Japan Tour: Home comfort for Prayad Marksaeng

Prayad Marksaeng ended Thailand’s nine-year wait for a local golfer’s victory in their national championship before celebrating it by jumping into the lake adjoining the 18th hole.

Trailing overnight leader Lucas Lee of Brazil by three shots, the 47-year-old Thai signed off with a sparkling eight-under-par 64 at the Thana City Golf & Sports Club to win the Thailand Open title at 24- under-par 264.

“Yes I cried a bit. . . I am happy the King’s Trophy will stay in Thailand,” said Prayad, who became only the third Thai to win the tournament after Boonchu Ruangkit (2004, 1992) and Suthep Meesawat (1991).

Australian Scott Strange (67) pushed Prayad but finished two strokes behind, while his countryman Nick Cullen (65) ended a shot further back at third in the event co-sanctioned by the Japan Golf Tour Organisation and OneAsia.

Thai-based Scot Simon Yates was among six players who tied for fourth on 268 after he closed with a 69.