Torrance's strong finish fails to halt Ruangkit

SAM Torrance produced the lowest score of the day but was unable to stop Thailand's Boonchu Ruangkit continuing the trend of first-time winners on the 2010 European Senior Tour schedule with his maiden victory at The Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters presented by The Stapleford Forum.

Former Ryder Cup captain Torrance, a regular winner in Seniors events, shot a 65 to finish alongside American Jerry Bruner in a tie for fifth place on seven under par.

However, the day belonged to Ruangkit. Following Englishman Kevin Spurgeon's maiden victory at the season-opening Mauritius Commercial Bank Open, Ruangkit entered the winner's enclosure on a day of high drama at The Empire Hotel and Country Club in Brunei. After the Thai player and joint overnight leader Frankie Minoza of the Philippines – also seeking his maiden Senior Tour debut – had both signed for rounds of 66 to finish level on 14 under par, Ruangkit must have feared history was about to repeat itself.

At the same venue a year previously, Ruangkit had lost out in a play-off at the Brunei Open on the Asian Tour.

However, on this occasion, the 53-year-old held his nerve to see off Minoza at the second extra hole and collect the 44,332 first prize.

A round of 68 saw South African Chris Williams finish in a tie for third place on 11 under par, with Roger Chapman a further two shots back on nine under after the Englishman compiled a final round of 66.