Catlin wins thriller at Sarawak Championship

Indian quartet Chikkarangappa S, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Ajeetesh Sandhu, Himmat Rai finishes at T11. John Catlin wins the Sarawak Championship.

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John Catlin wins Sarawak Championship

July 07, 2018: John Catlin of the United States sank a clutch birdie putt on the last hole to win his second Asian Tour title in a thrilling final round at the US$300,000 Sarawak Championship on Saturday.

The 27-year-old held his nerve before rolling in a five-foot putt on the par-four 18th hole to edge his closest challengers Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand, Danthai Boonma and Paul Peterson of the United States by a single shot at the Damai Golf and Country Club.

There was very little breathing space for Catlin in the final round but he eventually prevailed after returning with a bogey-free six-under-par 66 for a 22-under-par 266 total in the inaugural Asian Tour event.

Indian quartet Chikkarangappa S, Himmat Rai, Ajeetesh Sandhu and Gaganjeet Bhullar finished at fifteen-under 273 total to tie for elevent place, sharing with Australia’s Maverick. Chikkarangappa played his brilliant round of golf with flawless six-under par 66.

A fast charging Jazz birdied 16 and eagled 17 for a superb 64 to set the clubhouse target on 21-under before settling for second place with countryman Danthai (66) and overnight leader Peterson, who also birdied the last to finish with a 68.

With Jazz safely in the clubhouse, the Sarawak Championship looked likely to enter extra time before Catlin stepped up to sink the crucial putt under immense pressure.

Jazz failed to win back-to-back titles but the result will give him and Danthai the much needed confidence ahead of their Major debut at The Open in two weeks.

The 30-year-old Peterson was disappointed not to win the Sarawak Championship where he held the lead since the opening round. He piled the pressure on Catlin with a cool birdie finish on the last but eventually settled for second place.

 

Asian Tour Release

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