Elmer Salvador triumphs at Riviera Classic

Elmer Salvador

Manila, May 31 (IANS) The Philippines' Elmer Salvador showed his liking for winning on home soil when he cruised to a five-shot victory with a closing three-under-par 68 at the inaugural $60,000 ICTSI Riviera Classic Saturday.

The Filipino veteran's winning total of 11-under-par 273 was his third victory on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) and also his third triumph on home soil.

Thailand's Pavit Tangkamolprasert missed out on his second ADT win as he could only sign off with a 72, and had to share second place with England's Peter Richardson who posted a 67 for a 278 total at the Riviera Golf and Country Club.

Philippines' Miguel Tabuena took fourth place on 279 while compatriot Robert Pactolerin, who had earlier taken a share of the second round lead, carded a 74 on the final day to take fifth place.

With his third ADT victory at the ICTSI Riviera Classic, the 44-year-old now holds the most number of ADT titles together with compatriot Jay Bayron and Chinese Taipei's Chang Shih-chang.

"I'm very happy. I played with great confidence and it helped that I got my friends and family here to support me. That really inspired me to do well. I kept my focus and it showed with my win here," said Salvador.

"I'll be heading to Samui for the Queen's Cup next week and hopefully I can continue to do well in an Asian Tour event and get a victory there," said the Filipino.

The ICTSI Riviera Classic was part of a two-week Philippine swing on the ADT schedule. ICTSI will title sponsor the next event, ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship which will offer a prize fund of $60,000.

The ADT, which was launched in 2010 with five tournaments before growing to eight in 2011, 13 in 2012 and a record 16 in the 2013 season, has established itself as a gateway to the Asian Tour.