Ruangkit captures maiden title after battle in Brunei

Thailand’s Boonchu Ruangkit continued the trend of first-time winners on the 2010 European Senior Tour Schedule with his maiden victory at The Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters presented by The Stapleford Forum.

Following Englishman Kevin Spurgeon’s maiden victory at the season-opening Mauritius Commercial Bank Open, Ruangkit entered the winner’s enclosure on a day of high drama at The Empire Hotel and Country Club in Brunei.

After the Thai ace and joint overnight leader Frankie Minoza of the Philippines – also seeking his maiden Senior Tour debut – had both signed for rounds of 66 to finish level on 14 under par, Ruangkit must have feared history was about to repeat itself.

At the same venue twelve months previously, Ruangkit had lost out in a play-off at the Brunei Open on the Asian Tour. But on this occasion, the 53 year old held his nerve to see off Minoza at the second extra hole and collect the €44,332 first prize. 

He said: “I’m very happy to win my first Senior Tour title – it has given me great confidence. Even though I lost the Brunei Open here last year I still really like this course, because it’s been good to me. I really like Brunei, because I play well every time I come here. Maybe it’s because of the hot weather, which I’m used to!

“I was very nervous for the play-off, and it didn’t help that the wind started to blow a little. But I managed to control my nerves, and I’m just so happy to have won – although I feel a little sorry for Frankie, because he played very well today. I didn’t think I could beat him, to be honest. On most of the par fives he was only using a four or five iron for his second shot, whilst I was using a three wood. But I got the job done, and it feels great.”

Despite his initial reservations, Ruangkit got off to a flying start with a birdie at the first and an eagle three at the next hole, where Minoza also picked up his first shot of the day. The duo continued to trade birdies until the 14th hole, where a bogey from Minoza handed Ruangkit the initiative.

The former kick boxer, who turned to golf after being knocked out in his third bout, then appeared to land a telling blow on the 17th hole, where a birdie three handed him a two-shot advantage going down the last. 

But a costly bogey combined with a birdie for Minoza led to the first play-off of the 2010 Senior Tour season, which Ruangkit won with a par at the second extra hole after both men had parred the first.

A round of 68 saw South African Chris Williams finish in a tie for third place on 11 under par, with Roger Chapman a further two shots back on nine under after the Englishman compiled a round of 66. The lowest round of the day was provided by Scotland’s Sam Torrance, who shot a 65 to finish alongside American Jerry Bruner in a tie for fifth place on seven under par.

From L-R: Desmond Acheson – General Manager, Keith Blott – Director of Sales & Marketing and Christoph Hoeflich – Director of F&B of The Empire Hotel & Country Club with Boonchu Ruangkit (C) winner of the Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters 2010

About The Empire Hotel & Country Club

The Empire Hotel and Country Club is situated beside the world’s oldest rainforests in Borneo and it is truly one of the finest beach, golf and spa resorts in the Asia Pacific Region. Catering to many royal and state visitors to Brunei, the hotel provides even the most discerning traveller a truly unique experience in a 180 hectare tropical garden estate.

The hotel now features 532 spacious guestrooms; all with balconies and superb views, providing every visitor with their own empire including large, marble bathrooms and breathtaking views. The exclusive E-Club with full concierge facilities is available for the executive traveller and the hotel has several well equipped function rooms for meeting events and catered parties.

The Grand Banquet Hall will soon open its door this year in August 2009, ready to accommodate more than 1500 persons for any events type. 

The property has its own cinema featuring the latest movie releases plus a state of the art theatre for live performances and presentations. Recreational facilities include a lagoon beach and pools, a kids club called E Kids Club, tennis courts, a fully equipped fitness centre, the Empire Spa and a well established world class Country Club.

The Empire Hotel & Country Club is a member of WORLDHOTELS and has won numerous prestigious honors including:

2nd Best Golf Resort in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2008
5th Best Golf Resort in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2007
6th Best Championship Course in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2007
9th Best Destination in Asia by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2007

Media Enquiry – International:
Hafiza Mohamad

PR & Marketing Communications Manager

T: + 673 241 8888 / +673 241 7895 (D/L)
F: + 673 241 8989

E-mail: 
hafiza.mohamad@theempirehotel.com
Website: www.theempirehotel.com 

The Empire Hotel & Country Club

Jerudong BG3122 Negara Brunei Darussalam