Thailand’s Witchayanon Chothirunrungrueng finally added the Malaysian Amateur Open title to his ever-growing resume after successive playoff losses in the last two editions, winning comfortably with an impressive four-round total of 16-under-par 272 at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf & Country Club.
Going into the final round with an eight-shot lead after a spectacular course record eight-under-par 64 on day three, Witchayanon finished with a 73 for a five-shot victory over compatriot and defending champion Sadom Kaewkanja who closed with a 70. 2017 SEA Games gold medallist Kosuke Hamamoto made it an all-Thai podium by claiming third place on 280.
“I’m really glad to win the Malaysian Amateur Open after two playoff losses. My game feels really good right now and I hope to keep the momentum until the Asian Games in Jakarta this August,” noted Witchayanon, who also won the 2016 MPI Generali Saujana Amateur Championship.
Best Malaysian – Victor Ng
Victor Ng Yu Kai was the best-placed Malaysian in eight spot on one-over-par 289. The 126-player field featured players from Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, Cambodia, Chinese-Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Nepal, Netherland, Pakistan, Philippines, Oman, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand and Malaysia.
Results (Top 10)
272 – Witchayanon Chothirunrungrueng (THA) 70, 65, 64, 73
277 – Sadom Kaewkanja (THA) 69, 69, 69, 70
280 – Kosuke Hamamoto (THA) 72, 72, 65, 71
284 – Chuan Tai-Lin (TWN) 73, 70, 70, 71; Kshitij Naveed Kaul (IND) 68, 66, 75, 75
285 – Atiruj Winaicharoenchai (THA) 68, 73, 71, 73
288- Aadil Bedi (IND) 73, 71, 73, 71
289 – Victor Ng (MAS) 70, 72, 76, 71
290 – Narajie Emerald Ramadhanputra (INA) 75, 73, 73, 69; Low Wee Jin (SIN) 70, 75, 73, 72
