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Mike Cunning claims title in Long Beach

Asian Tour stalwart Mike Cunning claimed the Long Beach Open title in southern California by one stroke from Korea's Ted Oh at the weekend, ending a three-year title drought.

It was a joyous occasion for the 48-year-old American as he celebrated his birthday on Sunday in style where his family was with him at El Dorado Park Golf Course. His eldest son Kyle caddied for him.

With a winning total of 19-under-par, Cunning took home a pay cheque of US$28,000, not a bad haul for a player who has played in the Long Beach Open for the past few years to "escape the heat of Phoenix" which is where he lives.

"Most of my wins have come overseas," Cunning said. "So this is really special for me to win with my boys here."

Cunning has been a firm supporter of the Asian Tour and he won the Order of Merit in 1997 without winning a title but posted seven top-five finishes.

He won the Indian Open in 2003 for his first Asian Tour triumph but the past two seasons have been rather sluggish for the likeable American. A switch to the long putter recently rejuvenated his form on the greens as he won a small event prior to his success in Long Beach.

August 1, 2006