Thomas Retains CIMB Classic Title As Lahiri & Knox Fade In Malaysian Heat.

American Justin Thomas produced a sizzling final round 64 and in the process coming from four shots behind to win by four to retain his CIMB Classic title in Malaysia.

The 23-year-old American, who is now likely to move inside the top-20 on the World Rankings, capitalised on overnight leader Anirban Lahiri’s quadruple bogey nine on the par-five third hole to retake a lead he had held over the first two days.

Thomas then eased clear to win by three shots with a 23-under total.

American Justin Thomax retains his CIMB Classic title.  (Photo - Asian Tour)

American Justin Thomax retains his CIMB Classic title. (Photo – Asian Tour)

Lahiri was searching for a maiden PGA Tour win at the TPC Kuala Lumpur course but the five-shot swing after he lodged his tee shot in a tree left the Indian with too much to do and he had to settle for a tie for third, four strokes back.

Scotland’s Russell Knox, who was tied with Thomas in second place heading to the last day, could manage just one birdie in a closing 74 and tumble to a share of 10th place at 13-under par.

Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama birdied the last two holes to sign for a 66 and claim second place on 20-under, with Lahiri (72) and American first round co-leader Derek Fathauer (67) rounding out the top four a further shot adrift.

The US$7 million (S$9.76 million) limited field event, the second on the 2017 PGA Tour calendar, is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour.



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