Puig strikes again, seals British Open spot
KUALA LUMPUR: David Puig’s stock went up once again yesterday after he claimed the US$1 million Malaysian Open for his second victory on the Asian Tour in four months.
Big things are expected of the young Spaniard who plays on the LIV Golf League, and he showed why by firing his second successive bogey-free nine-under-par 62 for a spectacular tournament total of 23-under and a two-shot win.
On a day of incredibly low scoring at The Mines Resort and Golf Club, in the first event of the season on the Asian Tour, Korean Wang Jeung-Hun returned a 61 to finish second, while
Thailand’s Denwit Boriboonsub came in with the same score to tie for third with John Catlin from the United States, who shot a 66.
As preferred lies were played no records were officially set, including Denwit’s back nine of eight-underpar 28 which matched the Asian Tour record.
As the event is part of the British Open Qualifying Series, Puig, Wang and Denwit have all made it through to the major tournament at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland, from July 18-21. Only the leading three go through with Catlin denied a place as Denwit’s world ranking is higher.
“It feels great, weird feeling for sure. We almost missed the cut. I was kind of playing good, but I kind of messed up. We actually finished round two good, and the weekend was just insane man. I mean 18 birdies, no bogeys, in 36 holes was unbelievable. And getting that Open spot is super cool, I came here for that,” the 22-year-old Puig.
Jared Du Toit shot a 71 to tie for seventh, six behind Puig, while Khavish Varadan, the joint leader at the halfway mark, ended as the leading Malaysian after closing with a 68. He finished in equal 13th, on 15-under.
Thailand’s Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat was the top amateur, after signing off with a 66, to end in a tie for 40th. He was the only amateur to make it through to the weekend.
LEADING FINAL ROUND SCORES (par-71)
261 — David Puig (ESP) 66-71-62-62
263 — Wang Jeung-Hun (KOR) 68-68-66-61
264 — Denwit Boriboonsub (THA) 71-66-66-61, John Catlin (USA) 65-65-68-66
265 — Kevin Yuan (AUS) 65-64-68-68
266 — Atiruj Winaicharoenchai (THA) 66-67-68-65 267 — Deyen Lawson (AUS) 66-67-66-68, Jared Du Toit (CAN) 70-64-62-71
268 — Travis Smyth (AUS) 68-66-69-65, Trevor Simsby (USA) 71-65-67-65, Bae Sang-Moon (KOR) 70-67-6368, Steve Lewton (ENG) 65-66-68-69