It turned out to be a good day to celebrate for birthday boy Tanapat Pichaikool when he won the ADT co-sanctioned Toyota Tour Championship at the Kota Permai Golf & Country Resort here today.

Tanapat played steady golf to card a two-under 70 enroute to a 17-under 271 aggregate, edging out close friend Sarut Vongchaisit by a stroke after a thrilling matchplay-styled final round. Englishman Ben Jones finished solo third two strokes further adrift on 274

The two Thais who are childhood friends, started the day at 15 under but it was Sarut who gave early notice of his intentions when he knocked in a birdie on the par 5 first hole while Tanapat bogeyed, resulting in a two-shot swing. Sarut then extended his lead to three shots when he birdied seventh.

Tanapart refused to give in and closed the gap to just one shot when he birdied 8 and 9. They were back on level terms again when Sarut bogeyed 11. Tanapat took the lead for the first time when he birdied 12 and then went further ahead when his opponent bogeyed 13. It was a lead he would never relinquish.

Sarut fought hard and managed a birdie on the long par 3 17th to close the margin to just one stroke but it wasn’t enough as Tanapat held on to bag his fourth professional win. It also brought him closer to overtaking Rahil Ganjee, the current leader on the ADT Order of Merit who failed to make the cut this week. The ADT finale Aramco Invitational takes place in Saudi Arabia next week.

Tanapat felt overwhelmed by the occasion of not just winning his second ADT event, but having his girlfriend caddy for him. “It's been a tough day, a couple of tee shots were unconfident, putting was not good today but I tried to just stay within myself, play boring golf and tred to get myself in a position to have a chance to win,” he said.

“Down by three shots, birdies on eight and nine changed my momentum. That’s when I played steadily and held on to win. I feel great, now that I have a chance to win the Order of Merit. It's something that everyone dreams of but, next week will be a big week so I’ll just try to focus on next week and see what happens.”

Runner-up Sarut said his putting let him down. “The story could have had a different ending had the putts dropped. I fought until the last hole and in the end it was a fun round today. It was a great experience for me, going back and forth and having the lead for the first nine holes. This is something I will remember for a while.”

Sarut added he was looking forward to competing in the Aramco Invitational next week where a good finish would give him the opportunity to play the Asian Tour. “It’s always a dream, playing on the Asian Tour. It would mean a lot.”

Edven Ying emerged as the best Malaysian player when he carded a four-under 68 to finish in joint eighth place with an aggregate of 277. Another Malaysian Gavin Green and Thailand’s Itthipat Buranatanyarat shared the day’s low score of 66. Both finished in joint 13th at nine under.

“I’m happy with how I managed my game this week,” said the 24-year-old Ying. “A bit disappointed with my approaches, missing a couple of greens here and there and not getting close enough to the pins. Thankfully my putting was great today.”

271 Tanapat Pichaikool (THA) 67-67-67-70

272 Sarut Vongchaisit (THA) 70-65-66-71

274 Ben Jones (ENG) 66-70-70-68

276 Tawit Polthai (THA) 70-68-68-70, Matt Killen (ENG) 71-67-68-70, Ayoub Lguirati (MOR) 69-71-66-70, Witchayanon Chothirunrungrueng (THA) 73-66-66-71

277 Edven Ying (MAS) 68-71-70-68, Aman Raj (IND) 71-71-67-68, Nirun Sae-ueng (THA) 69-66-73-69, Tirawat Kaewsribandit (THA) 68-68-70-71

278 Pukhraj Singh Gill (IND) 68-70-71-69

About UMW Toyota Motor
For more than three decades, UMW Toyota Motor – a subsidiary of the UMW Group, has been involved in the assembly, marketing and exclusive distribution of Toyota and later, Lexus vehicles in Malaysia. Through a network of 102 authorised dealer outlets nationwide; UMW Toyota Motor offers an exciting, innovative lifestyle experience designed to expand the boundaries of consumer vehicle technology.

About the PGM
Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered on 5th August 2010 in Malaysia. As a non-profit organisation, PGM’s objectives are to promote the sport of golf and to contribute towards its enjoyment and growth. PGM conduct and coordinate training on golf related courses to enhance the playing capabilities and skills of professional golfers. PGM organises the golf tour for professional golfers to hone their skills and elevate the standards of professional golf in Malaysia. PGM also provides a platform for Malaysia’s professional golfers to focus on playing while PGM shoulders the responsibility of arranging and financing these tournaments.

About MST Golf
Established in 1989, MST Golf is a leading golf retail with presence in more than 50 locations across Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. With retail as its backbone, MST Golf’s businesses also include brand management, wholesale and distribution, golf academies, indoor golf centres with F&B, corporate golf services, coaching and club optimisation. MST Golf Group Berhad is listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities under the stock name MSTGOLF and stock code 5316. More info at www.mstgolfgroup.com.