For a long while, Danny Chia was poised to grab a career first top-10 at the Maybank Malaysian Open on Sunday. Then, the winds threw him off his stride.
Chia closed with a two-over-par 74 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club to settle for a share of 25th place with amateur Gavin Green, who signed for a 69 as both emerged as the leading local players at the US$3 million showpiece sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
The 42-year-old Chia, who is Malaysiaâs first winner on the Asian Tour, turned in 34 but staggered home in 40 and a four-under-par 284 total.
âI knew I needed to score on the front nine and I did. I didnât get through the tough holes very well. I hit quite a number of good shots but it turned into bogeys. Overall Iâm still happy with the way I played. At least I was very close of getting what I wanted (top-10),â he said.
âI was confused on the back nine where the wind was blowing. Thatâs one of the factors why I didnât play so well. This is definitely one of my best Maybank Malaysian Open performances. Iâm sure there will be better performances in the future.â
Chia is now focusing on getting in the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro next year and is targeting to play in as many Asian Tour and Asian Development Tour events for the next 18 months until the qualifying cut off.
With his game now showing signs of returning to its best following a length injury break, he is looking to work hard at achieving his goal.
âThere are more things which I need to work on my game. Iâm feeling good. I think it is safe to say that I know how to play in the Maybank Malaysian Open now,â said Chia.
âIâm looking forward to the rest of the year because Iâm excited with the way Iâm playing. There are a lot of room for improvements and this only means that I can get better.
âWhere I was two years ago, Iâm so happy that I can come back and play golf (after his injury). Iâm playing so much better than before. I have to thank God that I can come back and playing good golf.
âIâm now more mature in golf. Iâm more experienced and Iâm very confident with the way I think on the golf course,â said the 42-year-old.