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