Jawi [PENANG]: Danny Chia underlined his status as Malaysia’s top golfer when he fired a flawless five-under-par 67 to successfully retain his Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Bukit Jawi Championship on Saturday.
Chia’s winning total of 18-under-par 270 saw him sign off his campaign with a comfortable five-shot victory over compatriots Gavin Green and Ben Leong at the Bukit Jawi Golf Resort.
Green, who led the RM200,000 (approximately US$46,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event after the first two rounds, posted a 71 to share second place with Leong, who closed with a 69.
Thailand’s Itthipat Buranatanyarat together with Lexus Keoninh and Johannes Veerman of the United States had to settle for tied fourth place after the trio returned with matching 276 total.
Holding the overnight lead, Chia was determined for another podium finish, having been sensationally pipped to the title by Thailand’s Sutijet Kooratanapisan who fired a sublime 60 on the last day of the PGM Palm Resort Championship two weeks ago.
Leading final results (Par-72) >
Malaysian unless stated
270 – Danny Chia 71-67-65-67
275 – Ben Leong 67-69-70-69, Gavin Kyle Green 67-67-70-71
276 – Lexus Keoninh (USA) 69-73-68-66, Itthipat Buranatanyarat (THA) 67-72-69-68, Johannes Veerman (USA) 68-70-66-72
278 – Mathiam Keyser (RSA) 74-67-67-70
279 – Mohd Iylia Jamil 71-71-69-68, James Byrne (SCO) 73-68-70-68, Tawit Polthai (THA) 71-69-71-68, Johnson Poh (SIN) 72-70-68-69
280 – Shariffuddin Ariffin 73-70-70-67, Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (THA) 74-69-69-68, David Gleeson (AUS) 72-71-68-69
“I’m feeling great right now. I kept my composure throughout the round. I have been on the right track to qualify for the Olympics this August.
“I have been doing well. It’s great to win after coming close a couple of weeks back (PGM Palm Resort-missed by one to Sutijet),” said Chia.
Although the 43-year-old fell short in his driving distance and accuracy, he managed to redeem himself on several occasions, which proved pivotal in his title defence.
“I didn’t drive the ball well today but I scrambled well. I made some good recovery shots out there,” said Chia.
With his ninth PGM Tour title safely in his bag, Chia is now setting his sights on more glory while not forgetting that a well-deserved rest with his family.
“I will be heading to Japan next week for the US Open Qualifying and looking forward to spending some time with my family before returning to domestic action again,” said Chia.
