By Tan Ming Wai
KUALA LUMPUR: Ervin Chang defied fatigue and injury concerns to secure his second successive top-20 finish at the Hong Kong Open on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Malaysian closed with a three-under 67 to finish joint 17th on nine-under 271 at Hong Kong Golf Club.
Chang, who finished joint 14th last year, recorded rounds of 66, 70, 68 and 67 in the US$2 million Asian Tour event.
An eagle at the par-five third hole sparked his closing round.
"The eagle on the third hole was a very good boost for me and a good momentum builder. I hit a really good drive and left myself with only an eight-iron to the green," said Ervin.
"I hit a good chip, and it just went in from about 15 yards."
The former SEA Games gold medallist had sought physiotherapy after battling an injury at the preceding Macao Open and admitted two consecutive weeks of competition had taken a toll.
"My body was feeling a bit tired coming into the last round, and I'm really happy to be able to finish in the top 20 this week," he said.
Compatriot Gavin Green endured a disappointing finish, carding a five-over 75 featuring three double bogeys to end 77th on three-over 283.
The 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion said his troublesome elbow had flared up during the round.
"Today obviously was a terrible day, just couldn't get anything going, and then my arm started hurting," said Gavin.
American John Catlin claimed the title with a closing 64 for a 20-under 260 total, five strokes ahead of Finland's Kalle Samooja and home favourite Matthew Cheung.
The victory earned Catlin US$360,000 and coveted places at next year's Masters Tournament and The British Open.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd