Published on January 22, 2017

Singapore: Prayad Marksaeng proved that age is no handicap in golf as he eclipsed his younger rivals with a final round four-under-par 67 to lift his 10th Asian Tour title at the SMBC Singapore Open.
The Thai turns 51 in eight days and with the iconic Singapore showpiece celebrating its 51st edition this year his success was entirely appropriate.
Prayad’s birdie on 18 proved decisive as it gave him a one-shot advantage and also the clubhouse lead while the rest of the field were still on the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, a Golf Course Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
With no-one in the chasing pack able to match his four-day total of nine-under-par 275, Prayad was crowned champion more than two hours after completing his round.
Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai, South African Jbe Kruger, Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines and defending champion Song Young-han of Korea all had their chances to at least force a play-off with Prayad.
The quartet all finished one shot behind Prayad and shared second place on 276.
World number seven Adam Scott had a round to forget as he signed off with a 74 to finish tied for ninth while Quincy Quek emerged as the best placed Singaporean in tied-26th place.
Prayad, who became the second eldest winner on the Asian Tour at 50 years and 357 days, said: “I waited in the clubhouse for about two hours before I knew I won the tournament. I felt very relaxed. I just went for my lunch. I watched the other players on TV and told myself I didn’t need to feel nervous as I had already finished my round. If it belongs to me, it belongs to me.
“I am turning 51 on January 30. This will be the best birthday present for me. I am very happy with my birdie on the last. I am glad I made it.”