Maiden Win

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Xiao triumphs in playoff for breakthrough win at Asian Golf Championship

China’s Bowen Xiao lifted his first professional win after prevailing on the second extra hole in a playoff against Australian Bryden Macpherson at the US$350,000 KG S&H CITY Asian Golf Championship.

The 27-year-old Xiao, who joined the play-for-pay ranks in 2012, held a three-shot lead after 14 holes but three bogeys in his closing four holes saw him sign for a two-over-par 74, which forced him to go the distance with Macpherson, who ended his campaign with a 69.

The duo were tied on three-under-par 285 total in regulation play at the Kaikou Golf Club’s West course. Xiao missed a five-footer for birdie on the first playoff hole held on the 440-yard par-four 18 to settle for par alongside Macpherson.

He redeemed himself by making a four-footer birdie putt in his second attempt on the same playoff hole to seal the victory while the 27-year-old Macpherson, who needed to claim the title to win the China Tour Order of Merit crown, bowed out with a par.

Xiao, who is playing in his Asian Tour debut this week, took home a winner’s cheque of US$63,000 and earned a one-year exemption on the Asian Tour following his victory.

Xiao said, “When I started making bogeys on 15 and 16, I got nervous because I only had a one-shot lead. The four-feet bogey putt on the par-four 18th was the highlight for me today as it ensured my place in the play-off.

“When I knew I got into the play-off, I felt really relieved. I thought it doesn’t matter if I lose or win because I am already very happy with how I played. I was quite composed heading into the play-off so I guess that helped.”

Rising star Liu Yan-wei of China marked his best result on the Asian Tour after closing with a 71 to settle one shot back in third place on his own.

Australian Maverick Antcliff returned with the day’s best score of a 66 to share fourth place on 287 alongside countryman and overnight leader Marcus Both (77), as well as Callum Tarren (74) of England.

Final Scores

• 285 - Bowen XIAO (CHN) 71-67-73-74, Bryden MACPHERSON (AUS) 74-70-72-69.
• 286 - LIU Yan-wei (CHN) 69-74-72-71.
• 287 - Maverick ANTCLIFF (AUS) 74-72-75-66, Callum TARREN (ENG) 69-74-70-74, Marcus BOTH (AUS) 72-69-69-77.
• 288 - Sunil JUNG (CAN) 74-74-69-71, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 68-71-74-75.
• 289 - Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 73-72-72-72.
• 290 - HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 69-78-72-71.
• 291 - LEE Chieh-po (TPE) 71-75-73-72, HAK Shun Yat (HKG) 73-75-71-72, Peradol PANYATHANASEDH (THA) 74-75-69-73.
• 292 - Mathew WEBB (ENG) 73-75-73-71, LIN Wen-tang (TPE) 73-75-72-72.
• 293 - CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 74-72-75-72.
• 294 - Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 76-76-72-70, LI Xin-yang (CHN) 71-77-75-71, Teemu PUTKONEN (FIN) 69-78-73-74.

Bowen Xiao (Chn) – Final Round 74 (+2), Total 285 (-3)

When I started making bogeys on 15 and 16, I got nervous because I only had a one-shot lead. The four-feet bogey putt on the par-four 18th was the highlight for me today as it ensured my place in the play-off.

When I knew I got into the play-off, I felt really relieved. I thought it doesn’t matter if I lose or win because I am already very happy with how I played. I was quite composed heading into the play-off so I guess that helped.

I am really honoured to be the third player from China to win on the Asian Tour. I don’t dare to compare myself against former Asian Tour winners Liang Wen-chong and Zhang Lian-wei because I have not achieved as much as they did for golf in China.

I started playing golf in 2008 and turned professional in 2012. This is my very first professional win and it means the world to me. I enjoyed playing against the Asian Tour players in my first Asian Tour event this week so I am looking forward to playing on the Asian Tour again.

It’s great to win a one-year exemption on the Asian Tour. I am going to go back and have a think through on my schedule for next year. I will also ask my friends on the Asian Tour for some advices as well. Tiger Woods is my idol. It’s great to see him making a comeback this week.

I have been waking up early to watch him play this week. I have always liked the way he plays. I guess I am more or less inspired by him this week.

Before winning today, I have imagined countless times how my first victory will be liked. It was never the way it turned out today. I am actually feeling really emotional inside. I have a lot of people to thank for. It hasn’t been easy but I am glad I managed to get the job done this week.