Golf: Mardan ends season on a high

SINGAPORE- Mardan Mamat earned a big pay day at the US$1 million ($1.28m) King's Cup Golf in Hua Hin, Thailand, yesterday when he shot a four-under 68 in the final round to finish in sixth place.

The Singaporean No. 1 took home US$51,333 ($65,000) for his eight-under 280 total, four shots behind winner Prayad Marksaeng, who posted a 66 and a 276 total at the Black Mountain Golf Club, reported www.asiantour.com.

"The King's Cup has always been nice to me. Last year, I finished tied for second and I enjoyed another good finish this year," said Mardan, who finished 34th on the Order of Merit (OOM) with earnings of US$107,432.

"I knew I was in contention today and I told myself I needed to make three birdies in a row, starting from the 16th.

"Unfortunately, I made only a birdie on the 17th, so I was a little disappointed there.

"But overall, I'm quite happy with the way I played as I've been hitting the ball and putting really well.

"I need to work more on my fitness and, if I can keep my fitness in a tip-top condition, my concentration on the course would naturally be better."

Mardan's compatriot Lam Chih Bengrued missing a crucial birdie putt on the last hole which would have seen him overtake Australian Jake Higginbottom into the top 60 of the OOM and secure his Tour card for this year.

WORK HARDER

Despite his losing his card for the second successive season after finishing 65th on the OOM, Lam vows to work harder on his game.

"I wasn't trying to think about it that much. I had my chances all year and I didn't get it done. I would have loved to be in the top 60, but I'm going to work my butt off and come back stronger," said Lam.

As for Prayad, the popular Thai completed a Royal double with his victory at the season-ending Asian Tour event, after adding the Queen's Cup to his trophy cabinet last June. Sweden's Rikard Karlberg had to settle for second after signing off with a 67.

"I'm extremely happy to win the King's Cup because it's staged in my hometown here in Hua Hin. This win is dedicated to all the Thai people," said Prayad, who will turn 48 at the end of the month.

FINAL SCORES

276: Prayad Marksaeng 68-71-71-66

277: Rikard Karlberg 65-71-74-67

279: Anirban Lahiri 69-71-71-68, Chapchai Nirat 68-73-68-70, Prom Meesawat 65-71-72-71

280: Mardan Mamat 71-70-71-68

Selected

287: Lam Chih Bing 70-74-72-71;

293: Unho Park 76-69-74-74;

295: Zaw Moe 72-72-75-76;

298: Scott Barr 71-73-81-73.

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