European Tour:Thailand's Chapchai Nirat was once known as "coke boy" because of his fondness for soft drinks, but his new nickname "King Kong" looked more apt yesterday after he blasted his way to victory in the TCL Classic.
The 23-year-old, who had dominated the tournament from the start after shooting an opening course-record 11-under-par 61, headed into the final day with a five-shot lead over England's Miles Tunnicliff.
But Rafael Echenique of Argentina steadily reduced the lead during the final round on his way to a four-under 68 before Nirat landed the €127,046 first prize with a 22-under-par 266 after a conservative round of 71.
"There was a lot of pressure, but I talked to my caddie and the plan was to keep playing at the same level as the first three days," said Nirat, who gains a card on the European Tour for the next two years after winning the Asian Tour co-sanctioned event.
Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng finished two shots adrift of Echenique, with England's James Heath and Australia's Simon Nash at 16 under.
Lee Westwood finished tied for ninth on 14 under after carding a final-round 70, while compatriots Nick Dougherty, Oliver Fisher and Tunnicliff finished a further shot back.
Ireland's Paul McGinley produced a final round 68 to leap to nine under par.
In his younger days, Nirat picked up a serious addiction to fizzy drinks. "I used to drink 20 cans a day and everyone used to call me 'coke boy'. I've had to cut down gradually. Now I'm having just one can a day."
