SERI KEMBANGAN: After a brief blip in form on Friday, Spaniard David Puig made it count when it mattered to clinch the IRS Prima Malaysian Open golf title at The Mines Resort and Golf Club today.
He was close to flawless on the final day as he reeled off birdie after birdie to card nine-under 62 for the second day in a row to emerge the champion on a four-day 23-under 261.
South Korea's Wang Jeung-hun, who shot 10-under 61 today, settled for second overall on 263 while Thailand's Denwit Boriboonsub and United States' John Catlin were tied-third (264).
Australian Kevin Yuan (265) rounded out the top-five while Thailand's Atiruj Winaicharoenchai was sixth (266).
Third round leader Jared Du Toit (Canada) and Australian Deyen Lawson ended the tournament tied-seventh (267).
It was Puig's second Asian Tour victory after winning the International Series Singapore title in October.
He started his Malaysian Open campaign with a decent five-under 66 on Thursday, but could only manage an even-par 71 on Friday before coming back strong over the weekend.
In addition to bagging the US$180,000 prize cheque, Puig also secured one of three qualifying spots for The Open, which will be held at Royal Troon on July 14-21.
Jeung-hun and Denwit took the other two slots.
Puig was visibly delighted with his win.
"I feel great and very happy that I won here in Malaysia and also got that spot for The Open," he said at the post tournament presser.
"Especially after those first two days, they were not that good. I was pretty far behind but I am glad I got it done. The puts were not going in (on first two days) and I hit a few bad tee shots, but I just kept a positive outlook.
"It also means a lot to me (to get into The Open). As a Spanish kid, we look forward to play the majors, but The Open is the big one in Europe. All the big names played there."
Puig, who had never played in Malaysia prior to this, added that he enjoys the food and beautiful scenery here though he finds the weather "a little hot".
Khavish Varadan, who was joint-leader after the second round, finished the tournament as the best Malaysian in joint-13th (269).
Ervin Chang was tied-52nd (274) while Kim Leun Kwang was tied-57th (275).