Kiradech Aphibarnrat won his fourth European Tour title after a 2 & 1 victory over James Nitties in the final of the ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth.
The Thai golfer only entered this event seven days ago, and arrived not having played any practice rounds at Karrinyup Country Club.
He needed four trips up the 18th in a playoff on Saturday night to claim the last of the 24 spots in the Super 6, and then had to come through five rounds of matchplay and 35 holes on Sunday.
After wins over Ben Eccles, Yusaku Miyazato, Sean Crocker and Lucas Herbert, he produced one final push to beat Australian Nitties and move back into the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
The victory is the 28-year-old’s second in a matchplay event after his win at the 2015 Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play.
‘It’s just been an awesome week,’ he said. ‘I don’t know how to explain, but I’m so happy.
‘I’m working so hard. The last few months, I’ve been getting really close and finally, I’ve done it.
‘It means a lot. When you focus on something, you try this hard, then I kept finishing second and then I’m not giving up. I’m trying so hard until I get it.
‘It’s really tough to get in the last 24. It’s been tough every single match that I play in.
‘James is playing so good but he’s just unlucky at the end.’
South Africa’s Zander Lombard was knocked out at the first stage of the playoff, losing 3 & 2 to Yikeun Chang, who would go on to lose to Brad Kennedy in the next phase.
