Hua Hin (Thailand), Sep 13 (IANS) India’s Himmat Rai scored one-over 73 to drop 16 places and finish tied 29th after the fourth and final round of the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation golf tournament at the Black Mountain Golf Club here on Sunday.
Himmat, who carded 72, 69 and 67 in the first three rounds respectively, got a four-day total of seven-under 281 to share the spot with four others in the four million baht (approximately $111,808) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.
The 28-year-old Delhi golfer scored birdies on the fourth, fifth, sixth, ninth and 17th holes against bogeys on the first, third, seventh and 16th along with a double-bogey on the par-five 11th for a 73.
Another Indian golfer, Himmat Rai carded one-under 71 to take his 72-hole total to three-under 285 (71-67-76-71) and finish joint 42nd.
Meanwhile, overnight leader Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand cruised to a three-shot victory when he closed with a second straight four-under 68 to win event, hosted by his countryman and mentor Thongchai.
Kiradech, who led by four shots heading into the final round, fired five birdies against a bogey for a winning total of 24-under 264.
Local veteran Prayad Marksaeng put up a strong fight before settling for the second place following a 67 while hometown hero Prom Meesawat and American Berry Henson shared the third place on 269 after signing for rounds of 68 and 69 respectively.
Tournament host Thongchai returned with a 67 to tie in fifth place with compatriot Chapchai Nirat, who capped his best round of the week with a 66 in the final round of the 20th leg of the ADT season.
Kiradech’s overnight lead was hardly threatened despite making his only blemish in the last three rounds on the par-five 13th hole. He recovered strongly with birdies on 15th and 16th to seal the deal.
