KUALA LUMPUR: Olympic-bound Gavin Green had to settle for second place at the Aboitiz Invitational in Manila on Saturday as local stalwart Jay Bayron triumphed by two strokes.

The 22-year-old Malaysian soared with an eagle two on the opening hole before marking his card with four birdies against three bogeys to sign for a 69 at the notorious Wack Wack Golf and Country Club’s East Course.

Bayron, who won the tournament when it was inaugurated in 2011, fired four birdies against two bogeys for a 70, totalling six-under 282 in the US$100,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) tournament.

Despite missing out on his fourth ADT victory and a crucial third win of the season which will give him playing rights on the Asian Tour for the remaining of 2016, Green found consolation in his runner-up finish as it propelled him to the top of the Order of Merit for the first time this season.

“I didn’t expect to eagle the first. I had a perfect number with my pitching wedge. I hit it to about 146 yards and it was perfect as the ball hit the green, took a bounce and rolled about three-feet into the hole. It was a superb start,” said Green.

“I just kept it going. I hit it solid again. Jay (Bayron) played really good out there. I made some mistakes coming in but overall it was good. It sets me in a good shape for Olympics next week. I am happy with how I played,” he added.

Bayron, who won the tournament when it was inaugurated in 2011, fired four birdies against two bogeys for a winning 70.

Leading final results (Par-72)>
282 – Jay Bayron (PHI) 67-71-74-70
284 – Gavin Kyle Green (MAS) 75-72-68-69
285 – Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 72-71-73-69
286 – George Gandranata (INA) 72-72-72-70, Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 76-70-69-71
288 – Poom Saksansin (THA) 72-75-69-72, Malcolm Kokocinski (SWE) 72-72-71-73, Nicolas Paez (USA) 69-68-74-77
289 – Micah Lauren Shin (USA) 72-72-72-73, Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA) 72-73-71-73