Samui, Thailand: Himmat Rai notched up his best result of the season, carding a bogey-free four-under 67 to finish tied fourth at the Queen's Cup here on Sunday. The 25-year-old Rai, starting at one-over for three rounds, finished at three-under for four days and was four shots behind the winner, Thaworn Wiratchant (68).
Anirban Lahiri, starting from overnight fourth place, closed with an eagle to finish tied sixth. His double bogey on the 14th and a bogey on 16th cost him a chance of a better finish and a possible shot at the title.
The third Indian making the cut this week, Chiragh Kumar also had his best finish of the season. In fact, after nine missed cuts, it was his first cut of the year and he carded 69 and finished in a tie for 17th. He totaled even-par 288.
Thaworn held off the combined challenges from Bangladeshi Siddikur and reigning Asian number one Juvic Pagunsan, clinching his first title in nearly two years. He closed the tournament with a glorious eagle at the last hole at a blustery Santiburi Samui Country Club. It was 45-year-old veteran Thaworn's record-equaling 13th Asian Tour title.
Rai played very steady golf. He birdied the fifth and sixth and then added two more on the last two holes.
"I had no bogeys which was what I intended to do. Trust me, it was really hard. The wind was going every which way. I think I judged it well. I'm pleased with how I played," said Rai, who won his maiden Asian tour title last year, and tied with Guido Van Der Walk (70) at three-under 285.
"You just have to trust your yardages and be patient. And not get mad with your caddies. If you do that, you're in trouble. I kept my cool today better than other days. I was more patient and calm today compared to other days. Like all golfers, I left a few shots out there!
"I'm going to Korea next week, look forward to it. I'll be going to England a few weeks, try to get into a few Challenge Tour events and if I don't [get in] I'll stay up there for some practice. I feel good with my game right now," he added.
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