ASIAN GOLF INDUSTRY FEDERATION

Fung Flourishes at TPC Kuala Lumpur

Published on April 15, 2017
Nicholas Fung of Malaysia low

Nicholas Fung celebrates his latest success.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Nicholas Fung lifted his third Asian Development Tour (ADT) title after prevailing in a three-way play-off against fellow-Malaysian Gavin Green and Japan’s Masaru Takahashi at the RM200,000 (about US$44,600) PGM UMW Championship.

Fung dropped a bogey on his 72nd hole to close with a two-under-par 69 and was forced to go the distance with Green and Masaru, who both carded 70s. The trio were tied on 12-under 272 in regulation play over the East Course at TPC Kuala Lumpur, a Golf Course Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

The 26-year-old Fung, the ADT Order of Merit champion in 2013, emerged triumphant after rolling in an eight-footer for birdie on the first extra hole, the par-four 18th.

Green and Masaru, who had held a one-shot lead heading into the final round, bowed out with a par and a bogey respectively to settle for a share of second place in what was the fourth leg of this season’s ADT schedule.

After the late stumble, Fung, who claimed a top-10 finish on the ADT last month, was determined not to let the opportunity slip out of his hands again in sudden-death.

“I got ahead of myself on 18 in regulation play. I was in a rush. I hit a wayward drive into the left rough and made a bogey there. It was really gloomy and I wanted to finish before the rain comes.

“When I headed back to 18 for the play-off, I told myself to just go for it. I had a good drive and I hit my second shot to within eight feet. I am glad I got the job done. It’s been a while since I last won on the ADT,” said the bespectacled Sabahan, who claimed his second ADT win in 2015.

Fung overcame a sore arm and lengthy weather suspensions to claim what was his 16th professional title since joining the play-for-pay ranks in 2010. He had to play a total of 28 holes on Saturday due to weather disruptions earlier in the week.

“I am still feeling pain in the right arm but it’s getting better and I am slowly recovering. I was prepared for the weather suspensions. I just stayed patient. This win is a great confidence boost for me,” Fung added.

Fung takes home a winner’s prize purse of US$7,954. He will also receive six Official World Golf Ranking points.

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