Anirban Lahiri's crucial double bogey followed by two pars in the final round of the Thailand Golf Championships handed American David Lipsky Order of Merit title with one event still remaining in the season.
Lipsky, who had earlier finished with a final round of 75, was watching the finish to see where the Indian would end up as a finish in top-4 for Lahiri would have kept the Race for the Order of Merit still alive.
Lipsky has USD 713,901 while Lahiri is in second place with earnings of USD 602,833. Prom Meesawat of Thailand is placed third with winnings of USD 527,921.
With the winner's cheque at the final event at Dubai being less than the gap between Lipsky and Lahiri, the race ended in Lipsky's favour.
The Korean-American waited anxiously at the clubhouse after he stumbled to a final round three-over-par 75 to finish in tied 38th position as Lahiri contended at the USD 1 million Asian Tour event.
Lipsky was delighted to end a successful year on a high note in a season where he became the first Asian Tour member to win at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland in September.
He also enjoyed four other top-10 results including a second place finish at The Championship in Singapore in May. Lipsky tipped his cap to Lahiri, who pushed him to the limits in the Order of Merit race.
"Hats off to Anirban because he has played phenomenal this year and I know he is tired after playing in so many events. It was a good fight with Anirban towards the end," said Lipsky.
Lahiri was gracious in defeat but vowed to come back a stronger and better player.
"I'll be back and winning the Order of Merit is definitely one of those things I want to do in my career. Lipsky and I both fought and battled it out really hard. It is a huge thing for David to win the Order of Merit after becoming the first Asian Tour member to win at the Omega European Masters. He deserves everything he will get for winning the Order of Merit," said Lahiri.
