Nitithorn claims crown in thrilling conclusion

Phachara shares 2nd place in Singapore

Singapore: Nitithorn Thippong triumphed in the inaugural International Series Singapore yesterday after one of the most dramatic finishes seen on the Asian Tour.

After holing a brilliant pressure-packed 15-foot par saving putt on the par-five 18th to take the clubhouse lead on 16 under, Nitithorn, playing in the penultimate group, then had to wait and see if anyone in the last group — consisting of Malaysian Gavin Green, Taiwan’s Chan Shih-chang and Thai compatriot Phachara Khongwatmai — could catch him.

It proved to be a much longer wait then expected as the last group were forced off the 18th hole for 40 minutes because of lightning, with Chan on 16 under and Green one back.

When the action resumed Chan, who just before the weather delay had found water with his tee shot, made a double bogey…