Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Danny Chia defeated Sattaya Supupramai in a sudden-death shootout to retain his title at the RM200,000 (about US$60,000) PGM Northport Glenmarie Championship.
Malaysian Chia, still recovering from a shoulder injury, closed with a four-under-par 68 to tie with talented Thai Sattaya on 13-under-par 275 in the Asian Development Tour (ADT) event over Glenmarie Golf and Country Club’s Garden Course.
Sattaya was eventually edged out at the third extra hole – the 17th – while fellow-Thai Piya Swangarunporn claimed third spot, his best finish on the ADT this season.
Sattaya and Chia had to endure an agonising wait before teeing-off in the play-off as lightning forced a two-hour suspension just after regulation play ended. The first two play-off holes at the 18th were squared. Chia emerged victorious when they moved to 17.
He became only the second player following Elmer Salvador of the Philippines to defend a title on the ADT, which was inaugurated in 2010.
Reigning ADT Order of Merit champion Nicholas Fung of Malaysia signed for a 68 to share fourth place with Thailand’s Suppakorn Uthaipat on 277 in the fourth leg of the 2014 ADT season.
Having spent much of last year on the sidelines after undergoing surgery to remove bone fragments which were pressing on a nerve, Chia was delighted to return to the winner’s enclosure.
“I feel fantastic right now. I was feeling nervous during the rain delay. I couldn’t wait to get back out to the course! My putting helped me a lot today. I holed a lot of good putts,” said the 41-year-old.
“I still need a bit of rehab to regain strength in my right arm. The doctor is not convinced that I should start playing now because I’m not 100% recovered. I try to play two weeks and take two weeks off,” added Chia, who was the first Malaysian to win on the Asian Tour in 2002.
Chia dedicated his latest victory to his wife and mother in celebration of Mother’s Day on Sunday.“I can’t wait to go home and celebrate with my wife and mum. It will be a double celebration for us since it’s Mother’s Day tomorrow,” Chia said.
As champion, Chia took home a cheque for US$10,720 and also earned six Official World Golf Ranking points.
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