Fujita claims memorable win at Pine Valley

Japanese star Hiroyuki Fujita battled through a grueling day on course as he lifted the Pine Valley Beijing Open title on Sunday.

Fujita nailed his second straight even-par 72 in the final round and enjoyed a three stroke triumph in the US$1 million event which was sanctioned for the first time by the Japan Golf Tour alongside the Asian Tour and China Golf Association.

After a winning total of 12-under-par 276, the 39-year-old Japanese winner walked home with the top prize of US$158,500.

“It was a tough, tough day. I’m just happy to be standing here with the trophy,” said Fujita, who shot two birdies against an equal number of bogeys in the final round.

Compatriot Shintaro Kai posted a 68 and claimed lone second place while Fijian Dinesh Chand enjoyed his best finish on the Asian Tour this season when he ended in third spot firing his third consecutive 69 for a 280 total.

On the final charge, the Fukuora-born Fujita was delighted to walk away with a 72 with the wind and rain returning to the Jack Nicklaus-designed course today. He was one over after nine holes but extended his lead to four strokes after a crucial birdie on the 13th hole.

Kai tried to chase down the champion by firing two birdies on the last three holes but Fujita held on to par the remaining five holes for the win.

“After the birdie on the 13th hole, I knew that I was that much closer to the title. It was a difficult tournament to win. I had a six strokes lead coming in today but I felt the pressure. I told myself that if I want to win it, I have to be relaxed out there so it’s a great result,” added Fujita, who finished runner-up on the local circuit last week.

Fujita, who is a five-time winner on the Japan circuit, has been enjoying a steady run in the past one year. He recorded 11 top-10 finishes in 2007 and was ranked eighth on the money list. He had also previously won the 2003 Okinawa Open which was sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.

“I would like to thank the Japan Golf Tour, Asian Tour and the China Golf Association for this opportunity. It’s been fun for all the players and we look forward to more events like this in the future,” admitted the champion.

Kai, rated as one of the long hitters on the domestic circuit, finished in second place thanks to six birdies against two bogeys.

“It was really cold out there and I had forgotten to bring my jacket today as I had left it at the hotel. I’ve been shooting a lot of bogeys with the jacket on this week so it’s good that I did not bring it today,” said Kai, who turned professional in 2004. He had won his maiden title at the Mandom Lucido Yomiuri Open in 2006.

Chand, a former caddie of Fijian star Vijay Singh, was pleased to have posted his third straight 69 after five birdies against two dropped shots.

“My favourite number is 69 now that I’ve recorded that score three days in a row. It’s been tough and cold for everyone but I know it was a great experience for all the players and fans alike,” said Chand.

Australia’s Tony Carolan carded a 68 to finish in a tie for fourth spot while Chinnarat Phadungsil faded away after an even-par performance in joint seventh position.

Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand carded a 72 and finished in a tie for 35th spot. He collected US$6,800 and broke the US$1 million mark in total career earnings with US$1,002,284.

Leading final round scores

276 - Hiroyuki Fujita (JPN) 67-65-72-72

279 - Shintaro Kai (JPN) 71-68-72-68

280 - Dinesh Chand (FIJ) 73-69-69-69

281 - Tony Carolan (AUS) 66-72-75-68, Nobuhiro Masuda (JPN) 70-67-75-69, Shinichi Yokota (JPN) 71-70-69-71

282 - Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 71-66-76-69, Prayad Marksaeng (THA) 69-70-72-71, Chinnarat Phadungsil (THA) 65-69-76-72, Chapchai Nirat (THA) 75-68-68-71

283 - Bae Sang-moon (KOR) 67-75-73-68, Gary Simpson (AUS) 72-65-75-71

284 - Taichiro Kiyota (JPN) 69-75-71-69, Scott Hend (AUS) 68-68-78-70, Artemio Murakami (PHI) 71-69-73-71, Gavin Flint (AUS) 73-70-69-72

285 - Yasumasa Suzuki (JPN) 74-70-74-67, Katsunori Kuwabara (JPN) 68-69-75-73, Koumei Oda (JPN) 70-73-69-73, Simon Griffiths (ENG) 71-68-72-74

286 - Kane Webber (AUS) 70-73-76-67, Rahil Gangjee (IND) 72-68-78-68, Iain Steel (MAS) 65-73-79-69, Keith Horne (RSA) 70-73-74-69, Zaw Moe (MYN) 72-70-75-69, Lu Wei-cih (TPE) 69-70-77-70, Kim Kyung-te (KOR) 69-69-76-72, Jason Knutzon (USA) 71-72-71-72