Kiradech Aphibarnrat wins play-off to end Li Haotong's dream at Shenzhen International
Thai ace pockets 'the best putt of his life' to end Chinese teenager's challenge at European-sanctioned tournament at Genzon
Overnight leader Kiradech Aphibarnrat fought back from two shots down with two holes to play yesterday to win the inaugural Shenzhen International in a dramatic play-off and end teenager Li Haotong's dream of a maiden European Tour victory.
China's number one Li, aged just 19 and a four-time winner on the PGA China Tour last year, put in a sparkling closing round of five-under 67 on home soil at Genzon Golf Club to take the clubhouse lead on 12 under par.
But Kiradech, who had struggled on the greens all day, found his putting touch when it mattered and sank a 20-footer for eagle on the par-five 17th to share the lead.
Special word for my caddie. He said wait for the last two holes, find the fairways and we'll have our chance. It proved right and we got the job done
The burly Thai had a chance to win outright on the 18th but his birdie attempt from 12 feet slid past the right of the cup and he signed for a level-par 72 and a total of 276, also 12-under par.
The pair went head-to-head back up the 18th and Kiradech was faced with the exact same putt again for victory as crowd favourite Li missed his own long birdie attempt.
"That was the best putt I ever made in my life," said an emotional Kiradech straight after clinching victory.
"Special word for my caddie. He said wait for the last two holes, find the fairways and we'll have our chance.