|
Thaworn savours Hoylake cheers after battling 72
 Thaworn
Wirartchant concluded his major debut at the British Open on Sunday
with a battling 72 and left with the Hoylake roars ringing in his
ears.
The Thai star, last season's Asian Tour number one, signed for a
four-day total of three-under-par 285, topping the likes of playing
partner and former Masters champion Mike Weir and major winners
Michael Campbell and Jose Maria Olazabal.
Only a late stumble, where he dropped four bogeys over his closing
six holes, prevented Thaworn from a higher finish but he was satisfied
with his outing, especially when he chipped in for a sensational
birdie at the challenging par four 12th hole, which won the approval
of the crowds at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.
"I've never heard a roar like that one when my chip went in
for birdie on 12," smiled Thaworn, finished tied 31st.
"When I missed the green, it was such a difficult lie that
I was ready to settle for a bogey. I hit a good chip and I was only
hoping that it wouldn't roll back down the slope. But it kept going
towards the hole and then the gallery went wild."
It was the second time in two days that Thaworn had raised the
cheers at the year's third major. On Saturday, he sank an eagle
two at the par four second hole. The Thai was pleased with his week's
work in conditions that are not familiar to Asian players.
"When I got over here, I thought I wouldn't be able to make
the halfway cut. You look at the entries and all the big names are
in the field that I was ready to go home on Friday night. It was
nice to play four rounds and after making the cut, I could relax
a bit more," said the Thai, who is presently 12th on the Asian
Tour's Order of Merit.
Thaworn's day started ominously when he walked onto the first tee
wearing the same all-black theme as Weir. But red numbers soon appeared
on Thaworn's scorecard as he birdied the fifth, ninth and 12th holes
to go to three under for the round.
But like in the third round, he struggled on the homeward stretch,
dropping four bogeys against another birdie and settled for an even
par effort. "I would like to qualify for another British Open
if possible as I enjoyed the experience," said Thaworn, who
was tied ninth at the halfway stage this week.
"Although I played well this week, I don't think I will return
for the Dunhill Links Championship later this year as it will be
too cold for me to handle. I would prefer to stay in Asia and play
a handful in Europe."
Thaworn's finish bettered compatriot Thongchai Jaidee's outing in
St Andrews last year where the latter finished tied 52nd.
World number one Tiger Woods successfully retained his title by
two strokes after he carded a final round 67. Chris DiMarco finished
second after signing off with a 68 while Ernie Els settled for third
place, five shots behind the champion after closing with a 71.
Woods, who has now won the British Open three times, accumulated
a four-day total of 18-under-par 270.
Japan's Hideto Tanihara was the highest placed Asian in tied fifth
place on 277 after he fired a 71 in the final round, which attracted
record crowds at Hoylake.
After tapping in a par putt at the 72nd hole, Woods raised his arms
in jubilation and then broke down into tears on caddie Steve Williams'
shoulders. Later, he said that he was thinking of his father, Earl,
who had passed away recently due to cancer.
"I miss him a lot and I'm sure he would have enjoyed watching
this. He'd be proud of this," said Woods. "This has been
a fantastic week and the golf course was in fantastic condition.
"After the last putt, I realised that my dad is never going
to see this again. I tried to win at Augusta National (the US Masters)
but I couldn't do it. I love my dad and I miss him very much. This
is special."
It was his 11th major title and Woods has now matched Walter Hagen's
career major victories. He is now second only behind his golf idol
Jack Nicklaus, who has 18 major titles.
July 23, 2006
|
del.icio.us
digg
reddit
stumbleupon
facebook
google
What are these 
Email This Page
