The Irish Press - Australian Wade Ormsby wins International Series Thailand

Australian Wade Ormsby wins International Series Thailand
Australian Wade Ormsby wins International Series Thailand / Photo: Peter PARKS - Asian Tour/AFP

Australian Wade Ormsby wins International Series Thailand

Australian Wade Ormsby won his fourth Asian Tour title following a sudden death playoff against Thai Chonlatit Chuenboonngam in the International Series Thailand final on Sunday.

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The Aussie had lagged two shots behind the leaders at the beginning of the day, but under near-perfect conditions in seaside resort Hua Hin carded a seven-under-par 65 to win the $360,000 prize money.

Little-known Chonlatit, 24, had looked set to win, remaining in the lead in the final six holes, carding par at 18, before finishing eight-under-par 64.

The 42-year-old dropped only one shot at the 11th but recovered well with birdies on 12, 13 and 16 racing up the leaderboard before missing a birdie at 15ft on the 18th -- and teeing up a playoff.

The sudden-death playoff at the par under five 18th hole was quickly ended by Ormsby with a clutch birdie putt that took the win, but not before the veteran player had a slight wobble.

"I got a little bit unlucky on the playoff hole to find the bunker, but I holed the 12-footer when it mattered," Ormsby said.

"I had a tough week down in New Zealand last week. I was so annoyed with myself as I knew I was playing well," he said, adding he had put in the work with coach Grant Field.

"I am so stoked," Ormsby said. "I am just so happy I have won an International Series event especially here at Black Mountain, I love the place."

Addressing his family home in Australia, he added: "This one's for you guys."

It is Ormsby's first significant victory since his 2020 win at the Hong Kong Open -- where he returns next week as defending champion.

Chonlatit, who put on one of the best performances of his six-year career, said his priority playing was to keep his card for the Asian tour.

"But this week I'm very happy with my performance so I now would like to win one," he said, adding: "I'm sure I can, and I will try."

N.Baggi--IM