Liang reigns in Thailand
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China's Liang Wenchong stormed to a one-shot victory at the US$1 million Thailand Open in Chonburi, outside Bangkok, yesterday.
The 32-year-old claimed his third OneAsia title after holding off a spirited challenge from young Thai Namchok Tantipokhakul and veteran Michael Wright of Australia.
Liang, who started the day with a one-stroke lead, closed with a three-under-par 69 for a total of 18-under 270
Namchok, 23, was roared on by his home fans and shot a 69 while Wright fired a 68.
South Korea's Kang Sung-hoon (65) was alone in fourth place, a stroke further back.
In a close finish which saw the lead being tied on several occasions, Liang made a crucial birdie on the par-four 16th after holing a 30-foot putt.
"I am very excited and I really enjoyed this tournament. It was close all the way as there were some very good players trying to win," said Liang.
Two weeks ago Liang finished joint eighth at the US PGA Championship.
"I was very tired when I arrived as my schedule has been hectic. So I wasn't very sure how this week would go. It gives me a lot of confidence to know I can play at this level after such a busy stretch," added the Chinese golfer, who won US$180,000.
The silverware will sit in his cabinet along with his two other OneAsia trophies - the 2009 Midea China Classic and this year's season-opening Luxehills Chengdu Open.
