Rattanon Holds Nerve to Capture Mercuries Taiwan Masters
Thai star secures third Asian Tour crown after tense finish at Taiwan Golf and Country Club
Seoul, South Korea - Rattanon Wannasrichan survived a nervy three-putt bogey on the final hole to win the Mercuries Taiwan Masters by one stroke on Sunday, claiming his third Asian Tour title.
The 30-year-old from Bangkok closed with a battling 73 for a five-under total of 283, edging compatriot Suradit Yongcharoenchai, whose hole-out eagle at the 16th briefly drew him level. Local favourite Wang Wei-hsuan finished solo third at three under after a closing 69.
“I was so bad with the driver today, just hitting it left and right and needing ups and downs for pars,” said Rattanon. “It’s amazing. I am so happy. I had to wait seven years for my second win, and this third one came much quicker.”
Rattanon, who tied for second at last week’s Yeangder TPC, steadied himself with back-to-back birdies on the fifth and sixth and a crucial par at the tough 17th before learning he held a one-shot cushion. Suradit, the 2019 champion, called his eagle “lucky” but said he was delighted with the result despite missing out.
The victory was worth US$200,000 and lifted Rattanon to fourth in the Order of Merit. The Asian Tour now moves to Jakarta for the US$2 million Jakarta International Championship, part of The International Series.