VietNamNet Bridge – Thai golfer Thongchai Jaidee won the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters trophy at the Vietnam Golf and Country Club in HCMC on Sunday.

Thai golfer Thongchai Jaidee holds up the trophy of the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters at the Vietnam Golf and Country Club on Sunday.

The thrilling play-off victory secured the former Asian Tour number one the winner’s cheque of US$79,250. “This win is dedicated to my family, especially my two days old son who was born on December 5. He has given me inspiration and the drive to win,” he said.

In regulation play, Thongchai fired a five-under-par 67 for a 15-under- par 273 total to force a three way play-off with Davies and Australian golfer Andrew Dodt, both of whom had completed their rounds with birdies on the 18th hole.

“I played well even in regulation play but the play-off was intense… it’s been two years since my last win and to win again brings back a fantastic feeling,” said Thongchai, who had previously triumphed at the 2006 Volvo Masters of Asia.

Despite the play-off defeat, Davies was pleased with his overall performance and said he played well. “…but m the third play-off hole, the ball was buried quite deep in and I had a miss hit. It was unfortunate” he explained.

Dodt, who was ranked 72nd on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit prior to this week, was happy to have sealed his card for next season. “The positive side of things is that I have secured my playing rights for next year. It was a good week.”

The Hana Bank Vietnam Masters 2008 was a full-field Asian Tour sanctioned event taking place from December 4 to 7. The US$500,000 prize -money event was also broadcast live on VTV3, and was organized and promoted by BHT Asia Limited in collaboration with the Vietnam Association.

Nguyen Ngoc Chu, general secretary of the Vietnam Golf Association said the association played a major role in the staging of the regional golf tournament this year in hopes of creaming a new generation of players who can bring honor to Vietnam on the golfing front.

(Source: SGT)