A Thai golfer won the Volvo Masters of Asia on home soil for the second successive year, but it was the Hua Hin-based Prayad Marksaeng and not the defending champion and pre-tournament favourite Thongchai Jaidee.
In a day of high drama and even higher emotion, Prayad added the Volvo Masters of Asia title to the Volvo China Open crown he won over a decade ago and declared, “This is the biggest win of my career and I am so proud.”
Having visited the water twice on the back nine, the 41-year-old Thai thought he needed a birdie-three to force his way into a play-off, which is precisely what he did, but, as his challengers fell by the wayside, the father-of-two was left with a huge smile on his face.
Overnight leader Juvic Pagunsan had blown his four-shot lead by the turn but still had a putt to force a play-off on the 18th green, but the 15ft putt slid inches past to leave Prayad Marksaeng as champion.
Englishman Chris Rodgers carded a four-under-par 68 to tie Pagunsan for second place.
The focus now shifts to next year and the Volvo Masters of Asia at the Thai Country Club that will take place from 18th – 21st December when Prayad Marksaeng will try to become the first player in Volvo Masters history in both Asia and Europe to successfully defend his title.