Date: October 20, 2013
Author: Omnisport

Hend reigns in Macau

Australian Scott Hend has won the 2013 Venetian Macau Open on Sunday by a convincing three-stroke margin. Hend began the final day in the lead, and that&aposs where he would stay after he carded a four-under-par fourth round of 67 to finish the tournament on 16 under overall – well ahead of second-placed Anirban Lahiri of India (13 under). Hend reeled off five birdies on the last day and his only blemish came at the 10th hole when he recorded a bogey. It completed a very impressive turnaround from the Queenslander, who also triumphed at Chiangmai and Taipei this year, after he began the competition with a three-over 74 on the first day. “It&aposs important to win again this week, for the third time, it feels good,” Hend said. “Thursday was a difficult day, mentally and physically. Then on Friday and Saturday, I started holing putts which I haven&apost done the whole year even when I won a couple of weeks ago. I&aposve holed my fair share this week. “Three wins in a year is definitely the best golf of my career. “Who knows what&aposs going to happen in the next few months? There are some big tournaments coming up and it&aposll be nice to perform well in those and be competitive. “The year hasn&apost finished yet.” Lahiri finished with a late charge, after beginning Sunday in a share of 12th spot, as he reeled off eight birdies and an eagle on the way to a nine-under fourth round of 62 which also contained a bogey. Filipino Elmer Salvador and South African Ernie Els were a shot further back in equal third position on 12 under. Adam Groom (eight under) was the next best Australian in a tie for seventh while his countryman Scott Barr (three under) finished in a share of 17th spot.