Published July 17, 2008 on April 21, 2018

Sukree and Aretha Win Sime Darby Closed Championship

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Sukree Othman won his eighth Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour title at the Sime Darby Closed Championship, while Aretha Pan made it her maiden pro victory.

This was Sukree’s second win of the year, after his triumph in the season-opener at the Perlis Closed in January.

For her part, Aretha dedicated her win at Impian Golf & Country Club in Kajang, Selangor to her father, Robert, whose birthday is on Tuesday (April 24) and said she was “very happy”.

They both won with three-stroke victory margins.

Sukree shot a fourth and final round four-under 68 for an 11-under-par 277 total. That superb effort came on the back of even-par 72s in the first and third rounds and a second day 65, as he turned on the style and made his presence felt.

Mohd Nazri Mohd Zain had a final day two-under 70 that propelled him to second place as he signed for a 280 total.

Overnight leader Hans Jamil stumbled to two-over 74 and finished joint third alongside Wafiyuddin Abd Manaf, who returned with a fourth round 71 and seven-under 281 total.

Kim Leun Kwang was alone in fifth spot, another shot back on 282, while Solomon Rosidin’s 73 left him a tie for sixth with Shahriffuddin Ariffin – the PGM Tour Player of the Year had a first round 74 that really ruined his chances of victory, although final round 69 did earn him a top-10 finish that could be considered a decent recovery.

Sukree was understandably pleased with his week at Impian and said: “In the second round and today I played well. I hit the ball solid and made some putts, while on the first day and yesterday I just managed to keep it together and try and stay in touch at the top (of the standings).

“In the end, it all worked out alright and I’m pleased to make it two wins so far this season,” added Sukree, who picked up a cheque for RM34,000.

Meanwhile, Aretha, who earned RM11,000 for her win, said she was delighted that after a number attempts to land her first victory she finally did and added that it “couldn’t have come at a better time” as her father celebrates his birthday on Tuesday.

“This is really very nice. I injured my right wrist which restricted my game and practice, before returning to almost full fitness. It’s not completely healed, but it’s a lot better now,” said Aretha.

“So far as the win goes,” she added “that’s because of my short game and putting. I’ve put extra practice into my short game and putting, partly because of the injury and it paid off here.

“I’m very happy and I hope I can build on this victory and get my game to improve even further,” added Aretha, who will leave on Monday (April 23) for five events before returning home.

She will first compete in China and then travel to Hong Kong and Taiwan. Aretha will round off her trip with two more tournaments in China.

Nur Durriyah Damian, who won the first three women’s events on this season’s PGM Tour, finished tied second with amateur player Norezrina Alisa. They had matching six-over 294 totals. In fourth place was Michelle Koh, another five shots back.

 

Leading Final Scores – Men

1      277  -11   Sukree Othman  72-65-72-68

2      280  -8    Mohd Nazri Mohd Zain  67-71-72-70

3      280  -7    Hans Jamil  68-71-68-74

3      281  -7    Wafiyuddin Abd Manaf  69-68-73-71

5      282  -6    Kim Leun Kwang  73-73-69-67

6      283  -5    Solomon Rosidin  69-70-71-73

6      283  -5    Shahriffuddin Ariffin  74-69-71-69

8      284  -4    S. Sivachandhran  69-69-72-74

9      285  -3    Arie Irawan  73-71-70-71

9      285  -3    Wilson Choo  77-69-72-67

11    286  -2    R. Nachimuthu  72-71-72-71

11    286  -2    M. Sasidaran  73-70-72-71

11    286  -2    Zurie Harun  73-71-74-68

14    287  -1    Alex Tiong  75-72-69-71

15    289  +1    Amli Mohiyadeen  72-70-72-75

15    289  +1    Kenneth De Silva  74-69-72-74

15    289  +1    Rizal Amin  69-76-73-71

18    291  +3    Iylia Jamil  72-75-71-73

18    291  +3    Brandon Lau Ka Kin  71-73-75-72

18    291  +3    Amir Nazrin Jailani  72-79-68-72

 

Leading Final Scores – Women

1      291 +3    Aretha Pan  70-76-71-74

2      294 +6    Nur Durriyah Damian  73-74-75-72

2      294 +6    Norezrina Alisa (A)  71-76-71-76

4      299 +11  Michelle Koh  79-72-73-75