Sunday 22 January 2017 11:40, UK
Prayad Marksaeng claimed a one-shot win at the Singapore Open, where Adam Scott’s hopes faded on the final day.
The 50-year-old carded a four-under 67 at Sentosa GC to break clear of the four-way tie for second, as tournament favourite Scott struggled to a closing 64 to end in a share of ninth.
Taking a one-shot lead in to the final round, Scott lost his advantage when he bogeyed the first and chipped in to the water at the seventh.
The former world No 1 failed to register a single birdie on the back nine, where he hooked his drive at the 15th on his way to a double bogey.
"I'm pretty disappointed," Scott said. "I didn't play very well this weekend, just didn't hit it close enough to the hole to give myself any real chances.
Marksaeng had started the day four strokes off the pace but surged in to contention with three birdies on the front nine, before cancelling out a blemish at the 11th with a gain at the 13th to set the clubhouse target.
Thailand's Phachara Khongwatmai, Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines and Jbe Kruger all had chances to force a play-off over the closing stretch, but had to settle for a share of second with Korea's Younghan Song.
Victory also secured Markaseng one of four qualification places for The 146th Open, with Phachara, Kruger and Song taking the other spots.
"I feel like I have done my country proud," Prayad said. "I am thrilled to earn a spot in The Open too. I hope I can make my country proud again by securing a good result at Royal Birkdale."
