Kota Bharu [KELANTAN]: A flawless closing effort of four-under 68 paved the way for Nicholas Fung to capture the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Kelantan Championship for the second time in three years on Saturday.
The two-time Order of Merit champion leapfrogged overnight leader Khor Kheng Hwai, who stumbled with a one-over 73, to finish four strokes clear with a 17-under 271 total at the Kelantan Golf & Country Club.
Two-under after 12 holes, Khor’s chances of a second PGM Tour title evaporated when he double bogeyed the par-four 13th before dropping another shot on the penultimate hole.
Airil Rizman Zahari fired a 68 of his own to finish sole third on 278 while Nachimuthu Ramasamy (74) and Ben Leong (70) were a further three shots back in a share of fourth.
Expressing his delight on a record 14th career title on the flourishing domestic circuit, Fung noted that he was pleased to have establised a commaning lead in the money list race.
“While I feel for Kheng Hwai, who is a good friend, I got off to a good start with three birdies on the front nine and just coasted home after that. I played solid golf all week and shooting four consistent rounds in the 60s left me very satisfied,” said the Sabahan, who returned with rounds of 65, 69, 69 and 68.
“I am really happy with all areas of my game and it was a good workout ahead of my return to the Asian Tour next week for the Panasonic Open in Japan. It’s too early to talk about winning the Order of Merit title but I fancy my chances. Hopefully, a win on the Asian Tour will help me seal the crown,” added Fung.
Leading final results (Par-72) >
271 – Nicholas Fung 65-69-69-68
275 – Khor Kheng Hwai 65-68-69-73
278 – Airil Rizman Zahari 70-70-70-68
281 – Nachimuthu Ramasamy 67-72-68-74, Ben Leong 69-69-73-70
282 – Sukree Othman 69-75-67-71
283 – Mohd Wafiyuddin Abd Manaf 71-75-70-67
285 – Low Khai Jei 70-66-72-77
287 – Kenneth De Silva 79-67-74-67, Wilson Choo 73-72-74-68, Sivachandhran Supramaniam 72-71-73-71, Lam Yu Shuen 76-71-69-71, Iylia Jamil 75-73-68-71, Hans Jamil 69-75-71-72
