Last hole birdie lifts Crane to CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia title
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American Ben Crane holed a pressure-packed eight foot birdie putt at the last hole to lift the inaugural CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia title by one stroke on Sunday.
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Ben Crane. |
The overnight leader battled to a two-under-par 69 to edge a fast-finishing Brian Davis of England, who fired a sizzling 66 which included an eagle and two birdies in his last three holes at the Mines Resort and Golf Club.
England's Luke Donald, who shared the lead until a costly triple bogey on nine, tied for third with Scotland's Martin Laird, a further stroke back, while Singapore's Mardan Mamat picked up his biggest career cheque by finishing tied fifth on his 43rd birthday.
Three-time Major winner Ernie Els of South Africa stormed home with four closing birdies for a 66 to also finish tied fifth alongside Australia's Robert Allenby and American trio D.J. Trahan, Rickie Fowler and Ryan Moore.
The 36-year-old Crane turned in 33 to open up a comfortable three-shot lead but wobbled from the 12th hole with three straight bogeys. With Davis finishing strongly, Crane regained his composure by hitting the green with a mighty drive on the short par four 15th hole for an eagle from seven feet.
CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia Rd 4 report, resultsTied for the lead with one to play, Crane held his nerve to produce a winning birdie at the 72nd hole and pocketed a cool US$1 million in the first ever event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGA Tour.
"This has been a really special week, from the time we arrived till now. I had a great opportunity with that putt (on 18) which I'll always remember. I was so nervous and I was just praying. I just wanted to hit a good putt and to see it go into the hole, it felt so good," said Crane, who ended the week on 18-under-par 266.
"I just regrouped (after 12) and didn't get ahead of myself. I knew I was still in the tournament. I hit an unbelievable shot on 15 with my driver and that kind of turned things around. It was an exciting turnaround. That was an unbelievable finish," said Crane, who has won three previous PGA Tour title.
Davis had the large galleries by the edge of their seats with a glorious finish. The Englishman, the last man to get into the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia, could only tip his cap to the champion at the end of the day.
