Thailand’s Tanapat Pichaikool celebrated his 25th birthday in style, clinching his second Asian Development Tour (ADT) title of the year at the Toyota Tour Championship on Sunday.
Pichaikool closed with a two-under-par 70 to finish 17-under-par, narrowly edging out fellow Thai Sarut Vongchaisit by one stroke at the RM400,000 event, co-sanctioned by the domestic Toyota Tour.
“It’s the best birthday gift I could ask for, even though it was a tough day out there,” said Pichaikool, who faced challenges throughout the final round.
“I had a few unconfident tee shots and missed putts, but I focused on staying in the moment and putting myself in a position to win. I’m thrilled it worked out.”
With this victory, Pichaikool earned USD 15,659.96, bringing his season total to USD 48,802.70 and solidifying his third-place standing on the ADT Order of Merit. He now sets his sights on overtaking Rahil Gangjee and Ahmad Baig at the top of the rankings in the season’s final event next week at the Aramco Invitational in Saudi Arabia.
“To have a chance at winning the Order of Merit is something every player dreams of,” Pichaikool added. “Next week will be a big one, so let’s see what happens.”
Vongchaisit, who finished with a one-under-par 71, remained positive despite narrowly missing out on his first professional title.
“It’s the first time I’ve been in contention like this until the very end, so it was a fun round,” said Vongchaisit.
The 24-year-old, who turned professional two years ago, sees his solo second-place finish as a valuable learning experience.
“I gained so much from being in this kind of pressure situation—chasing the lead and staying in the hunt. Hopefully, next time it’ll be a win on any tour.”
Opening round leader Ben Jones delivered a final-round 68 to climb back up the leaderboard and finish third at 14-under-par. Four players shared fourth place on 12-under-par.
Malaysia’s Edven Ying finished as the best-placed Malaysian player, closing with an impressive four-under-par 68 to tie for eight at 11-under-par.
“I’m happy with the way I pushed through despite the ups and downs,” said Ying, who tallied five birdies against one bogey.
“The past six months have been good, but I’m always striving for improvement and looking forward to what’s next.”
Final Round Scores
Top 10 & Ties
271 (-17) Tanapat Pichaikool (THA) 67-67-67-70
272 (-16) Sarut Vongchaisit (THA) 70-65-66-71
274 (-14) Ben Jones (ENG) 66-70-70-68
276 (-12) Tawit Polthai (THA) 70-68-68-70, Matt Killen (ENG) 71-67-68-70, Ayoub Lguirati (MAR) 69-71-66-70, Witchayanon Chothirunrungrueng (THA) 73-66-66-71
277 (-11) Aman Raj (IND) 71-71-67-68, Edven Ying (MAS) 68-71-70-68, Nirun Sae-ueng (THA) 69-66-73-69, Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (THA) 68-68-70-71
