Thai wonderboy Chinarat Phadungsil claimed a brilliant play-off victory in the Crowne Plaza Open for his second triumph in 10 months, dedicating the win to his coach who died last month. The 17-year-old showed the poise of a veteran to edge out compatriot Prom Meesawat and Taiwan's Lin Wen-tang in the second hole of a sudden-death shoot-out after the trio finished tied on 16-under-par 272 at Yalong Bay Golf Club Sunday. Lin, chasing a first Asian Tour title, was the first to bow out with a bogey in the first hole played over the par-four 18th before Chinarat sealed an emotional victory with a par when Prom, who had surged into contention with a stunning 65, missed his par attempt from four feet. Chinarat said his coach Bud Kareeput, who died of a heart attack last month, "helped" him drain a high-pressure 12-foot birdie putt at the last hole in regulation to force his way into the play-off. "I'm giving this win to my teacher (Bud)," said Chinarat, who held back tears at the prize presentation ceremony. "I feel very happy. On every shot, I was thinking of him. I asked for his help on the last hole (in regulation) and he helped me. I knew I had to birdie that hole and after doing that, I was confident for the play-off," added the overnight leader, who signed off with a 71. The Crowne Plaza Open success, worth 31,700 dollars, was Chinarat's second triumph on the Asian Tour following his breakout victory at the Double A International on home soil last November when he was still an amateur. It pushed him to 19th place on the Order of Merit. Prom, who started the day six shots off the pace, charged into the frame with a nine-birdie round while Lin jostled for the lead and pulled off a courageous par save on 18 in regulation for a 67 to join the play-off. Chinarat looked down and out as he trailed by two shots with three remaining but the former world junior amateur champion showed his mettle and brilliantly birdied the par five 16 and last hole. "I am really happy to have done that," he said. "I'm also happy that I'm able to take home the prize money this time," grinned Chinarat, who wasn't allowed to bag the top prize in his first win because of his amateur status. Australian duo Unho Park and Adam Blyth shared fourth place with last season's number one Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand on 274, two shots behind the play-off trio. Anthony Kang of the United States and Alistair Pressnell of Australia were tied for seventh on 275. India's Amandeep Johl settled for ninth place after a closing 70 while China's best performer was Li Chao, who came in tied 31st on 283 after closing with a 67.
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