Malaysiaâs Danny Chia showed why he is the countryâs top golfer when he fired a flawless five-under-par 67 to successfully retain his PGM Bukit Jawi Championship on Saturday.
Chiaâs winning total of 18-under-par 270 saw him sign off his campaign at the RM200,000 (approximately US$46,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event with a comfortable five-shot victory over compatriots Gavin Green and Ben Leong at the Bukit Jawi Golf Resorts.
Green, who led the ADT event after the first two rounds, posted a 71 to share second place with Leong, who closed with a 69.
Thailandâs Itthipat Buranatanyarat together with Lexus Keoninh and Johannes Veerman of the United States had to settle for tied fourth place after the trio returned with matching 276 total.
Holding the overnight lead, Chia was determined for another podium finish, having been sensationally pipped to the title by Thailandâs Sutijet Kooratanapisan who fired a sublime 60 on the last day of the PGM Palm Resort Championship two weeks ago.
âIâm feeling great right now. I kept my composure throughout the round. I have been on the right track to qualify for the Olympics this August.
âI have been doing well. Itâs great to win after coming close a couple of weeks back (PGM Palm Resort-missed by one to Sutijet),â said Chia.
Although the 43-year-old fell short in his driving distance and accuracy, he managed to redeem himself on several occasions, which proved pivotal in his title defence. Â
âI didnât drive the ball well today but I scrambled well. I made some good recovery shots out there,â said Chia.
With his fourth ADT title safely in his bag, Chia is now setting his sights on more glory while not forgetting that a well-deserved rest with his family.
âI will be heading to Japan next week for the US Qualifying and looking forward to spending some time with my family before returning to the Asian Tour and the ADT again,â said Chia.
The ADT, which was inaugurated in 2010 as the gateway to the premier Asian Tour, will continue to reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2017.
Like all other ADT events, the PGM Bukit Jawi Championship offered OWGR points, which will be key for players vying to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this August.
For more information on the ADT, please visit www.asiandevelopmenttour.com
Leading fourth round scores
270 Â Â Â Â Danny CHIA (MAS) 71-67-65-67
275 Â Â Â Â Ben LEONG (MAS) 67-69-70-69, Gavin GREEN (MAS) 67-67-70-71
276 Â Â Â Â Lexus KEONINH (USA) 69-73-68-66, Itthipat BURANATANYARAT (THA) 67-72-69-68, Johannes VEERMAN (USA) 68-70-66-72
278Â Â Â Â Â Mathiam KEYSER (RSA) 74-67-67-70
279Â Â Â Â Â Mohd Iylia JAMIL (MAS) 71-71-69-68 , James BYRNE (SCO) 73-68-70-68, Tawit POLTHAI (THA) 71-69-71-68, Johnson POH (SIN) 72-70-68-69
280Â Â Â Â Â Shariffuddin ARIFFIN (MAS) 73-70-70-67, Chanat SAKULPOLPHAISAN (THA) 74-69-69-68, David GLEESON (AUS) 72-71-68-69
