Lady Luck smiles on Prayad in Taiwan
Prayad Marksaeng claimed his ninth title on the Japan Senior Tour, winning the Fubon Yeangder Senior Cup in Taiwan yesterday.
The Thai veteran shot a final round 70 to finish on 12-under 204, one shot ahead of local hope Lu Chien-soon, who closed with a 67 at the Rinko Golf club in Taipei.
The event is co-sanctioned by Japan Senior Tour.
Fellow Thai and tour debutant Thaworn Wiratchant came third on 10-under 206 after a 69. Philippines’ Frankie Minoza (210), Richard Backwell of Australia (211) and local amateur Wang Wei-hsuan (211) rounded off the top five.
Another Thai in the field, Boonchu Ruangkit shot a 73 to finish tied 19th on 217.
Prayad, who joined the senior tour two years ago, said he was a bit lucky to win the title because he decided to play in the last minute.
“At first, I decided to rest one week before heading for the event in US,” said Prayad, who took home about two million baht (¥7.2 million ) from the victory.
“I changed my mind in the last minute and asked for exemption to play here. Luckily, the organiser gave me a chance at which I feel appreciated.”
Prayad is looking to win the tour’s money title for the third consecutive year. Following his victory yesterday, Prayad is second in the ranking, with ¥7,200,000. American Gregory Meyer, who finished tied seventh in Taipei, is the current leader with ¥10,534,843.
Immediately after yesterday’s award ceremony, Prayad left for the 2018 Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Michigan, starting tomorrow.
“Hopefully, I will be fit enough for the tournament,” he said. “Last year, I was tied for 11th and I hope to do better this year.”
Prayad is scheduled to play another two events in Japan after the Senior PGA Championship.