Liang rules the kingdom with Thailand Open victory
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China’s Liang Wenchong once again showed he is a world class player by winning the US$1 million Thailand Open at Burapha Golf Club.
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Liang Wenchong claimed his third OneAsia title. |
The 32-year-old claimed his third OneAsia title by one shot after holding off a spirited challenge from young Thai star Namchok Tantipokhakul and veteran Michael Wright from Australia.
Liang, who started the day with a one shot lead, closed with a three-under-par 69 for a tournament total of 18-under-par 270
Namchok, aged 23, was roared on by the spectators and shot 69 while Wright fired 68.
In an incredibly 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 in the US PGA Championship so he arrived as the pre-tournament favourite.
"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.
Liang played steady golf today but birdies were hard to come by as he only made three.
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.
The victory has also moved him to the top of the OneAsia Order of Merit with earnings of US$439,200 from the four events he has played in.
