Malaysia’s Danny Chia adopted a different attitude and was duly rewarded with his week’s best score of one-under-par 71 at the final round of the US$8.5 million WGC-HSBC Champions on Sunday.
Chia, who was playing at the WGC-HSBC Champions for the first time, was a bundle of nerves throughout the week, returning with previous rounds of 72, 73 and 74 at the Sheshan International Golf Club.
“I was very frustrated with myself yesterday. I went back to my room and was talking to my caddie. My coach also texted me and I shared with him my thoughts for the last two weeks.
“I think I really pushed myself too hard, hoping that I can match up to the standards of the field. What I actually forgot was that I was playing against a very elite field over the last two weeks and to do reasonably well, I really had to play spectacular golf to even be in the middle of the field,” said Chia.
The Malaysian, a two-time Asian Tour winner, eventually calmed himself down on the last day of Asia’s richest tournament and closed with a four-day total of two-over-par 290, finishing in 67th place.
“I woke up with a brand new attitude today and told myself that I just have to do my best and accept whatever outcome.
“The attitude was so much better on the golf course today as I really felt very relaxed, playing without much pressure,” said Chia.
