Lu wins Taiwan Masters

Lu Wen-teh made a successful defence of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters after securing a two-stroke victory in the final round today.

The 45-year-old local favourite carded a one-under-par 71 for 11-under 277 overall to capture his fourth title at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club.

Former Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant finished even par for the day to take second place while Lin Wen-hong claimed third after a two-under 70 meant he finished with 282 overall.

Lu had climbed five strokes clear after 11 holes but three successive bogeys and a birdie on the 13th by Thai Wiratchant meant there was just one stroke in it going onto the 17th.

However, Wiratchant bogeyed that hole and then made par on the last to hand the victory to Lu.

“I played well on the front nine with birdies on the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth holes,” said Lu.

“But I made a few mistakes which resulted in three straight bogeys on the back nine. I was being too aggressive and trying to push myself even more.

“I told myself to relax and I did just that. When Thaworn bogeyed the 17th hole, I knew I was almost there.

“Thaworn played well and his iron game and putting was really good today but I kept it steady on the final hole for the win.

“It’s a great result and it shows that there is still a lot left in me.”