Champ donates P2.9M to Yolanda victims: Liang snares RWM Masters via playoff

MANILA, Philippines - Liang Wen-chong, who nearly quit due to a recurring hand injury, ended up winning it all, nipping Thai Prom Meesawat in a playoff to pocket the rich Resorts World Manila Masters crown then donated half of his top purse of $135,000 to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

It was a noble gesture from the Chinese ace, who two-putted for birdie on their second stint in the day on the par-5 No. 18 of the Manila Southwoods’ Masters course to clinch the hotly disputed championship as Meesawat dumped his second shot into the bunker and settled for par.

Liang, who surged ahead of the field with a 67 Saturday, blew a four-shot lead over Meesawat with a shaky 37 start as the Thai grabbed the upperhand at the turn with a 32. Liang  kept his mastery of the Masters’ backside with a 32 for a 69, forcing a tie at 16-under 272. He finished with a 12-under card at the back without dropping a shot in four days.

Neither did Meesawat fare bad at the back with a 33 and a flawless 65 but cracked under pressure in sudden death, enabling Liang to celebrate his return to the Philippines after five years with an emotional victory.

“I am very sorry about the typhoon that happened last week. I’ve decided to donate 50 percent of my winnings this week to Red Cross as a form of respect and gesture to those affected by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda),” said Liang, who settled for $67,500 or P2.9 million.

After proving his sporting excellence in ruling the $750,000 event and showing his humanitarian side in donating half his prize, the 2007 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion turned political when he said: “I hope my win can foster better ties between China and the Philippines as well.”

Liang had actually thought of withdrawing after the first round when an old hand injury acted up again but a timely visit to physiotherapist and a little help from his caddy kept him in the game – and in the title hunt.

“It (injury) got so bad the night after my first round that I even thought of withdrawing from the tournament. Luckily it got better after my visit to the physio. I also want to thank my caddy for helping me to bandage my wrist,” said Laing.

Meanwhile, Meesawat was left to wait a little longer in a bid to end a seven-year title slump despite a gutsy performance on a day when he carded a bogey-free 65 although he remained optimistic of his chances with his return to form.

“I had a bad season in 2010 when I lost all my confidence. But I’ve been working very hard since and I am glad I am starting to play good again,” said Meesawat.

Canadian rookie Richard Lee sizzled with a 64 to tie Spain’s Carlos Pigem, who also had a 65, at third at 273 while four players shared fifth place at 274,  with Steven Lewton of England shooting a 67, Thais Sutijet Kooratanapisan and Jazz Janewattananond carding a 68 and a 69, respectively, and Malaysian Nicholas Fung firing a 70.

Charles Hong emerged the top Filipino finisher at joint ninth after the Cebuano bet and a one-time winner on the local golf tour rallied with a 65 to finish at 276, four strokes off Liang and Meesawat.

Other 276 scorers were Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perea, who made a 69, and American David Lipsky, who matched par 72.

“Though I made a good round today, it was hard to tell what could’ve happened if I had a nice one too yesterday (Friday),” said Hong, who reeled back with a 75 after a 66 and 70 start.

“But the experience was great,” he added after banking his biggest paycheck to date at $14,487 (P622,940). Hong also thanked former pro Tonlits Asistio who shared his local knowledge of the hazard-laden layout.

Angelo Que, who shared the halfway lead Friday but sputtered with a 74 in the third round, never recovered and ended up with a 73 for joint 25th at 281 worth $6,112 with compatriot Rey Pagunsan, who made a 72, while Tony Lascuña tied for 41st at 285 after a 71 and received $4,388.

Sponsored by Resorts World, the event was backed by Canon, Srixon, Nike Golf, BMW, Asia Brewery, Remington Hotel, Marriot Hotel, PLDT and Sony.