Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat held his nerve to claim his maiden European Tour title at the Malaysian Open on Sunday.
Aphibarnrat: One-shot win
The burly Thai completed a wire-to-wire victory in the weather-affected event, shortened to 54 holes to make up for time lost over the first three days, closing with a two-under-par 70 to finish on 13 under and edge Italy's Edoardo Molinari by a single shot.
Thunderstorms had plagued the event all week, and Sunday would prove no different, with the leaders forced to endure a two-hour delay just after they'd teed off on the 16th hole.
Molinari was already in the clubhouse with his 67, but Aphibarnrat did not lose his nerve upon his return, hitting his approach to the 16th to three feet for birdie and then saving par on the next after almost finding water over the back of the green.
Not even a bogey at the 18th could prevent him from lifting his first ever European Tour trophy.
Denmark's Anders Hansen (66) was third on 11 under, with France's Victor Dubuisson (70) and South African Charl Schwartzel (71) joint fourth a shot further back.
"This means a lot to me," Aphibarnrat said. "I had been struggling a lot after getting sick with my thyroid, but I fought and worked hard with my dad and my coach to have today.
"I have to thank my family, my mum and dad have always supported me and I am sure they are in front of the TV watching."
The thunderstorm that halted his progress on the 16th seemed to come at a bad time, but Aphibarnrat said: "I think it was good for me, I have time to rest and there were a lot of things going through my head. After I birdied the 16th I thought I had a good chance to win.
"The 18th hole I've played 10 times before, but today it was the toughest hole I have ever played, even though I could make six to win."
Molinari said. "It's mixed emotions because I'm very happy to have a good week for the first time in a long time," said the former Ryder Cup player, who changed coach in December after missing three months following wrist surgery.
"The swing changes under Sean Foley, who also coaches Tiger Woods and Justin Rose are starting to pay off which is surprising because I thought it would take a lot longer, but I'm disappointed because I had a lot of chances on the back nine. The 18th is only the second fairway I missed all day which is very disappointing.
"I felt if I birdied the last I might have won outright because it puts a lot of pressure on the guy coming up behind, but unfortunately I think I'll be one or two short."
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