Thai star Thongchai Jaidee, seen here, fired a two-under-par 70 to join Japan’s Kodai Ichihara and South Korea’s Pyo Suk-min atop the leaderboard at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters.

Thai star Thongchai Jaidee ended his two-year title drought on the Asian Tour with a thrilling play-off victory at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters on Sunday.

“This win is dedicated to my family, especially to my two-day-old son who was born on December 5th. He has given me the inspiration and the drive to win,” said the former Tour number one.

The Thai veteran, Rhys Davies of Wales and Australia’s Andrew Dodt all finished regulation play at a 15-under-par 273, forcing the play-off.

All three players parred the first play-off hole, but on the second, Dodt found the rough, leaving Thongchai and Davies to return to the tee at the 18th.

In the third play-off hole, Davies found the bunker with a wayward drive. Thongchai, who had found the fairway, produced a solid chip at the edge of the green and left the ball within five feet away for a par putt and the win.

“I played well even in regulation play. But the play-off was intense. Rhys was unlucky but I took advantage and I’m extremely delighted,” said Thongchai.

“It’s been two years since my last win and to win again brings back a fantastic feeling,” added the Thai, who last won at the 2006 Volvo Masters of Asia.

Despite the play-off defeat, Davies said he was happy with his overall performance in Ho Chi Minh City.

“I’m pleased as I played well. But in the third play-off hole, the ball was buried quite deep in and I had a miss hit. It was unfortunate,” said the Asian Tour rookie.

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. He shot a blistering course record of 63 which helped booked his place in the play-off.

“It was a good week. I was nervous heading out to the play-off but credit to Thongchai and Rhys who played well,” said the Australian, who produced his fifth top-10 finish this year.

With an eight iron, Australia’s David Gleeson shot an ace at the par three 181-yard 13th hole, while Filipino Frankie Minoza produced an accurate shot using a nine iron for a hole-in-one at the par three 150-yard third hole.

The tournament saw a total of four hole-in ones.

Minoza carded a 71 for a 281 total to finish in joint 15th place while Gleeson posted a 70 to end his campaign in a tie for 58th place.

Source: AFP