Thaworn virtually seals Merit title

Thai sensation Thaworn Wiratchant has virtually sealed his first Asian Tour Order of Merit title after his closest rival Thongchai Jaidee stumbled in the third round at the Volvo Masters of Asia on Saturday.

Thaworn started the season-ending event with a commanding US$53,530 lead over countryman Thongchai Jaidee in the money list race.

But the odds are slanted towards Thaworn as Thongchai, who needed a top two finish to stay in contention, is 15 strokes behind leaders Jyoti Randhawa and Shiv Kapur of India and Australian Marcus Both.

Thaworn shot a five-under-par 67 in the third round and accumulated a three-day total of 211 while Thongchai carded a disappointing 75.

“I am trying not to think about the Order Of Merit (race). I know that if I do well in the tournament, I should end the year as Asia’s number one,” said Thaworn.

Thaworn had a nervy start when he bogeyed the second hole but went on to fire birdies at the sixth, seventh, eighth, 14th, 15th and 16th against a dropped shot at the 13th hole when he three putted.

“I hit the ball good today. I missed just three fairways, hit my approach shots close and putted well,” said Thaworn.

“I had seven birdies and none of the putts was further than 10 feet (away). My pitching wedge and nine iron approaches were good.

“The difference between today and yesterday (when he shot 73) was that there was no wind (today) and I could control my irons. Tomorrow I want to try and play well for the last round of the tournament and the (Asian Tour) season. If I shoot eight under par tomorrow I have got a chance to win but maybe not – that’s golf, you never know.”

Thongchai was in the hunt after the second day but crumbled in the third round with his three-over 75 which included five bogeys.

“I struggled with my putts today, three-putting the fifth and 17th,” said Thongchai.

“I couldn’t find my rhythm because I kept hitting into the rough or bunkers. It has been a long day and I’m quite exhausted. I’ve been pushing really hard and it feels like the whole season is finally catching up on me now.”

The Order of Merit winner will earn exemptions into next month's Sony Open in Hawaii on the US PGA Tour, British Open and also the WGC-American Express Championship. The second and third placed finishers will also qualify for the American Express Championship.

December 10, 2005

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