Chang Hwa (Taiwan), Aug 2 (IANS) Indian golfer Khalin Joshi finished joint seventh while Thai teenager Rattanon Wanasrichan saved his best for the last when he fired a seven-under-par 65 to win his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title at the Taifong Open here on Sunday.
Joshi finally settled for the spot after 281 shots in Round 4 as he hit a par 72 after firing a two under-par 70 on Saturday. He thus pocketed a purse of $4,266.67. Panuwat Muchlek of Thailand and Taiwan’s Kao Teng also finished tied seventh with Joshi.
The 20-year-old Rattanon on the other hand shot eight birdies to return with a winning total of 12-under-par 276 to defeat a battling Casey O’Toole (66) of the United States and overnight leader Jordan Sherratt (71) of Australia by one shot at the Taifong Golf Club.
Lu Wei-chih was the best placed local after returning with a score of 67 to share fourth place alongside Thai Natthapong Niyomchon, who shot a 72, at the $160,000 event.
Rattanon, who was five shots back at the start of the day, got off to a good start when he opened with three birdies. He added three more birdies in the middle of the round and sealed the deal with two closing birdies.
“I told myself that if I can birdie the last hole then I can win. I managed to do that so I’m proud of myself. I was five shots back after Round 3 so I didn’t think I can win. I just played my own game and I’m glad that I won,” Rattanon said.
“After my hot start, I told myself that I have a chance to win. This is my best score this week and it is because I was hitting it very good with my irons and putter. My putting was key in today’s win.”
