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PATTAYA, Thailand - Pre-tournament favourite Liang Wenchong on Sunday once again showed why he is China's best player by winning the one-million-dollar Thailand Open by a single shot at Burapha Golf Club.
The 32-year-old claimed his third OneAsia title after holding off a spirited challenge from young Thai star Namchok Tantipokhakul and veteran Michael Wright from Australia.
Liang, who started the day with a one-shot lead, closed with a three-under-par 69 for a tournament total of 18-under-par 270.
Namchok, aged 23, was roared on by the home spectators and shot 69, while Wright fired 68.
In a close finish which saw the lead being tied on several occasions, Liang made a crucial birdie on the par-four 16th after holing a 30-foot putt.
"I am very excited and I really enjoyed this tournament. It was close all the way as there were some very good players trying to win," said Liang.
Two weeks ago the Chinese finished joint eighth in the US PGA Championship.
"I was very tired when I arrived as my schedule has been hectic so I wasn't very sure how this week would go. It gives me a lot of confidence to know I can play at this level after such a busy stretch," Liang added.
The victory moved him to the top of the OneAsia Order of Merit with earnings of 439,200 dollars from the four events he has played in.
Namchok, highly rated by his peers, was bidding to become only the second Thai player to win his national Open.
"Today I was very calm and did not feel under any pressure. The turning point was the 15th and 16th. I did not get birdies there and Liang holed his long birdie putt at the 16th," said Namchok.
Namchok won the Mercedes-Benz Tour Order of Merit title last year following two victories.
"I am very proud of my achievement in my first Thailand Open," he said.
"The spectators were great -- they were willing me to win. This is my best performance in an international tournament and I want to go on and represent Thailand in overseas events," added Namchok.
The next event on OneAsia is the Korea Open at Woo Jeoung Hills Golf Club from October 7 to 10.
- AFP /ls
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