PADRAIG Harrington completed a stylish victory with a closing three-under 69 at the US$1.25 million (RM3.9 million) Iskandar Johor Open to comfortably snap a two-year winless streak yesterday.
The three-time major winner, who held an overnight five-shot lead, was never threatened by the chasing pack at the Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club as he returned to the winner's circle for the first time since lifting the US PGA Championship in 2008.
His winning score of 20-under 268, worth US$198,125, was three shots clear of second-placed Noh Seung Yul of Korea, who stretched his lead on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit with his runner-up cheque of US$135,625 after a superb 65.
Taiwan's Lin Wen-tang finished third, four back, after a 68 while Singaporean Mardan Mamat was fourth following a 68 as well. Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand and Australian Scott Barr shared fifth place on 274.
It was Harrington's third title on the Asian Tour following wins in Taiwan and Hong Kong previously.
"Two years is a long time, especially when you're reminded most weeks you play.
"It's nice and very important for me to win. It's somewhat a monkey off your back," said the Irishman, who held at least a share of the lead for the first three rounds.
"Winning is a habit. Every time you win, it is important but when you haven't won for a while it does add a bit more emphasis to it. It makes it all the more memorable."
Showing no ill effects of a neck injury which almost forced him out of the third round, the 39-year-old, making his debut in the event, tightened his grip with three straight birdies from the second hole on a day when conditions were ideal for low scoring following an early thunderstorm which delayed play for two hours.
Seung Yul and Kiradech, touted as the future of Asian golf, fought brilliantly and got to within four strokes of Harrington with matching birdies on 11. But the Irish star shifted into fifth gear with birdies on 11, 13 and 14 to lead by seven. Two bogeys over his closing three holes mattered little in the end for the new champion.
Last year's champion K.J. Choi of Korea finished tied eighth while Europe's victorious Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie of Scotland finished equal 11th on 278. Retief Goosen of South Africa, winner of the Iskandar Johor Open in 2008, was a further shot back in joint 14th position.
Leading final scores: 268 Padraig Harrington (Irl) 64-67-68-69; 271 Noh Seung Yul (Kor) 66-69-71-65; 272 Lin Wen-tang (Tai) 67-65-72-68; 273 Mardan Mamat (Sin) 68-67-70-68; 274 Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha) 64-73-69-68, Scott Barr (Aus) 67-70-71-66; 275 Chawalit Plaphol (Tha) 71-67-71-66; 277 Thaworn Wiratchant (Tha) 67-71-71-68, K.J. Choi (Kor) 70-70-69-68, Lee Sung (Kor) 66-68-76-67; 278 Colin Montgomerie (Sco) 70-71-68-69, Kwanchai Tannin (Tha) 69-70-71-68, Pariya Junhasavasdikul (Tha) 70-72-69-67.
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