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Chiangmai (Thailand), Nov 16 (IANS)
India's Rashid Khan produced a gutsy performance to win his second Asian Tour title by one-shot at the Chiangmai Golf Classic here Sunday.
Rashid started the final round two shots behind overnight leader Thanyakon Khrongpha before rallying on the back nine to defeat the Thai and countryman Jyoti Randhawa at the $750,000 event.
The 23-year-old fired a four-under-par 68 highlighted by four birdies on holes nine, 10, 12 and 14 for a winning total of 17-under-par 271 at the Alpine Golf Resort Chiangmai.
Thanyakon three-putted for bogey on the 16th hole to slip out of contention. But a birdie on the last for a 71 earned him a tied second place finish alongside Randhawa, who settled for a 69 after missing a 20-foot birdie attempt on 18 which would have forced a play-off.
"This win is really special because it is my second win this year and first outside of India. I was looking at the leaderboard and everyone was making a move. But I had faith in my game so heading into the last few holes, I was very confident I could win the tournament," said Rashid, who won $135,000.
He was three shots back after Thanyakon opened with a birdie but Rashid showed true character on his homeward nine where he seized the lead for the first time following a birdie on 12.
He gained another shot on 14 but it was a crucial 15-foot par save on hole 15 which proved to be the turning point.
"I found the bunker on the 15th hole. I had a shot but it was a tight line. It was very important because I only had a one-shot lead going into the 18th hole. That par gave me a bit of boost because I needed to maintain my lead. The last three holes were very exciting," he explained.
Randhawa, an eight-time Asian Tour winner, put pressure on his young countryman when he posted a pair of birdies from the 14th hole. He was disappointed to miss the birdie on 18 to force extra time.
"I played under pressure these last two days and I managed to get my swing right. These young guys look up to me and try to beat me but now I have to keep up with them. I'm looking forward to it and I'm glad that I'm there and a threat to them," said the 42-year-old.
Final scoreboard:
271 - Rashid Khan (IND) 68-69-66-68.
272 - Jyoti Randhawa (IND) 68-65-70-69, Thanyakon Khrongpha (THA) 69-65-67-71.
274 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 69-70-66-69.
275 - Mithun Perera (SRI) 70-70-67-68, Kalem Richardson (AUS) 71-69-64-71.
277 - Jason Dufner (USA) 69-69-73-66, Danny Chia (MAS) 74-68-68-67, Jbe Kruger (RSA) 73-66-68-70, Scott Barr (AUS) 68-69-67-73.
278 - Panuphol Pittayarat (THA) 68-75-66-69, Hung Chien-yao (TPE) 71-68-66-73.
279 - Namchok Tantipokhakul (THA) 71-70-68-70.
280 - Sutijet Kooratanapisan (THA) 70-69-71-70, Brett Munson (USA) 73-70-67-70.
281 - Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 70-72-71-68, Javi Colomo (ESP) 73-72-68-68, Chikka S. (IND) 69-72-71-69, Paul Peterson (USA) 70-70-71-70, Scott Hend (AUS) 72-69-70-70, Mo Joong-kyung (KOR) 69-69-72-71, George Gandranata (INA) 66-72-72-71, Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 70-71-69-71, Lin Wen-tang (TPE) 69-71-69-72.
