Date: July 15, 2007
Author:

Perske equal third in Japan

Australian Wayne Perske fired another consistent round but could not catch winner Toru Taniguchi at the Nagashima Shigeo Sega Sammy Cup in Japan. Taniguchi made it two wins in consecutive starts on the Japan Golf Tour courtesy of a final-round 68 that put him three shots clear of Thailand&aposs Prom Meesawat (65). Taniguchi led going into the final round and was rarely challenged after a fast start netted birdies in two of his first three holes. His three-shot overnight lead was enough, even when Messawat birdied four of his last five holes to move into second ahead of Perske (69) and Koumei Oda (69) of Japan. Taniguchi moves well clear at the top of the money list as a result of his impressive two weeks. Perkse earned $82,000 for his share for third and moves to 24th on the money list on the eve of a five-week break from tournament golf. The gutsy Australian&aposs effort was even more impressive considering a back complaint hindered him for much of the tournament. It is expected Perske will head home to have it examined before play resumes on the tour in five weeks. New Zealander David Smail (68) enjoyed his best round of the tournament to move up to 14th place, level with Australia Steve Conran (70). Fellow Aussie Craig Jones (73) came in 19th while Kiwi Eddie Lee finished 29th, his best finish of the season. Brendan Jones was 32nd. Jones is currently third on the Japan Golf Tour money list but won&apost resume when the tour does. He and his wife are expecting their first child and Jones will return to Australia.