung from the top three. Chawrasia then shot a 254-yard drive that went straight to the green as Chien hit a wayward shot that landed in the trees. He then tapped in a birdie from a missed 15- foot eagle to clinch the title.
Chawrasia has a total professional win of 14 tournaments and rose to second spots in the Order of Merit from no. 7. He will be seeing action soon for the 2016 World Cup in Melbourne, Australia on Nov. 24 to 27. “I’m looking forward to the World Cup but next week I’m going home and take a break first before I join.”
Now on its fourth year, the Resorts World Manila Masters remains as the richest golf tournament in the country with Chawrasia bagging the $180,000 top purse.
Meanwhile, Filipino golfers Miguel Tabuena and Jay Bayron tied for the best Filipino players in the tournament with both finishing in 14th position.
“I’m looking forward to so much more in 2017,” says RWM Chief Operating Officer Stephen Reilly. “RWM is about bringing the best the world has to offer here to the Philippines, and witnessing our homegrown athletes compete at this level is precisely what the RWM Masters is all about,” he added.