Batu Gajah: R. Nachimuthu claimed a record third Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) title after surviving a play-off duel with Shaaban Hussin to lift the Clearwater Classic trophy today.

The reigning PGM Order of Merit champion birdied from three feet on the second extra hole at the par-five 18th of Clearwater Sanctuary Resort to take home the winner’s purse of RM21,000 after both players had finished regulation play with a 13-under-par 275 total.

Long-hitting Kemarol Baharin Kemarol Huda put on a late charge with a strong round of four-under 68 but found himself undone by a couple of missed birdie opportunities to finish two strokes adrift.

Two-time PGM Tour winner Nicholas Fung took sole fourth on ten-under-par 278 with a blistering closing 67 while Md Rashid Ismail and Haziq Hamizan, were a further shot back on nine-under 279 overall. Defending champion Danny Chia moved into a leaderboard position on the back of a closing superb 66, helped by a finishing eagle on the 18th to tie CM Chong and S. Murthy for seventh.

Nachimuthu could not hide his joy of claiming a treble on the burgeoning domestic tour. “I’m delighted to have claimed another victory on Tour and I am confident that there are many more to come. I’ve worked hard on my game and the hours of practice has paid. My coach Andrew Argus has been instrumental because he is constantly motivating me to continue striving for bigger things,” said the 41-year-old.

He admitted that Shaaban gave him a good challenge for the title. “Shaaban played an incredible round and made some fantastic birdies out there today. At one point, I trailed him by three strokes but I just re-focused my effort and kept my cool. I was fortunate that he made two mistakes on the 10th, when he found water and on the 17th when he two-putted for a bogey.

“I had a strong finish with three birdies in four holes, which helped me keep pace with Shaaban. Once I was in the playoff, I pretty much knew what I had to do. I played exactly how I had played the hole all week and I was glad to seal the deal on the second extra hole,” shared Nachimuthu, who closed with a round 67.

Despite being pleased with his overall performance, Kemarol was ruing missing some crucial putts which could have narrowed the gap with the leading duo. “I’m pleased with my long game and approaches today but missed some very important putts, especially on the 12th, when I had a good eagle attempt. That made the difference at the end of the day,” said Kemarol, who admitted that he charged bravely in the closing holes.

Leading final round scores
275 – R. Nachimuthu (71-67-70-67); Shaaban Hussin (71-70-68-66)
(Nachimuthu wins on second extra hole)
277 – Kemarol Baharin (70-69-70-68)
278 – Nicholas Fung (69-70-72-67)
279 – Md Rashid Ismail (66-68-77-68); Haziq Hamizan (66-68-77-68)
284 – Danny Chia (70-73-75-66); CM Chong (71-74-70-69); S. Murthy (67-75-71-71); Anis Helmi Hassan (69-7074-71)
285 – Mohd Amli (74-70-72-69); Wilson Choo (76-66-72-71)