Westwood bags hat-trick at Indonesian Masters

Lee Westwood completed a hat-trick of wins at the Indonesian Masters on Sunday, defeating Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat in a play-off

Lee Westwood completed a hat-trick of wins at the Indonesian Masters on Sunday, defeating Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat in a play-off.

The Englishman had a five-shot lead going in to the final day but a one-over-par 73 meant he was pegged back by a superb 66 from Chapchai.

Westwood, who won the event on his two previous appearances in 2011 and 2012, had the opportunity to win on the 18^th but misread the green and had to settle for par.

He made amends however on the first play-off hole sinking a similar putt for a birdie as Chapchai, a four-time Asian Tour winner, could only make a five.

“It was a tough putt coming into the hill over on 18,” Westwood said. “I misread it slightly and hit it to about five-feet and missed it. But fortunately in the play-off, I hit it to the exact same spot, I knew the line and it was a nice straight putt for the win.

“I’ve never been beaten around this golf course which is great and this win will give me the confidence for the year ahead.”

Westwood had covered his third-round back nine in just 29 shots to give him the overnight lead but bogeys on 16 and 17 brought Chapchai into contention.

The Thai, who holds the world 72-hole scoring record, stormed up the leaderboard with seven birdies and one bogey, and the 31-year-old remains positive about the year ahead.

“When I started out, I told myself a top-three finish would be fantastic, considering how good Lee has played this week,” Chapchai said. “Getting into the play-off was a bonus and I’m very proud of myself despite the defeat.

“I managed to sort out my putting this week. And that’s important as it’ll help in the long season ahead.”