In a historic moment for the Asian Tour, Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai defended his title at the Taiwan Glass Taifong Open, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in seven years. His victory at the Taifong Golf Club came after a nail-biting finale, edging out compatriot Runchanapong Youprayong by just one shot.

Suteepat sealed the win with a dramatic birdie on the par-five 18th, chipping to two feet for a tap-in, while Runchanapong missed his birdie attempt from 10 feet. The 31-year-old finished the tournament with a four-under-par 68, totaling 22-under, while Runchanapong posted a 69.

“This means so much to me. I am very happy and excited,” Suteepat shared after his victory. “I made a bogey on six, which really fired me up, and then I started making birdies.”

His final round included birdies on three consecutive holes following the sixth and another on the 11th, briefly giving him a two-shot lead. However, Runchanapong fought back with birdies on the 15th and 17th, setting up a thrilling conclusion.

A Stellar Career Milestone

Suteepat’s win earned him $72,000 and propelled him to fifth place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. His exceptional performance continues a remarkable run in Chinese-Taipei, where he previously won the Yeangder TPC and achieved notable success on the Asian Development Tour.

This victory also makes him the first golfer to defend the Taiwan Glass Taifong Open and positions him as a strong contender to win the Taiwan PGA Merit list—another historic achievement for a foreign player.

Promising Future for Runchanapong

Despite narrowly missing out, the 23-year-old Runchanapong showcased his potential in just his second professional season. “I thought I handled the pressure well, even though I didn’t have my A-game,” he said. His strong second-place finish underscores his growing stature in the golfing world.

Exciting Times Ahead for the Asian Tour

The Asian Tour now moves to the Link Hong Kong Open, the first of three high-stakes tournaments to close out the season. These events, part of The International Series, promise thrilling action as the tour nears its climax.

Suteepat’s extraordinary performance not only cements his place in Asian Tour history but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting future for the sport in the region.