Bayron tops ADT Challenge

JAKARTA—The Philippines’ Jay Bayron staged a remarkable comeback by closing with a flawless five-under-par 67 to win the inaugural Bii Maybank ADT Challenge on Saturday.

Bayron posted a 12-under-par 204 total after three rounds to prevail by one over Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, who held the lead for the first 36 holes but collapsed on the back nine with  three bogeys in the $50,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

The Philippines’ Jonel Ababa posted the day’s lowest score of 64 to take third place with a 206 total while Malaysia’s Danny Chia and Unho Park of Australia shared fourth place on matching 207 at the Imperial Golf Club.

Starting the day three shots behind Fung, Bayron rallied by firing five birdies on holes nine, 11, 13, 17 and 18 to win his second ADT title after Fung could not hold on to his overnight lead.

The Malaysian seemed to be cruising towards a wire-to-wire victory after holding a five-shot lead with six holes to play.

However, a bogey on the 13th hole, followed by two more on the 16th and 18th pulled Fung down.

“I didn’t feel that much pressure as I was starting the day behind Fung,” said Bayron. “I just told myself that I have got to play catchup and focus on doing well. My heart goes out to Nicholas as it could have been his week. But that’s golf.” “I had a very solid run in my back nine and I was growing in confident then. I’m happy that I’ve won,” added Bayron.

Another Filipino, Michael Bibat, also fared well with a closing 65 and 209 total.

Maybank, Malaysia’s regional financial leader, also title sponsors the Maybank Malaysian Open which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia, the ADT has gained support from Corporate Asia, growing its schedule from five tournaments in the first season to eight tournaments in the 2011 season.

A record total of 12 events will be played this season with the top three finishers on the Order of Merit earning Asian Tour cards for 2013, ensuring aspiring professionals a proper career pathway.

Leading final scores:

204 Jay Bayron (Philippines) 69-68-67; 205 Nicholas Fung (Malaysia) 66-68-71; 206      Jhonnel Ababa (Philippines) 71-71-64; 207      Danny Chia (Malaysia) 72-69-66, Unho Park (Australia) 69-71-67; 208     Michael Bibat (Philippines) 73-70-65; 209 Tim Stewart (Australia) 70-70-69