• Malaysian Open, Round Four

Harrington fades as Aphibarnrat wins in Malaysia

ESPN staff
March 24, 2013
Kiradech Aphibarnrat held his nerve in Kuala Lumpur © AP
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Malaysian Open leaderboard

Edoardo Molinari narrowly missed out and Padraig Harrington faded as Kiradech Aphibarnrat held his nerve for a maiden European Tour title at the Malaysian Open.

England's Luke Donald had already exited the competition when he missed the cut earlier in the week, at an event that was reduced to 54 holes on account of thunderstorms that had affected the opening three days.

There were more disruptions on Sunday, with Aphibarnrat halted just as he teed off on his 16th hole. At that stage he led by a solitary stroke from Molinari, but maintained his focus to claim a birdie upon resumption that effectively sealed the title.

Leading by two at the 18th he was able to take six at the 634-yard par-five to finish on 13-under, meaning Molinari was edged into second by one stroke.

"This means a lot to me," Aphibarnrat said. "I had been struggling a lot after getting sick with my thyroid, but I fought and worked hard with my dad and my coach to have today.

"The 18th hole I've played 10 times before, but today it was the toughest hole I have ever played, even though I could make six to win."

Anders Hansen finished third on 11-under, with Victor Dubuisson of France and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa joint-fourth.

Harrington had threatened victory at one stage, eagling the third and adding three birdies in a fine start to the round. However, three successive bogeys on the back nine ended his challenge, eventually settling for a sixth-place finish.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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