By Asian Tour
Manila, May 18: Marcus Both of Australia secured an emphatic victory at the ICTSI Philippine Open on Sunday, to revive his career after thinking of quitting the game last year.
The towering Aussie, who lost his Asian Tour card last year for the first time since 2003, posted a two-under-par 70 for a winning total of six-under-par 282 at the US$300,000 Asian Tour event.
EurAsia Cup star Siddikur Rahman (69) of Bangladesh, Tour rookie Nathan Holman (70) of Australia, Thailand’s Arnond Vongvanij (70) and home heroes Antonio Lascuna (70) and Jay Bayron (72) finished two shots back for tied second on 284.
Overnight leader Chan Kim of the United States battled tooth-and-nail for his first Asian Tour victory before settling for a share of 10th place following a round of 76 at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.
Both was almost reduced to tears after winning his third Asian Tour title and ending a five-year title drought on the region’s premier Tour. The victory was even sweeter as the Australian lost his playing rights last year and had to rely on a sponsor’s invite this week.
“It was an emotional year on and off the golf course after I lost my Tour card. I had to return to Qualifying School earlier this year and I missed the cut by one shot. It was so bad that I even thought of quitting the game,” said the 34-year-old Both, who won US$54,000.
“Words can’t describe how it feels from being an invite to a winner this week. I have to thank ICTSI and the Asian Tour for giving me the invite. To come away with the trophy is amazing. I’m a bit lost for words,” he added.
2014 Philippine Open Results