ABERDEEN, Scotland – Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand won the inaugural Paul Lawrie Match Play by holing a 4-foot putt for birdie on No. 18 to beat Sweden’s Robert Karlsson by one hole in the final.
Aphibarnrat beat Marc Warren of Scotland 3 and 2 in the semifinals then went 3 up with four holes to play against Karlsson, only to lose three holes in a row.
Karlsson sent his approach to No. 18 to 10 feet but Aphibarnrat went even closer. After Karlsson dragged his birdie attempt wide, Aphibarnrat made his putt to clinch a third European Tour title and a first prize of 122,000 pounds ($190,000).
The 26-year-old Aphibarnrat’s previous wins came in Malaysia and China, and he said: “The next step was to win in Europe. I’m happy and proud of myself.”
Karlsson beat David Howell on the 20th hole in their semifinal.