JUSTIN THOMAS OVERCOMES PRESSURE TO WIN CIMB CLASSIC

- November 01, 2015

American Justin Thomas claimed an impressive one-stroke win at the US$7 million CIMB Classic with a tournament record of 26-under-par 262 on Sunday. The 22-year-old Thomas, the joint third round leader, closed with a six-under-par 66 which included a double bogey on the 14th hole to edge out Major champion Adam Scott of Australia, who signed off with a sparkling 63, for his first PGA Tour title.

Joint-overnight leader Brendan Steele of the shot a 68 to settle for tied third place alongside countryman Kevin Na who claimed his third straight top-three finish after posting a 67 in the CIMB Classic which is sanctioned by the PGA Tour and Asian Tour.

Thomas, a former All-American and a close friend of world number two Jordan Spieth, overcame a wobble on 14 with three successive birdies to take a one-shot lead into the par five 18th hole with Scott already in the clubhouse.

He ran his first putt five foot past the hole to give the Aussie a glimmer of hope of a play-off but then coolly converted his par putt to pocket a cool US$1.26 million champion's cheque. Thomas is expected to break into the world's top-30 with his career breakthrough victory.

Scott, who was four shots off the pace at the start of the day, charged into contention with a front nine 31 highlighted by an eagle on the third hole before returning with four birdies on the homeward stretch. He had a putt for eagle on 18 but made a poor attempt to settle for birdie.

He tipped his cap to Thomas, especially with the way the young American handled himself when the pressure was on at the back nine. At one stage during the early part of the final round, six golfers were tied for the lead.

American Na, the Asian Tour's Rookie of the Year in 2002 and now firmly established on the PGA Tour, was disappointed not to cross the finishing line after coming close in the last three weeks. He was five under through 10 holes but parred his last eight holes.