Hua Hin, Thailand: Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat mounted a sensational comeback by powering his way to victory with an impressive seven-under-par 65 to win the ADT Thongchai Jaidee Foundation on Sunday.
Chapchai, a four-time Asian Tour winner, overcame a four-shot deficit at the start of the day to eventually win the four million Baht (approximately US$115,770) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event by six shots, courtesy of his winning total of 12-under-par 276.
Compatriot Sorachut Hansapiban carded a 70 to finish outright second while overnight leader Peradol Panyathanasedh, who held a three-shot advantage, had a day to forget after he struggled to a 76 to sign off in third place.
Despite starting his round four shots back of Peradol, Chapchai was still confident of staging a fightback at the Black Mountain Golf Club.
The 33-year-old knew the gusty conditions would continue to pose a challenge to the leading contenders and there was still everything to play for at the ADT event.
“I putted really well today and that was the key to victory. The windy conditions really tested everyone’s abilities today and I knew I stood a chance once I managed to reach the 13th hole with five birdies and bogeys,” said Chapchai.
The Thai dropped his only shot of the day on the par-three 14 but stormed his way to a grandstand finish by closing with three successive birdies starting from the 16th hole.
“Yes, it was a nice way to finish the round with three birdies and I really have to thank my hot putter for helping me play so well today,” said Chapchai.
Victory at the ADT Thongchai Jaidee Foundation is timely as Chapchai now heads to the UBS Hong Kong Open next week, buoyed with confidence and ready to contend for his fifth title on the region’s premier Tour.
‘I’ll be heading to Hong Kong tomorrow and this win has given me lots of confidence to do well there. My last win on the Asian Tour was in 2014 and hopefully I can win again in Fanling next week,” said Chapchai.
Leading fourth round scores
276- Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 73-71-67-65
282- Sorachut HANSAPIBAN (THA) 68-74-70-70
283- Peradol PANYATHANASEDH (THA) 68-70-69-76
284- Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 71-69-73-71, Pannakorn UTHAIPAS (THA) 68-73-70-73
285- Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 73-72-72-68, Atiruj WINAICHAROENCHAI (A) (THA) 74-70-71-70
286- Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 72-75-72-67, Chanachok DEJPIRATANAMONGKOL (THA) 73-73-72-68, Raththee SIRITHANAKUNSAK (THA) 70-68-76-72, Janne KASKE (FIN) 72-73-69-72, Kasidit LEPKURTE (THA)71-70-69-76
Selected score
288- Gavin GREEN (MAS) 78-69-70-71
