Svensson outduels Kiradech in play-off
SINGAPORE: Jesper Svensson finally shed his bridesmaid’s tag by prevailing over Kiradech Aphibarnrat in a thrilling three-hole play-off battle to win the Singapore Classic yesterday.
After being denied grandstand finishes on several occasions on the Challenge Tour and DP World Tour in the last year, Svensson was ecstatic he could finally break into the winner’s circle on his maiden trip to Singapore.
“Combined with Challenge Tour last year and the beginning of this season I’ve had five second-place spots in the last year. I really wanted to come out on top here,” said the 28-year-old Swede.
“It’s very hard to win, so it’s really nice to finally come out on top.”
During regulation play, Svensson started his final round five shots off the lead. But he stormed quickly to the turn in 30 before closing with an inward 33 to match the course record of nineunder-par 63.
The contest, however, was forced into sudden death after Thailand’s Kiradech sensationally sunk his eagle putt from 15 feet at the last to match Svensson’s four-day total of 17-under 271.
Both players birdied and parred the first and second play-off holes, respectively. But it was Svensson who eventually triumphed with a par after Kiradech bogeyed the third play-off hole.
Kiradech, 34, conceded fatigue had likely cost him the title but was pleased with his runner-up finish.
“It was a good fight. I did everything I could to put myself in a good position. The eagle at the last got me into the play-off. Jesper really put me under pressure there and he’s a worthy winner,” he said.
“My energy levels were quite low, especially in the heat. Having said that, my ball striking has been insane this week and I feel like I’m getting back to my best,” added Kiradech, who was seeking to end his six-year winless drought this week.
LEADING FINAL ROUND SCORES (par-72)
271 — Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 64-72-71-64,
Jesper Svensson (SWE) 68-73-67-63 — Svensson won in the third play-off hole with a par
272 — Sam Bairstow (ENG) 68-68-68-68
273 — Andy Sullivan (ENG) 72-63-69-69
274 — Matthieu Pavon (FRA) 68-68-71-67
275 — Paul Casey (ENG) 68-70-68-69
276 — David Micheluzzi (AUS) 67-70-66-73, Shubhankar Sharma (IND) 68-69-68-71, Alejandro Del Rey (ESP) 72-71-65-68, Rhys Enoch (WAL) 70-72-67-67