Manila: Rufino Bayron of the Philippines claimed a stylish career breakthrough when he fired a two-under-par 70 to win the ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship by four shots on Saturday.

Bayron posted a winning total of 16-under-par 272, courtesy of a superb second round 62, to overcome the talented field at the US$60,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Tomokazu Yoshinaga of Japan, who was playing on a sponsor’s invitation, settled for runner-up following a 71 while countryman Masaru Takahashi and Australia’s R.J. Caracella finished a further two shots back in tied third at the Orchard Golf and Country Club.

Bayron held a three-shot lead heading into the most important 18 holes of his career and his lead was never under threat even after he bogeyed nine. A 15-footer eagle on 14 put him a step closer to victory and he sealed the deal with a tap-in birdie on the last.

“I’m so happy. This is the first time I’ve ever won after coming close on the local circuit before. I was playing it safe today and that worked out. I didn’t really have to attack but after 13 holes, I said, let’s go for it and the eagle and birdie came,” Bayron smiled.

The 32-year-old Bayron was delighted to join his older brother Jay, a three-time ADT champion and the 2012 ADT number one, in the winner’s circle.

“This victory means a lot to me. I played against many good players and I’m happy that I can finally lift this title,” said Bayron, who won US$10,500 and earned six Official World Golf Ranking points.

Yoshinaga got off to a nervous start when he turned in 39 but bounced back in his homeward nine with four birdies to claim his best result on the ADT.

“It was an okay result for me this week but I think I was a bit nervous on my first nine. I made a good come back and I controlled the ball better in the last nine holes. This is a good experience and if I played better early in the round, I think I could have challenged for the title,” said the 36-year-old Yoshinaga.

The ADT, which was launched in 2010 with five tournaments before growing to eight in 2011, 13 in 2012 and a record 16 in the 2013 season, has established itself as a gateway to the Asian Tour.

For more information on the ADT, please visit www.asiandevelopmenttour.com.

Leading final round scores:

272 - Rufino BAYRON (PHI) 69 62 71 70
276 - Tomokazu YOSHINAGA (JPN) 71 67 67 71
278 - R.J. CARACELLA (AUS) 67 74 69 68, Masaru TAKAHASHI (JPN) 68 69 71 70
279 - Orlan SUMCAD (PHI) 73 69 69 68, Cassius CASAS (PHI) 67 71 72 69, Brett MUNSON (USA) 70 69 71 69, Arnold VILLACENCIO (PHI) 68 71 69 71, Jhonnel ABABA (PHI) 69 70 68 72
280 - Clyde MONDILLA (PHI) 68 72 69 71, Ferdinand AUNZO (PHI) 72 69 65 74
281 - Peter RICHARDSON (ENG) 71 70 71 69, Keanu JAHNS (PHI) 71 68 71 71
282 - Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 72 70 71 69, Rene MENOR (PHI) 76 63 70 73, Michael BIBAT (PHI) 70 70 69 73.