Asian Tour Yearbook: 2023

I N T ER NAT IONA L SER I E S V I ET NAM K N GO L F L I N K S | A P R I L 1 3 - 1 6 , 2 0 2 3 | P R I Z E MON E Y U S $ 2 M I L L I ON International Series Order of Merit, earning him a spot on the LIV Golf League. Although admitting he harboured hopes of joining his sibling in the big- money league, at such an early stage of the season, Kieran would not allow his thoughts to wander too far into the future. “It is surreal right now,” he said, reflecting on his closing bogey-free 66 and 19-under-par 269 total, one ahead of Yuan and Indian Anirban Lahiri, who soared up the leaderboard with a final-day 64. Vincent, who played college golf in America at Liberty University in Virginia, where he was Big South Conference Rookie of the Year in 2017, added: “There are so many people I have to thank at this stage that have put so much time and effort into me that they deserve it more than myself. “I feel like I am a lead singer in a band of people that have done so much for me. I am very appreciative. I don’t think it is going to sink in for a while.” For Yuan, who signed off with a 68, it was a continuation of the steady form that had seen himmake the cut in every event to date in 2023, including a fifth-place finish in the International Series Thailand. “I gave it my all. I left a few shots out there today and a few shots out there this week, but I’m happy with where my game is and the progression that it’s on. It was an awesome round by Kieran today and a huge win for him,” said Yuan. Bidding for an eighth Asian Tour title but a first in eight years, Lahiri was a strong favourite after storming through the field in the fifth from last group. He made eight birdies in his first 14 holes, with no dropped shots. But pars on the last four holes left him somewhat deflated. “I’m happy with the way I played, disappointed not to make a couple more coming in,” said Lahiri, the Asian Tour number one in 2015 before embarking on a successful career on the PGA Tour. “I got off to a really good start. I kind of found my rhythm yesterday and today. I’m a little upset not to make maybe one or two (birdies) in the last four holes which are very gettable. I’ve had so many seconds. Now I need to break this habit of mine.” Japan’s in-form Takumi Kanaya had started the final day with a three-shot advantage. But, unlike the International Series Oman in February where he triumphed after also holding the third- round lead, he struggled on the back nine at KN Golf Links and closed with a 73. That left him in a share of fourth place on 16-under, with American Michael Maguire, Korean Taehee Lee and Thais Phachara Khongwatmai, Pawin Ingkhapradit and Jazz Janewattananond. Kieran Vincent (FAR LEFT) holed a 12-footer for birdie on 18 to win by one. Anirban Lahiri (RIGHT) and Phachara Khongwatmai (FAR RIGHT) were in hot pursuit. 69