Jakarta, Indonesia: Nitithorn Thippong prevailed in the Mandiri Indonesia Open after a gripping finish at Pondok Indah Golf Course.

In so doing the 26-year-old Thai offered firm evidence that he’s recaptured the kind of form that established him as one of the region’s most exciting players last year.

Having started the day with a five-shot lead, Nitithorn was pushed all the way to the finish line, closing with an even-par 72, for an 18-under-par total, and a two-stroke triumph over Australian Scott Hend, England’s Steve Lewton and Chinese-Taipei’s Lee Chieh-po, who all carded 68s.

Hend, chasing his 11th win on the Asian Tour and first in four years, came closest to catching Nitithorn but, playing in the group ahead, hit his tee shot on the par-five 18th out of bounds and made a double-bogey.

Nitithorn had appeared to be in complete control at the turn after two birdies and no dropped shots on the outward half to open a substantial lead on 20-under.But dropped shots on 12 and 13 gave hope to his three nearest challengers.

However, he was able to par home to secure his third Asian Tour title and put behind him a poor first half to the season, when he was shadow of the player who recorded two breakthrough victories last year, in The DGC Open presented by Mastercard and the International Series Singapore.

Nitithorn, nicknamed ‘Fever’, said: “I feel so happy about this win. Over the last few weeks, I hadn’t felt confident about my game. But before I came here I played some rounds and figured out my swing. I got some good feelings and transferred them to this tournament. Right now, I feel better, amazing!”

Nitithorn had not finished in the top-10 in nine starts this year until this week and had failed to progress to the weekend four times.

“I didn’t think I was going to win this year, to be honest. I just planned to keep doing my best. I was really excited when I finished hole number nine, and on number 10, my caddie lost my towel and I just freaked out a little bit,” said Nitithorn, who earned a cheque for US$90,000 and moved into 11th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Lewton, looking for his first win since the Mercuries Taiwan Masters in 2014, birdied 18 to close the gap but was left to rue missed opportunities. He also tied for second here last year.

Said the Englishman: “I thought I’d have to shoot really low 60s. And then when I got to 14, the par-five, I looked at the board and I had a putt to get to 17-under and not as far behind as I thought I would be. I just missed and after that I didn’t capitalise on a couple of good shots.”

Lee dropped shots on 16 and 18 to miss out on his first victory on the Asian Tour but took positives from his performance.

“I am not disappointed,” said Lee. “I gave myself a chance. I am happy with the result. I didn’t think I had a chance when we went out today. I have been hitting my irons well and gave myself a lot of opportunities at the start. But I think I left a few out there.”

The next stop on the Asian Tour is the International Series England at Close House, in Newcastle, from August 17-20.