General / Editor / 18 March 2007 /

Thailand's Chapchai Nirat held his nerve in the final round to claim a maiden tour title at the TCL Classic in Sanya, China.

The 23-year-old, whose course record in the first round shot him to prominence, led by five going into the final round and sealed a three-stroke victory with a one-under-par 71 to finish on 22 under.

Argentine Rafael Echenique finished second on 19 under after a round of 68.

Fellow Thai Prayad Marksaeng finished third after a round of 67, while Briton James Heath and Australian Simon Nash shared fourth with Lee Westwood back in joint ninth position.

Nick Dougherty, who threw away his chance of victory in Malaysia last week, finished a shot further back on 11 under par while Ireland's Paul McGinley produced a final-round 68 to leap to nine under par.

Nirat, who gains a card on the European Tour for the next two years after winning the Asian Tour co-sanctioned event, was pleased with the way he held his nerve.

"There was a lot of pressure, but I talked to my caddie and the plan was to just keep playing at the same level as the first three days," said Nirat.

"I was feeling serious because on the back nine Rafael was getting close, so I didn't want to make mistakes. At the finish I was very happy."

The leading European Tour players will now travel to Florida for next week's WGC Championships while the remainder have the option of playing in the Madeira island Open event, which also starts on Thursday.
Check Betfair's Golf markets for tournament odds on both events.

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