South Korean Lee Sung led from start to finish to win his maiden Asian Tour title at the US$300,000 Bangkok Airways Open yesterday.

Lee, who fired a course record of 62 on the third day, remained steady with an even-par 71 in his final stretch at the Santiburi Samui Country Club. With a winning total of 16-under-par 268, he finished three strokes ahead of local star Prayad Marksaeng who carded a 66 in lone second place.

"I've worked so hard physically and mentally to prepare for this tournament, and I am happy it paid off,'' said Lee, who is deaf, communicates by lip reading through his caddy brother Lee Sung-joo.

With an eight-stroke advantage over Prayad going into the final round, Lee was seemingly on a cruise to a victory on a hot sunny day at the Santiburi Samui Country Club. But a double bogey, and a bogey on the 14th and 15th holes cut the gap between him and the gutsy Prayad to only two shots.

"I was quite nervous with just a two-shot difference. I tried to clam down and stayed focussed,'' said the 27-year-old Lee, who turned pro seven years ago.

But he got back on track by picking up a birdie on the 17th, whereas the Thai struggled to get out of the rough to save par. It was clear from then, that Lee would walk away with the title.

"I'm happy to win my first title. Of all the people who have supported me, I want to give the most thanks to my family, who are very supportive,'' added Lee who earned US$47,550.

The victory propelled him from No 23 to 11 on the Asian Tour Order of Merit this week. His winning performance was commended by second-placed Prayad, who gave chase before conceding on the 17th hole.

"I was putting solid and enjoyed a good spell in the closing holes. I knew I had a chance for the title heading into the last two holes but after the 17th hole birdie by Lee, it was all over," said Prayad, who has won five titles in Asia.

"Lee is a very good player. I've played with him many times before on the Asian Tour. He is solid in every aspect of the game, especially in his putting. I am not disappointed at all coming in second place here," added Prayad, who had a 13-under-par 271 on aggregate. He took home US$32,550.

Five strokes behind was Thai youngster Prom Meesawat, who carded a 68 as he claimed third place alongside Japan's Taichiro Kiyota, who shot a 66. Singapore's Mardan Mamat was even-par for the day and claimed fifth spot after a 275 total.

Australian Adam Blyth followed a shot adrift at sixth after firing a 70 for an eight-under total. Taiwanese Lin Weng-Tan finished seventh with seven-under, one stroke better than countryman and 2005 champion Lu Wen Teh.

Last year's champion Chawalit Plaphol, Chapchai Nirat and Thaworn Wiratchant had a dismal day and had to be content with joint ninth with five-under 279, along with American Han Lee, Malaysian Rashid Ismail and Briton Chris Rodgers.

Mitchell Brown from Australia completed with a 62, tying the course record marked by Lee on Saturday. He was at joint 15th along with Thai stalwart Thongchai Jaidee, who was square-par for a four-under 280.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation

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