Chang Hwa, Chinese Taipei: Rattanon Wanasrichan fired a closing seven-under-par 65 to win his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title at the Taifong Open.
The 20-year-old Thai shot eight birdies to post a winning total of 12-under-par 276 to defeat American Casey O’Toole (66) and overnight leader Jordan Sherratt (71) of Australia by one shot at the Taifong Golf Club.
Lu Wei-chih was the best placed local player after returning with a 67 to share fourth place alongside Thai Natthapong Niyomchon, who shot a 72, at the US$160,000 event.
The baby-faced Rattanon, who was five shots back at the start of the day, got off to a hot start when he opened with three birdies. He added three more birdies in the middle of the round and sealed the deal with two closing birdies.
“I told myself that if I can birdie the last hole then I can win. I managed to do that so I’m proud of myself. I was five shots back after round three so I didn’t think I can win. I just played my own game and I’m glad that I won,” said Rattanon, who dropped only one shot on hole 14.
He is now aiming to win his first Asian Tour title after taking home a winner’s cheque of US$28,000 and becoming the fifth Thai player to win on the ADT this year. He is also the 12th first-time winner on the ADT in 2015.
“Now that I’ve won my first title on the ADT, I want to try and win on the Asian Tour. That is my dream and goal this year,” said Rattanon.