Scott Hend wins True Thailand Classic

Australia’s Scott Hend responded to an incredible charge by Piya Swangarunporn to win the True Thailand Classic by a single shot at Black Mountain GC.

Scott Hend began the final round at the True Thailand Classic six ahead of Thailand’s Piya Swangarunporn, but the Australian found himself one shot behind midway through the back nine after the home player had posted a superb final round of 63.

But Hend responded with a birdie on the 14th to move back into a tie at the top of the leaderboard. He then made another birdie at the driveable 17th to move one in front. A par at the final hole was enough for Hend to take the title.

3 Talking points from the True Thailand Classic

1 – It was a second European Tour title for Hend following the Hong Kong Open of 2014. He had led last year’s inaugural True Thailand Classic through 54 holes but he bogeyed the birdieable 17th on the Sunday and lost his chance. "I learned from last year when I pushed too hard on the 17th here and lost my chance to win. So this year I knew I had to be patient and let the golf course come to me," he said. "To win this tournament, after last year's disappointing finish and to get back into the winner's circle in Europe and to stay in the winner's circle in Asia, is extremely important to me and I'm very proud to win this title."

2 – Piya Swangarunporn put on quite a display on Sunday. His final round 63 included seven birdies and an eagle two on the 10th. The Thai player came into this week ranked 798th on the Official World Golf Ranking and with a best finish of third on the Asian Tour back in 2010. "Today was one of the best rounds I have ever played. Everything about the game was good and it all came together for me," he said. "It is a big day for my career and I hope to play more big tournaments like this one in the future because this week has given me a lot of confidence."

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3 – Thomas Pieters had reason to be cheerful after the event. The young Belgian went into the tournament with an objective to earn a place in the WGC-Dell Match Play in two weeks time. By finishing in third he moved to 56th on the Official World Golf Ranking and did just that. "It's a good result and I can take some positives into next week. I also put a new putter in play this week and it kind of behaved itself so there are a lot of positives."

Thomas Pieters driving tips:

True Thailand Classic Presented by Chang Black Mountain GC, Hua Hin, Thailand Mar 10-13 Purse €1,500,000, par 72

1    Scott Hend (Aus)        68    64    70    68    270    €264,136 2    Piya Swangarunporn (Tha) 68 68     72    63    271    €176,091 3    Thomas Pieters (Bel)    73    66    66    68    273    €99,212 4    Peter Uihlein (USA)    64    71    69    70    274    €79,242 5    Pelle Edberg (Swe)    65    67    73    70    275    €67,197 6    Joost Luiten (Ned)    70    68    70    68    276    €55,470 T7    Benjamin Hebert (Fra)    72    64    70    71    277    €40,889 T7    Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind)    73    68    69    67    277    €40,889 T7    Simon Yates (Sco)    67    68    72    70    277    €40,889

Note: Player score in bold signifies Titleist ball usage