SERI KEMBANGAN: Hopes of seeing a local golfer lifting the IRS Prima Malaysian Open trophy for the first time in the tournament failed to materialise today.
Khavish Varadan, who ended the second round as joint leader, carded three-under 68 to finish the tournament tied-13th on a four-day 15-under 269 at The Mines Resort and Golf Club.
Ervin Chang, who managed a commendable nine-under 62 in the second round, had a disappointing final day which saw him carding two-over 73 to place joint-52nd (274).
Kim Leun Kwang shot two-under 68 to end his campaign joint-57th (275).
Khavish, playing in his first tournament as a professional, admitted it was not the finish he was hoping for but is maintaining a positive outlook.
"In my own words it (today) was ugly for me. I was hitting the ball terribly and was just trying to get to the end," said Khavish.
"But overall, I think it will still a decent tournament for me. It was good to be in contention and it is just a matter of time before I start playing really good golf again.
"I think my game is there, even when I was playing really badly over the last two days, I could still manage the score.
"You are defined as a golfer from your bad shots and my bad shots were okay. I hit the ball really poorly and still managed three-under today which is okay for me."
Ervin said he could not make the most of the chances he created in the final round.
"I started off okay but I just couldn't get anything going like yesterday. I thought I could come back even-par today. I had a lot of opportunities," said Ervin.
"The whole experience this week was nice, it was good to play in my own national open.
"I wish I could have done better, but that's golf. It is frustrating but I am looking forward to the next event in Oman."
Khavish took home US$12,777 for his efforts while Ervin and Leun Kwang pocketed US$3,960 and US$3,300 for their efforts.
A total of 30 Malaysian players started the tournament on Thursday, but only three made the cut for the weekend.
The Asian Tour will next head to the Middle East for the International Series Oman on Feb 22-25.