In a dramatic double playoff against Frankie Minoza, Boonchu Ruangkit came through to snatch the Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters trophy for his maiden European Senior Tour title yesterday.
Both men who were overnight leaders and tied at fourteen under par on the final day of the competition and the championship had to be settled in a playoff.
Thailand’s Ruangkit appeared to have the upper hand when his approach shot landed ideally on the green for an easy putt. However, Ruangkit couldn’t seal the win when he missed the putt and was forced to play another playoff against Minoza.
In the next playoff, Ruangkit managed to seal the championship with a easy putt when Minoza’s approach shot come up a little short of the green. Ruangkit won with a par at the second extra hole after both men parred the first.
In an interview, the champion said, “I am very happy to have won my first Senior Tour Title and it’s especially meaningful to win here because I nearly won the Brunei Open last year.”
HRH the Crown Prince in a group photo with senior government officials, the organising committee and the winner. Photos: Jason Leong
About the playoff, he said, “The wind nearly cost me the title. My shot in the first playoff went slightly wide following a gust of wind. But then in the second playoff, I managed to hold on to my nerve to seal the win when Frankie Minoza missed his putt.”
The easy going Thai veteran golfer jokingly said, “I felt sorry that Frankie missed the ball and the crucial miss helped me win.”
Ruangkit pocketed US$60,000 as the champion of the Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters.
Philippines’ Minoza who was aiming for his maiden win of the Tour in his rookie year said, “I am happy that I finished second today, I wasn’t hitting the ball well today but my score was good.
“Boonchu was leading all the way from the first day of the competition. I was lucky to rally back in the end to force a playoff. Boonchu deserves to be the winner today.”
Minoza reassured that the rivalry between him and Ruangkit will continue on in other tournaments until one of them stops playing golf.
Speaking on coming back here next year, he said, “I definitely will come back next year for Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters but I am not sure about the Brunei Open this year because I have another tournament at the same date.”
Chris William of South Africa came in third place three shots behind the leader after a disappointing finish in the last few holes.
The South African said in an interview, “I played pretty good today but at the last four holes I didn’t turn in the putt that really counted.
“At the end of the 15th Hole, I had a six-footed putt that didn’t go in and it was a very important putt to close in on Boonchu and Frankie. I did hit a great putter on the 16th Hole but it didn’t go in and just hanged on to the edge. And the putt at the last hole really didn’t make any difference.
“I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t win. In this game you have to grab your chances when it comes and I didn’t. But I know that those two guys are very good players who grew up at this kind of weather and are familiar with the environment.”
He also said, “I would love to come back here again next year to get another shot at the title. I enjoy playing in Asia for long time and it’s a good place for me to play golf.”
The defending champion Mike Cunning came in four under par after the final round and was ten shots adrift from the leader.
He said after his round, “I did good and bad today, I had a pretty good start but a double on seven just killed the momentum. And then nothing happened. I had some poor shots in the end. That is golf and next week is another week. I hope to come back again next year to give it another shot.”
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office presented the trophy to Boonchu Ruangkit.
Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed, CEO of Brunei Tourism in his welcoming remark lauded the success of the Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters hosted here for the second consecutive year. The event was telecast on ESPN and Star Sports to homes of millions of people.
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