Thitiphun celebrates his victory. Picture by Khalid Redze/Asian Tour.

Dhaka, Bangladesh: Thitiphun Chuayprakong cruised to his maiden Asian Tour win when he closed with a four-under-par 67 to secure a two-shot victory at the US$300,000 Bashundhara Bangladesh Open.

The 23-year-old Thai, who held a three-shot lead heading into the final round, kept his composure to post five birdies against a lone bogey for a winning total of 21-under 263 at the Kurmitola Golf Club.

Countryman Sutijet Kooratanapisan mounted a strong final-day charge with a 66 to claim second place, his best finish on the Asian Tour.

Indian Shubhankar Sharma signed for a 65 to take third place on his own on 270 while compatriot S. Chikkarangappa (73) shared fourth with Thai Phachara Khongwatmai (68) on 272.

Shakhawat Sohel emerged as the highest-placed Bangladeshi for the second consecutive year after closing with a 68 to take sixth place on 273.

Thitiphun showed his is a man for the big occasion when he struck a pinpoint approach shot from about 150 yards in the rough to six-feet from the pin before taking two putts to par the 18th for his breakthrough victory.

“I have been waiting for this win for a very long time. I have worked really hard for this. I practiced with Sutijet a lot back home and we are very good friends. I knew he will play good today. I guess I am lucky,” said Thitiphun, nicknamed ‘Tote’ by his friends which means slow, as he does things in his own pace.

“I got a bit excited on the last hole because Sutijet birdied 17 and I only had a one-shot lead but I just tried my best. I think my short game was what helped me this week,” added Thitiphun, who pocketed US$54,000 courtesy of his win.

Sutijet, who was also bidding for a breakthrough win, tipped his hat to Thitiphun for being a deserving winner.

“I put up a good fight today. I did my best but Thitphun was just too good with his short game. This is my best finish on the Asian Tour. I guess it’s not too bad for my first tournament of the season,” said 28-year-old Sutijet, who fired eight birdies against three bogeys.