Zimbabwean Kieran Vincent won his first Asian Tour title after grabbing six birdies on the final day of the International Series Vietnam on Sunday.
The 25-year-old rising star, in only his second year of professional play, started in fourth position before battling against the odds at the Cam Ranh seaside resort to win $360,000 prize money, carding a six-under-par 66.
A playoff threatened when Vincent shared the lead with India’s Anirban Lahiri from the 14th hole, until his decisive birdie at the final hole secured the win.
Lahiri enjoyed a bogey-free day with eight birdies, but lacked the magic touch to beat the young contender on the home stretch, only carding par on the last four holes, before finishing eight under par on 64.
“I’m just very thankful that I went in at the right time when I needed it,” said Vincent. “I was just lucky enough to keep giving myself opportunities.”
While Australian Kevin Yuan performed impressively, carding a four-under-par 68, his failure to score a birdie in the final hole saw his chance of a playoff with Vincent disappear, and with it his hopes of a win.
And despite leading after the third round on Saturday, Japan’s Takumi Kanaya experienced disappointment. He suffered three bogeys and carded only two birdies, dropping to fourth place and missing out on another International Series victory after Oman in February.
After securing his first professional victory on only his 11th start on the Asian Tour, Vincent gave thanks to his older brother Scott, last year’s International Series Order of Merit winner.
“I honestly don’t think I’d be at this point where I am without him,” he said. “I’m just very thankful to him.”
© Agence France-Presse
