Dodt claims upset Thai triumph over Thongchai, Hend
Tuesday, 17 February 2015 00:36
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Reuters: Australian Andrew Dodt fired another brilliant five-under-par 67 to claim the European Tour’s inaugural Thailand Classic on Sunday by one shot from home favourite Thongchai Jaidee and overnight leader Scott Hend.
The world number 281 was as surprised as anyone by the victory at Black Mountain Golf Club, his second on the European Tour after winning in New Delhi in 2010.
Instead of kicking-on from that success, the 29-year-old endured a difficult time and had not had a top 10 finish since, only regaining his Tour card in November at qualifying school. “I’m speechless – it’s just come out of nowhere,” he said after his third consecutive 67 gave him a 16-under total. “I played really well yesterday and today but I just didn’t think I’d come out on top. I knew I was playing well but to come out and win is just a dream come true.
“Losing my card two years ago was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. I went home last year, spent 12 months at home, played the Asian Tour again, found myself again, found my game and to be in the winner’s circle again – it’s unbelievable.” Dodt begun the day at the Asian Tour co-sanctioned event four back of compatriot Hend but immediately ate away at the deficit by opening with three birdies.
Hend also had a bright start with two birdies in his first four holes but a bogey at seven and a string of pars allowed Thongchai, the tournament ambassador, to draw level at 16-under after the Thai recorded a birdie three at the 12th.
