THAI ACE MAKES TOUR TITLE BREAKTHROUGH

THAI ACE MAKES TOUR TITLE BREAKTHROUGH

Published Oct. 19, 2010 10:17 a.m. ET

Thailand's Pariya Junhasavasdikul edged out Bangladeshi rival Siddikur in a play-off to land his first Asian Tour title at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters.

Starting the day one shot behind Siddikur, the 26-year-old carded a two-over 74 to finish level with the overnight leader on two under par after the latter could only manage a 75 in windy conditions.

A par at the first extra hole - the 18th - then sealed a maiden triumph for Pariya.

''I didn't expect to win but now that I have it is great,'' he said.

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''I came here with a goal to finish in the top 10 but to win here is just unbelievable. It opens a lot of doors for me but Asia is my home and I'll always play here.

''I tried not to look at the results but I couldn't help myself on the back nine. I knew I was neck-to-neck with Siddikur and I'm lucky things went my way.''

Siddikur saw his bid for a second career title derailed by four bogeys as he could only muster one birdie over his final 18 holes.

''It is disappointing not to win but second position is a good finish for me. The best man always wins and I guess this week wasn't my week,'' he said.

Lu Wei-chih finished third one stroke back after a bogey at the last saw the Taiwan golfer miss out on the play-off as he closed with a 71.

''I tried my best to play and make a challenge for the title but the 18th hole really let me down. This course is so challenging and the pin on the last hole was tucked in a very difficult position,'' Lu said.

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