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Chonburi (Thailand), Dec 14: Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri finished second to David Lipsky of the United States in the 2014 Asian Tour Order of Merit.
The Korean-American Lipsky waited anxiously at the clubhouse after he stumbled to a final round three-over 75 to finish tied 38th at the $1 million Thailand Golf Championship here on Sunday.
The talented Indian needed at least a top-four result to extend the Order of Merit race to next week's Dubai Open but fell short of his target when he settled for tied sixth following a 73.
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.
He sits atop the summit with earnings $713,901 while Lahiri is currently in second place with earnings of $602,833. Prom Meesawat of Thailand is placed third with winnings of $527,921.
Lahiri gracious in defeat
"This win means a lot to me and I'm feeling a lot of pride. This is something which I aspired to do. Winning a co-sanction event and doing all this in one year is something which was unexpected because I did it so fast but now I know that if I play well, I can compete against the best."
The 26-year-old Lipsky also praised 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 him 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.
