Aberdeen, Scotland – Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand won the inaugural Paul Lawrie Match Play by holing a 4-foot putt for birdie on No. 18 to beat Sweden’s Robert Karlsson by one hole in the final on Sunday.
Aphibarnrat beat Marc Warren of Scotland 3 and 2 in the semifinals then went 3 up with four holes to play against Karlsson, only to lose three holes in a row.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat. (AP file photo)
Karlsson sent his approach to No. 18 to 10 feet but Aphibarnrat went even closer. After Karlsson dragged his birdie attempt wide, Aphibarnrat made his putt to clinch a third European Tour title and a first prize of 122,000 pounds ($190,000).
The 26-year-old Aphibarnrat’s previous wins came in Malaysia and China, and he said: “The next step was to win in Europe. I’m happy and proud of myself.”
Karlsson beat David Howell on the 20th hole in their semifinal.
