Golden Boy Thongchai carries off record third merit crown

Thongchai Jaidee has won an unprecedented third Asia Tour Order of Merit crown, underlining his stature as one of Asia's most accomplished golfers.

The Thai added the 2009 honour to the 2001 and 2004 crowns when he fought off China's Liang Wenchong at the Hong Kong Open on Sunday. 

Liang had needed at least a second place finish to retain hope of a second order of merit title but he finished tied for 11th along with Thongchai.

"The competition is always getting tougher and tougher each year and to win it again shows that my game is improving each year as well," said Thongchai, who took his season's earnings to an unassailable $976,693 with two events remaining.

"This win will mean a lot to the Thai people and all my sponsors. I would also like to dedicate this win to my family and my manager who have been supporting me throughout my career," added the 40-year-old former paratrooper. Liang was crestfallen.

"To be honest, I'm a little bit disappointed that I lost out to Thongchai in the title race," he told reporters. "But that's how golf is and I'll try harder again next year."