Wiratchant wins the 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 17th, for 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.