Rattanon Wannasrichan three-putted his last hole for a bogey, but the damage was inconsequential as he clinched the US$1 million Mercuries Taiwan Masters on Sunday with a one-shot victory.

Only six players managed to finish under par across four rounds at the tough Taiwan Golf & Country Club. Rattanon’s closing 73 gave him a five-under total, just ahead of compatriot Suradit Yongcharoenchai, who carded a 71. Suradit briefly drew level after holing out from 117 yards for eagle on the 16th, but Rattanon birdied the par-five 14th and held firm, while Suradit faltered with a bogey on 17.

Local favorite Wang Wei-hsuan thrilled fans with a final-round 69, sealing solo third at three-under. It marked his second consecutive top-three finish following his runner-up effort at the Yeangder TPC. Tournament chairman George Wong followed Wang for several holes, adding pressure on the 25-year-old, who responded with composure to move to 19th in the Order of Merit.

Rattanon’s rise continues with third Asian Tour title

The victory marked Rattanon’s third Asian Tour triumph and second international win in Chinese-Taipei, following his 2015 Taifong Open breakthrough. It capped off a strong fortnight after a tied-second finish last week at the Yeangder TPC. With the US$200,000 prize, he climbed from 20th to fourth in the Order of Merit.

“I was so bad with the driver today, hitting it left and right,” Rattanon admitted. “But mentally I handled it well. The par on 17 was key. That hole is so tough. Once I made it, I asked my caddie, and she told me the next best score was four-under. I could relax a bit and win with a bogey.”

Suradit, the 2019 champion, settled for runner-up but praised his late eagle. “I was in the rough, 117 yards out, and tried to hit it 105. It came out well, hit the pin, and went in. I guess I was lucky,” he said.

The Asian Tour now heads to Jakarta for the US$2 million Jakarta International Championship, part of The International Series.