Big breakthrough for Peterson
YANGON: Paul Peterson of the United States secured his maiden Asian Tour title with a two-shot victory at the Myanmar Open yesterday.
Despite dropping two bogeys in his closing four holes, Peterson ensured the trophy would belong to him by closing with a birdie on 18 to sign off with a five-underpar 66.
The 29-year-old started his final day two shots off the lead, but stormed out quickly with two birdies and an eagle in his opening five holes.
Peterson’s lead was briefly threatened when he dropped two shots on 15 and 17, but the American maintained his composure and succeeded in sinking a crucial birdie at the last hole for his Asian Tour breakthrough.
“This victory is very special as the Asian Tour is where I started and to be able to get a win here really means a lot,” said Peterson after his triumph.
“I had to make that transition from Asia to Europe and I was trying to play in as many events as I could. So it just feels right that I’m finally able to have a win under my belt out here in Myanmar.”
Japan’s Satoshi Kodaira set the course record at the Pun Hlaing Golf Club with a stunning 63.
However his final day heroics were not enough to overtake Peterson, leaving him to settle for a share of second place with compatriot Tomoyo Ikemura.
Kodaira and Ikemura’s four-day totals at the US$750,000 event, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO), stood at 11-under-par 273 at the end of the final day.
American Berry Henson continued his amazing return from injury by carding a 64 to finish in fourth place.
Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan, who led the field for the first two rounds, closed with a 69 to share fifth place with 2016 champion Shaun Norris of South Africa and Japan’s Yusaku Miyazato.
Another Thai star Poom Saksansin shot a final-round 67 to share 10th spot with Scott Vincent (66) of Zimbabwe and Indian duo of Gaganjeet Bhullar (69) and Arjun Atwal (71).
Suradit Yongcharoenchai (73), who was two shots off the pace at the start of yestreday’s final round, finished six strokes behind the American winner, and so did compatriot Prom Meesawat (68).