Date: May 11, 2008
Author:

Carolan surges for fourth

Australia&aposs Tony Carolan made a barnstorming finish to claim a share of fourth place at the Pine Valley Beijing Open behind Japanese winner Hiroyuki Fujita. Carolan began the day tied for 14th but carded a 68 on Sunday to storm up the leaderboard and finish at seven-under alongside Japanese duo Nobuhiro Masuda and Shinichi Yokota. Compatriot Gary Simpson had a closing 71 to finish tied for 11th at five-under, while Gavin Flint and Scott Hend were a stroke further back at minus four. Fujita, meanwhile, cruised home with an even-par 72 to secure a three-stroke victory. The Fukuoka-born player was overnight leader after a 72 in Saturday&aposs third round and maintained his lead with two birdies against two bogeys to finish with a 12-under-par total for the tournament. Compatriot Shintaro Kai finished second after carding a four-under-par 68 while Dinesh Chand of Fiji took third place after a three-under 69. Of the other Australians in the field, Kane Webber had a brilliant closing 67 to finish at two-under, while Unho Park was one-over, Marcus Both four-over and Benjamin Burge nine-over. The Pine Valley Beijing Open is a co-sanctioned event between the Asian and Japan Tours. Final scores from the Pine Valley Beijing Open, China -12: Hiroyuki Fujita (Japan) 67, 65, 72, 72 -9: Shintaro Kai (Japan) 71, 68, 72, 68 -8: Dinesh Chand (Fiji) 73, 69, 69, 69 -7: Tony Carolan (Australia) 66, 72, 75, 68, Nobuhiro Masuda (Japan) 70, 67, 75, 69, Shinichi Yokota (Japan) 71, 70, 69, 71 -6: Chapchai Nirat (Thailand) 75, 68, 68, 71, Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand) 71, 66, 76, 69, Chinnarat Phadungsil (Thailand) 65, 69, 76, 72, Prayad Marksaeng (Thailand) 69, 70, 72, 71 Also: -5: Gary Simpson (Australia) 72, 65, 75, 71 -4: Gavin Flint (Australia) 73, 70, 69, 72, Scott Hend (Australia) 68, 68, 78, 70 -2: Kane Webber (Australia) 70, 73, 76, 67 +1: Unho Park (Australia) 70, 73, 76, 70 +4: Marcus Both (Australia) 70, 72, 75, 75 +9: Benjamin Burge (Australia) 75, 69, 79, 74