Hung Chien-yao held his nerve after a shaky finish to claim the Mercuries Taiwan Masters. He sank a 20-foot birdie putt on the final hole to edge Australia’s Wade Ormsby by a single shot.

The win delivered the Chinese Taipei golfer his first Asian Tour title after a two-decade wait. Hung carded a one-under 71 to finish at eight-under at Taiwan Golf & Country Club.

A Shaky Back Nine Nearly Costs Hung the Title

Hung looked in firm control after birdieing the 14th to open a two-shot lead. That cushion vanished fast, as he missed a 10-footer on 16 and watched a six-footer slide by on 17.

The back-to-back bogeys set up a tense finish, with a playoff looking likely. Ormsby, playing several groups ahead, had already closed within one shot after a birdie on 13.

Hung acknowledged the tension his collapse caused. “I have to apologize to the spectators because I made people nervous because of my bogeys on 16 and 17,” he said.

He credited his read on the final putt for settling his nerves. “It was actually 20 feet, uphill putt, I thought I had the line,” Hung said, adding he focused on good speed.

A Two-Decade Journey Ends in Emotional Victory

The win carries extra weight given Hung’s history with the event. He first played the Mercuries Taiwan Masters in 2005 as an amateur, making this a 21-year full-circle moment.

Hung’s wife, Nikki, caddied for him during the win. “My whole body is still shaking,” Hung said, reflecting on the emotional finish to his round.

He also credited the crowd for its support throughout the week. “I’m very happy and thankful for all the people to come out here to support me,” Hung said.

The result moves the 34-year-old to sixth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. It comes with a payday of $240,000 and strong preparation ahead of next week’s Asian Games in Japan.

Ormsby, despite the runner-up finish, expressed satisfaction with his performance. “I made a good save on the last there, so it always leaves a good taste in the mouth,” he said.