Jin bags Asia-Pacific crown
HONG KONG: Jin Cheng was crowned champion of the 2015 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship after the fourth round was cancelled due to bad weather while Thailand’s Sangchai Keawcharoen finished seventh.
With only nine groups starting the fourth round at the Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club, a lengthy suspension was soon called due to strong winds and rainfall resulting from a nearby typhoon and that eliminated the possibility of play being completed before darkness.
With no improvement in conditions by midday, Jin, who was the leader at 11-under 199 after 54 holes, was declared the winner, one stroke ahead of Australia’s Ryan Ruffels and Cameron Davis of Australia.
The best performer among the six Thais was Sangchai who finished seventh on 204, five strokes behind the winner. Atiruj Winaicharoenchai shared 12th on 207 while Ekpharit Wu tied for 17th on 208.
Jin is the only the second Chinese golfer from his country after Guan Tianlang (2012) to win the event and claim a place at next year’s Masters. Jin said the victory came so suddenly. “I was ready for the final round, but unfortunately the weather didn’t allow us to have one. In any case, it’s a pleasure to win this week.
“Going there [Augusta National Golf Club] next year is just amazing for me. I’m so excited and looking forward to it.”
Jin, with Ruffels and Davis, has also become eligible to take part in the Open Qualifying Series.
World No.8 amateur Ruffels was clearly disappointed not to have had the opportunity to play in the final round but credited to Jin for his victory.
“Obviously there’s nothing we can do about the situation. The organisers did a great job in just trying to get us out there today.
“Credit to Jin. He was this week. He’s a great golfer and even better guy, and I’m sure he’s going to enjoy the experiences he gets from winning this tournament.”
Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, said: “While weather regrettably shortened the event, we have identified a very worthy and talented champion in Jin Cheng.”
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said Jin Cheng played tremendously well this week and was a deserving champion.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming Cheng and the runners-up, Cameron Davis and Ryan Ruffels, to The Open Qualifying Series for The 145th Open at Royal Troon in July,” he said.
“The players will be disappointed not to have been able to play the final round today but they should take great credit for their performances this week.”