Chonburi, Thailand, December 14: David Lipsky of the United States was crowned the 2014 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion as his closest challenger Anirban Lahiri failed to narrow the gap at the Thailand Golf Championship on Sunday.
The Korean-American waited anxiously at the clubhouse after he stumbled to a final round three-over-par 75 to finish in tied 38th position as Lahiri contended at the US$1 million Asian Tour event.
The talented Indian needed at least a top-four result at the Thailand Golf Championship to extend the Order of Merit race to next week’s Dubai Open but fell short of his target when he settled for tied sixth following a 73.
Lipsky was delighted to end a successful year on a high note in a season where he became the first Asian Tour member to win at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland in September. He also enjoyed four other top-10 results including a second place finish at The Championship in Singapore in May.
He sits atop the summit with earnings US$713,901 while Lahiri is currently in second place with earnings of US$602,833. Prom Meesawat of Thailand is placed third with winnings of US$527,921.
Lipsky tipped his cap to Lahiri, who pushed him to the limits in the Order of Merit race.
“Hats off to Anirban because he has played phenomenal this year and I know he is tired after playing in so many events It was a good fight with Anirban towards the end,” said Lipsky.
Lahiri was gracious in defeat but vowed to come back a stronger and better player. “I’ll be back and winning the Order of Merit is definitely one of those things I want to do in my career.
“Lipsky and I both fought and battled it out really hard. It is a huge thing for David to win the Order of Merit after becoming the first Asian Tour member to win at the Omega European Masters. He deserves everything he will get for winning the Order of Merit,” said Lahiri.
