From Asian Tour
South African Jaco Ahlers triumphed in the 37th edition of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters on Sunday, finally clinching his first title on the Asian Tour, after patiently winning a war of attrition at Taiwan Golf and Country Club – which has proven to be one of the toughest golf courses this season, with brutal rough and tapering fairways.
Ahlers is a prolific winner of titles on the Sunshine Tour on home soil, with 11, including their Tour Championship in April, and finally got off the mark in Asia following a two-shot victory over India’s S Chikkarangappa – in the $1-million event, which is Chinese-Taipei’s richest tournament.
A player who says he enjoys more demanding courses, he proved that with a closing three-under-par 69 to finish on four-under – the highest winning score of year – while Chikkarangappa, the joint overnight leader with Korean Taehee Lee, carded a 74.
Australian Travis Smyth (69) and David Drysdale from Scotland (71), tied for third, an additional shot back.
Lee (76), India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar (71) and Chang Wei-lun from Chinese-Taipei (71), were equal fifth, on even-par.
Ahlers, three off the lead at the start of the round and playing in the third from last pairing with his brother Hein on the bag, made his move on the back nine with birdies on 12, 14 and 15 and could afford to drop a shot on 16, with his nearest challengers unable to close the gap.
Chikkarangappa, popularly known as ‘Chikka’, had the best chance to catch him but the birdies dried up on the back nine and crucially he dropped shots on 13 and 16.
“It was tough,” said 40-year-old Ahlers, who becomes the first player from his country to win the event.
“It was a grind but very glad to be standing here with the trophy. This means a lot to me. I am feeling comfortable here now. I said to a friend of mine last week I feel like I can win on this Tour. So, there we go. I just tried to keep it in play and make a few birdies, missed a few as well.”
He has been knocking on the door in Asia for several seasons, including at the St Andrews Bay Championship in August, where he tied for third.
Jbe’ Kruger closed with a five-over 77 to finish on five-over for the tournament in a share of 26th.
