Tangkamolprasert grabs first Asian Tour title at Macao Open beating India’s Lahiri

In this handout photo taken and released by the Asian Tour on October 16, 2016 Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand pose with the trophy after winning the Venetian Macau Open 2016 in Macao - AFP

Pavit dedicates Macau win to late Thai king

AFP: Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert beat India’s Anirban Lahiri in a play-off Sunday at the Venetian Macao Open, dedicating his first Asian Tour victory to the late King Bhumibol.

The 27-year-old Thai and Lahiri, the reigning Asian Tour number one, shot a seven-under-par 64 and 65 respectively in the final round to tie at 16-under-par 268 at the Macau Golf and Country Club. Pavit won in extra time with a birdie on the par five 18th hole when Lahiri, the 2014 champion here, found the water hazard with his second shot after a wayward drive en route to a bogey. 

He settled for the runner-up spot for a third time in four years.

Pavit said the inspiration from the king, who died Thursday aged 88, had helped him and the other Thai players.

“All the Thai players are very sad after hearing the news back home,” he said in comments supplied by the organisers. “The king is our inspiration this week, our life and this trophy is for the king. I dedicate this win to the king.”

Pavit previously had only one top-10 on the Asian Tour in 65 starts, but it all came together in a gripping final day showdown.

He turned a one-shot deficit into a three-shot lead with some hot putting, going to six-under through 13 holes and seemingly coasting to victory. 

But Lahiri, who looked out of contention and trailed by five at one stage, then nailed seven successive birdies to force a play-off.