Manjung [PERAK]: Airil Rizman Zahari returned to winning ways for the first time this season after comfortably claimed the RM180,000 Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Swiss-Garden Championship on Saturday.

The reigning Order of Merit champion carved out a massive 10-stroke victory at Damai Laut Golf & Country Club after shooting a fourth and final round of five-under 67 for a 14-under 274 overall.

It was a good showing by the Sabahan as Sabahans Ben Leong (71) and Solomon Emilio Rosidin (70) finished in a two-way tie for second on four-under-par 284. Nicholas Fung came back strongly to finish in a tie for third with a closing alongside Lam Yu Shuen (70) on 287.

Pleased with his six Tour title, Airil said: “I can be happy with the week’s work. I have come close on several occasions this season but was unable to finish off the job. Everything about my game worked well and I’m really pleased to start the second half of the season with a strong intent,” said the 37-year-old.

Three birdies in his first four holes saw Airil extend his six-shot overnight advantage and despite giving back shot at the par-four sixth hole, the seasoned campaigner added three further birdies on the back nine to secure the biggest winning margin on the Tour this campaign.

“I felt very confident over my putter this week and honestly, that made the real difference. The greens weren’t rolling true but I got the lines right and sank my share of birdies. I had a good rest during the Ramadhan break and came out strongly this week. Hopefully, I can get into a run like I did last season,” he added.

Leading final results (Par-72) >
274 – Airil Rizman Zahari 68 -70-69-67
284 – Solomon Emilio Rosidin 68-76-70-70, Ben Leong 69-75-69-71
287 – Nicholas Fung 74- 71-73-69, Lam Yu Shuen 71-72-74-70
288 – Md Rashid Ismail 74-70-70-74
289 – Kemarol Baharin 78-71-69-71, Hans Jamil (76-72-69-72)
291 – Sukree Othman 72-71-77-71, S. Sivachandhran 72-73-74-72, R. Nachimuthu 73-76-70-72, Danny Chia 72-74-70-75, Kenneth De Silva 73-73-69-76