Davies remains upbeat after near miss in Malaysian Open

CHALLENGE TOUR graduate Rhys Davies took heart from his near miss at the Maybank Malaysian Open on Sunday, when the Welshman fell just short of claiming a maiden European Tour title.

The 24-year-old was on course to claim a wire-to-wire victory after holding the share of a one-shot lead heading into the final round, but was made to pay for a poor start as a one-under-par 71 left Davies two shots adrift of teenage winner Noh Seung-yul.

The two-time Challenge Tour winner did birdie three of his last seven holes before missing a long chance on the final green which would have secured second alongside KJ Choi, but Davies was forced to settle for a tie for third and his best finish on the European Tour.