Thai golfer Wiratchant wins Indonesia Open<\/p>\n
Moch. N. Kurniawan
\nThe Jakarta Post\/Jakarta<\/p>\n
Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant sealed victory in style at the
\nUS$1 million Standard Chartered Indonesia Open 2005 on Sunday,
\nsinking a five-foot birdie for a scorching 25-under par 255.<\/p>\n
The 38-year-old Wiratchant, who led from the second round, was
\nfive strokes ahead of Raphael Jacquelin of France as he carded a
\nfinal round 63 for the lowest 72-hole score on the European Tour
\nin the past two years.<\/p>\n
His unique drive -- a speeded up slap at the ball -- worked to
\nperfection and his excellent read of the greens brought eight
\nbirdies on the last day, which was blustery but thankfully free
\nof the lightning and rain that plagued the early rounds at the
\npar-70 Cengkareng Golf Club, West Jakarta.<\/p>\n
"I am happy with the victory," Wiratchant said after receiving
\nthe winner's check of US$166,600 for the co-sponsored European
\nand Asian Tour event.<\/p>\n
"I will use the money to build a house for my mother."<\/p>\n
Despite the difficult conditions, including having to complete
\nthe third round and then go out for the final 18 on Sunday,
\nWiratchant kept his game together.<\/p>\n
"I was nervous after the third round was completed early in
\nthe morning as I only had a three-stroke lead over second place.
\nBut I just tried to play my best."<\/p>\n
His most recent victory was the Taiwan Masters last September,
\nending a three-year title drought.<\/p>\n
Jacquelin, who carded a five-under 65 in the last round and
\n20- under par 260 overall, said he was pleased with his play.<\/p>\n
"I hit the ball solid and 20-under is always a good week. I
\nwould prefer to win but the guy in front is playing very well."<\/p>\n
Adam Fraser of Australia was third with an eight-under 62,
\nincluding a hole in one on the 17, in his final round and 261
\noverall.<\/p>\n
"That was special as I slam-dunked the par three 17th with an
\neight iron. I didn't see it go in but people behind the green
\nstarted to cheer. That was my career sixth hole in one."<\/p>\n
Scotland's Colin Montgomerie threatened to steal the spotlight
\nwith a stunning final stand.<\/p>\n
The Scot came back after middling opening rounds to nearly
\ncard a record 59 for the final 18.<\/p>\n
After a remarkable run of nine birdies, Montgomerie sized up a
\nmakeable putt for birdie on the 18th, but the ball swerved to the
\nleft of the hole.<\/p>\n
His final 60 put him in the special club of 12 players who
\nhave achieved the mark.<\/p>\n
He jumped from 30th when the final round began to joint fourth
\nwith tour journeyman Frankie Minoza of the Philippines, who had
\nturned back the clock with seven birdies and an eagle on
\nSaturday.<\/p>\n
Asian number one Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand did not play
\nwell on Sunday, finishing 11th with a 14-under total.<\/p>\n
Despite the weather woes, there were sizable galleries,
\nincluding many expatriate residents of the capital, throughout
\nthe tournament.<\/p>\n
"The tournament shows to the world that Indonesia is a safe
\nand wonderful place to visit," Indonesian Golf Association (PGI)
\nchairman Haryanto Danutirto said in his closing speech.<\/p>",
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