Maybank

 Aphibarnrat Clings to Victory at Maybank Malaysian Open 2013

Kuala Lumpur, 24th March 2013: Thai golfer Kiradech Aphibarnrat continued his masterful performance at the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013, finishing one stroke ahead of the competition to win the Seagram Cup with a score of 13 under par. Meanwhile, 19 year old Gavin Green picked up the award for best amateur as well as that for best Malaysian player, finishing 22nd in what was a nail-biting day of golf in the third and final round of the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013.

The young Thai consolidated his hold on the tournament today to win, having finished top of all three rounds at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club. This year's prestigious Maybank Malaysian Open had been cut short to only 54 holes due to persistent inclement weather, but this only served to concentrate the excitement in a closely-fought competition which reached its conclusion this afternoon.

Kiradech, on form throughout the entire four day event, finished ahead of such golfing superstars as US Masters 2011 Champion Charl Schwartzel, Maybank Malaysian Open 2011 winner Matteo Manassero, three-time major winner Padraig Harrington, and former World Number One Luke Donald, who crashed out of the tournament yesterday without making the cut.

Kiradech was presented with the Seagram Cup by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Yang Amat Berhormat Tan Sri Muhiyiddin bin Yassin, after receiving the winner's jacket from MGA President, Yang Berhormat Tan Sri Dato' Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor.

Co-sanctioned by both the Asian Tour and the European Tour, victory in the Maybank Malaysian Open guarantees an exemption for Kiradech, allowing him to play in future European Tour events. The Thai golfer will not give up his Asian Tour card though, saying, "I'll try to play as much as I can on the Asian Tour. For sure I'll keep my Asian Tour Card, It's the tour where I'm born."

The 23 year old is now at the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit thanks to today's victory, and he said he would now focus on trying to finish the season in this position.

Taking home a cheque to the value of $458,330 presented by Maybank Chairman Yang Berhormat Tan Sri Dato' Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor, Kiradech told press that he planned to turn it over to his parents, saying, "It will be up to them to give me how much to use!"

Elsewhere, crowd favourite, local boy Gavin Green pulled off a stunning final round to finish on six under par. The 19 year old amateur – the first Malaysian amateur to make the cut in the Maybank Malaysian Open in ten years – picked up the prize for the best amateur as well as the trophy for best Malaysian Player. Gavin, who hopes to play in a few more tournaments to gain experience before he turns pro, certainly has a lot to feel confident about, finishing a very respectable 22nd after a host of players shared positions 4 through 8.

All things considered, it was a hugely exciting conclusion to the prestigious Maybank Malaysian Open 2013, which even the rain and thunderstorms failed to dampen.

For information on the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013, visit www.maybankmalaysianopen.com or follow us on Twitter @maybankmsiaopen or #maybankmalaysianopen.