Marcus Fraser fails the Iskandar Johor Open test – finishes second in the Order of Merit
Marcus Fraser failed in his campaign of becoming the first Australian player in the history of the Asian Tour to win the Order of Merit title.
Fraser, who entered the season-ending Iskandar Johor Open holding the second spot in the money list, desperately needed to finish ahead of Thaworn Wiratchant to make his dream come true.
Entering the final round, he was two strokes ahead of his only rival in the tournament. However, the Australian failed to keep the momentum going, and carded an even-par 72, which dragged him down to the share of the 21st position.
Wiratchant, in the meantime, showed his class by firing a sparkling seven-under par 65, to make a strong charge on the leaderboard.
At the end of the week, Wiratchant comfortable secured victory in the Order of Merit, by finishing tied for the fifth position on the leaderboard. His total earnings for the season were US$738,046.
Fraser, after completing his final round, seemed really disappointed with his performance.
He said that he was planning to record a victory in the tournament, by making a strong move in the final round. However, his performance did not allow him to make any difference on the leaderboard.
In the meantime, he also expressed his pleasure in finishing second in the Order of Merit, considering the fact that he only played 10 Asian Tour events this season, compared to Wiratchant’s 25 starts.
He now plans to play more events on the Asian Tour next season, while maintaining consistency in his game.
“I felt there was still a chance of winning the tournament until the guys sort of went nuts on the scores. I was really concentrating on winning the tournament. I’m a little bit disappointed but to finish second on the Order of Merit is a good effort and
I’m pretty proud about it,” said Fraser, who accumulated $672,744 as prize money during the 2012 Asian Tour season.
Wiratchant, in the meantime, secured his place in next year’s British Open and the World Golf Championships – Cаdillаc Championship. In addition to that, he also received а five-year exemption to participate in the Asian Tour events.
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