2008 Asian Tour International - Round 4: Lin fires closing 64 for five shot victory

Chinese Taipei star Lin Wen-tang battled through inclement weather to lift the inaugural Asian Tour International title on Sunday.

Lin posted his third win in three years on the Asian Tour thanks to a blistering eight-under-par 64 in the final round at the Pattana Golf and Sports Resort.

He produced a four-day winning total of 23-under-par 265 for a commanding five stroke triumph over Korean teenager Noh Seung-yul who claimed second place after a 71. Lin walked away with the top prize of US$47,550 and rises to 11th place on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.

“Last night I told my wife that I will win it but she said not to be over confident. Now I can’t wait to call her,” said Lin.

Malaysia’s Ben Leong, the Asian Tour Qualifying School winner, enjoyed his first top-10 finish when he ended in a tie for third spot after a 67 alongside Singapore’s Mardan Mamat who recorded a 68. Also finishing in a tie for third place was Australia’s Marcus Both who eagled the last hole together with American Han Lee and Japan’s Taichiro Kiyota who posted a 67 and 64 respectively.

But it was Lin who made a charging run from the start having birdied the first hole followed by an eagle at the par five second hole. The 34-year-old Lin remained solid at the top firing five more birdies. He was eight under through 15 holes and enjoyed a comfortable three stroke lead over Noh before play was suspended at 1:20pm due to lightning. After a two hour and five minute delay, Noh returned with a double bogey on the 16th hole as Lin sailed through to his third success.

“I am very happy to win my third title on the Asian Tour. I had played 15 holes today before the suspension and I was quite glad because I took that time to rest for a bit. I came back out and knew that the remaining three holes would be very important so I keep my game steady and pulled through,” said the champion.

Lin enjoyed his breakthrough win at the 2006 Taiwan Open and followed up with a top finish at the 2007 Brunei Open. It was a steady season for Lin last year having posted four other top-10 finishes.

The Taipei-based winner comes from a family of talented golfers in the likes of his uncle, Lin Chi-hsiang, who is a winner in Asia, and his brother Lin Wen-hong who also competed this week.

“Noh is a great player and was steady throughout the week. Although he rushed his shots after returning back to complete the round, I know he has a lot of talent and it was nice to play alongside him,” admitted Lin.

Overnight joint leader Noh remained pleased with his result despite his late stumble at the 16th hole.

“I’m happy with my performance this week. I three putted upon my return after the suspension as I was a bit quick to hole that putt. But overall it has been a great experience for me and two second place finishes from two events is not a bad feat,” said Noh.

In-form Japanese player Taichiro Kiyota recorded his second top-10 result this season when he finished in a tie for third place after a solid 64.

“It’s great and I’m really happy. I didn’t expect to play so well but it’s been a nice week and a good event. I had fun out there,” said Kiyota, who finished runner-up at the Johnnie Walker Classic last month.

Leading final round scores (click here for full leaderboard and prize money):

265 - Lin Wen-tang (TPE) 65-68-68-64
270 - Noh Seung-yul (KOR) 64-67-68-71
272 - Taichiro Kiyota (JPN) 71-69-68-64, Marcus Both (AUS) 70-66-70-66, Ben Leong (MAS) 67-72-66-67, Han Lee (USA) 67-69-69-67, Mardan Mamat (SIN) 67-67-70-68
273 - Adam Blyth (AUS) 71-66-70-66, Wisut Artjanawat (THA) 67-68-69-69, Jason King (AUS) 70-64-70-69, Sattaya Supupramai (THA) 64-67-71-71, David Bransdon (AUS) 68-69-67-69
274 - Simon Griffiths (ENG) 65-69-71-69, Chawalit Plaphol (THA) 70-66-69-69, Yoshinobu Tsukada (JPN) 71-68-65-70
275 - Stephen Scahill (NZL) 70-70-66-69, Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 71-66-68-70, Ross Bain (SCO) 70-62-67-76
276 - Prayad Marksaeng (THA) 70-71-68-67, Scott Hend (AUS) 69-68-73-66
277 - Juvic Pagunsan (PHI) 68-66-75-68, Ashley Hall (AUS) 70-69-69-69

March 23, 2008

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