Shiv Kapur made a valiant attempt with a four-under 68 and Anirban Lahiri went one better with a five-under 67, but it was Australia's Andrew Dodt, who staged a fightback with a closing five-under-par 67 to lift the True Thailand Classic trophy here today.
Kapur (68) finished at 12-under 276 in tied 11th, while Lahiri (67) at 10-under 278 was tied 21st. In between was Jyoti Randhawa (71) with three bogeys against four bogeys, and was tied 15th.
Arjun Atwal (66) went on an overdrive with five birdies in the last five holes as he rose to tied 31st at eight-under, while SSP Chowrasia (79) who dropped four bogeys and a quadruple bogey between seventh and 12th holes was tied 77th.
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Dodt's winning total of 16-under-par 272 at the Black Mountain Golf Club left him speechless as his second victory on the region's premier Tour finally ended a five-year title drought. Dodt's last win came in India five years ago.
Kapur birdied three times in first six holes, but had just one more in the next 12 during his 68, while Lahiri also had three birdies in first six holes, and then had three birdies between 10th and 13th and dropped a bogey on 14th.
Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee's double-bogey on 13 effectively ended all hopes of a local winner at the USD 2 million Thai showpiece as he signed off with a 71 to share second place with overnight leader Scott Hend of Australia at the richest golf tournament in Thailand.
Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat meanwhile bounced back from the disappointment of missing the cut in Malaysia to enjoy a tied-fourth finish alongside Canada's Richard T. Lee and Jason Knutzon of the United States following a 274 total.
After five years, Dodt completed his remarkable return to the winner's circle with a performance that left him searching for words.
"There are no thoughts at the moment. I'm speechless," said the Australian, who started the day four shots behind Hend. But it was Dodt's ability to stay patient that made all difference.