Published on January 28, 2018

Yangon, Myanmar: Paul Peterson secured his maiden Asian Tour title when he outclassed the field with a two-shot victory at the US$750,000 Leopalace21 Myanmar Open.
Despite dropping two bogeys in his closing four holes, Peterson ensured victory would belong to him by closing with a birdie on 18 to sign off with a five-under-par 66.
The 29-year-old American started the final day two shots off the lead, but stormed out quickly with two birdies and an eagle in his opening five holes. Peterson’s lead was briefly threatened when he dropped shots on 15 and 17 but he maintained his composure by sinking a birdie at the last hole for his Asian Tour breakthrough.
Peterson said: “This victory is very special as the Asian Tour is where I started and to be able to get a win here really means a lot. I had to make that transition from Asia to Europe and I was trying to play in as many events as I could. So it just feels right that I’m finally able to have a win under my belt here in Myanmar.
“I felt like I made some good putts yesterday but the greens got so fast and slippery and my putts just didn’t go in. I tried to put that out of my mind because I’ve been playing such consistent golf this week.”
Japan’s Satoshi Kodaira set the course record at the Pun Hlaing Golf Club with a stunning 63. However, his final-day heroics were not enough to overtake Peterson, leaving him to settle for a share of second place with compatriot Tomoyo Ikemura with a four-day total of 11-under 273 at the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation.
American Berry Henson continued his amazing return from injury by carding a 64 to finish in fourth place while Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan, who led for the first two rounds, closed with a 69 to share fifth place with 2016 Myanmar Open champion Shaun Norris of South Africa and Japan’s Yusaku Miyazato.