Chinese Xiao Bowen lifted his first professional win after prevailing on the second extra hole in a two-way play-off against Australian Bryden Macpherson at the $350,000 Asian Golf Championship on Sunday.
The 27-year-old Xiao, who joined the play-for-pay ranks in 2012, held a three-shot lead after 14 holes but three bogeys in his closing four holes saw him sign for a two-over-par 74, which forced him to go the distance with Macpherson, who ended his campaign with a 69.
The duo were tied on three-under-par 285 total in regulation play at the Kaikou Golf Club's West course. Xiao missed a five-footer for birdie on the first play-off hole.
He redeemed himself by making a four-footer birdie putt in his second attempt on the same play-off hole to seal the victory while the 27-year-old Macpherson, who needed to claim the title to win the China Tour Order of Merit crown, bowed out with a par.
Xiao, who is playing in his Asian Tour debut this week, earned a one-year exemption on the Asian Tour following his victory.
"I'm really honored to win on the Asian Tour and it means the world to me. I enjoyed playing against the Asian Tour players in my first Asian Tour event this week," said Xiao.
"Before winning today, I have imagined countless times how my first victory will be liked. It was never the way it turned out today. It hasn't been easy but I am glad I managed to get the job done this week."
Xiao also told Xinhua it's great to win a one-year exemption on the Asian Tour. "I am going to go back and have a think through on my schedule for next year."
Rising star Liu Yanwei of China marked his best result on the Asian Tour after closing with a 71 to settle one shot back in third place on his own.
