Star Metro - Thailand's Nitithorn back on form to win Mandiri Indonesia Open

The 26-year-old finished the final round with an even-par 72 for a tournament total of 18-under-par 270 in a close finish at the Pondok Indah Golf Course in Indonesian capital Jakarta.

For the Thai golfer nicknamed 'Fever', victory came after a poor first half of the season.

"I feel so happy about this win you know. The last few weeks I didn't feel confidence like this," he said.

"I didn't think I was going to win this year to be honest, but I just planned to just keep doing my best."

He secured a $90,000 prize for his efforts on the Indonesian leg of the Asian Tour.

Nitithorn was trailed by Australia's Scott Hend, England's Steve Lewton and Chinese-Taipei's Lee Chieh-po, who all carded four-under-par 68s in the final round to finish two shots behind overall.

Both Lewton and Lee missed late chances to snatch victory from Nitithorn.

"I just didn't capitalise on a couple of the good shots I hit," said Lewton.

Lee was more upbeat about his final round that pushed Nitithorn all the way.

"I am happy with the result. I didn’t think I had a chance when we went out today," he said.

South Korea's Yongjun Bae tied for fifth place after breaking the course record with a final round nine-under-par 63.

He tied with fellow countryman Mingyu Cho, Thailand's Pavit Tangkomolprasert and Chinese-Taipei's Chang Wei-lung.

The next leg of the Asian Tour is the International Series England in Newcastle, which begins on August 17.

X.Boucher--SMC