Cristian Pena wins Matoa Golf Invitaiton

Cristian Pena wins Matoa Golf Invitaiton

JAKARTA (JP): A birdie in Saturday's playoff helped Christian Pena of the United States hold off Canadian rival Rick Todd for a win at the Matoa National Invitation '96.

After finishing 72 holes at the Matoa golf course in Ciganjur, South Jakarta, both Pena and Todd shared the leaders board at 275.

Pena, who turned pro three years ago, survived the decider played at the first and eighth holes after the two leaders parred at the opening hole.

"It's nice to win a big tournament for the first time. I'm lucky enough to have done that," said Pena after receiving the winner's US$33,320 cash prize from Mohammad (Bob) Hasan, an official of the Indonesian Golf Association.

Pena's compatriot, Dennis Paulson, finished one stroke behind with 276 points, taking third place in the $250,000 tournament participated in by 118 professionals.

Todd had to be content with $22,220, while Paulson received $10,333.

National ace golfer Kasiyadi shot 284 to finish 31st, topping the list of local finishers at the three-day competition. The rest of the country's hopefuls finished in the 60s.

Soemarno was 31 places behind Kasiyadi at 294, one place better than teammate Buari. Asep Capri was 65th with 298.

Indonesia's amateur golfers, Dana Mahmud and Hamzah Rahmadi, were 67th and 68th after scoring 301 and 306 respectively. (05)