Sunday 15 February 2015 19:58, UK
Andrew Dodt admitted he was "stunned" to snatch his first European Tour win in five years at the inaugural True Thailand Classic.
The Australian overturned a four-shot deficit on the final day, surging up the leaderboard to pip home favourite Thongchai Jaidee and overnight leader Scott Hend to a one-shot win.
Dodt was without a European Tour title since winning the now defunct Avantha Masters in 2010, but managed to produce a bogey-free five-under final round 67 at Black Mountain and secure a surprise victory.
“I’m speechless, it’s just come out of nowhere," the 29-year-old said. "I played really well yesterday and today, but I just didn’t think I was coming out on top.
“I knew I was playing well but to come out and win it’s just another dream come true."
The world No 281 was tied with tournament ambassador Jaidee with three holes remaining, before the Thai carded a bogey at the par-four 16th.
To be honest, losing my card two years ago was probably the best thing that could have happened to me.
Par at the following hole meant Jaidee needed a birdie at the par-five last to take the tournament in the play-off, but three-putted after finding the green in two to just miss out.
“I didn’t think that Thongchai would three-putt from there," Dodt added. "But that first putt was quite slow from where he was but I thought he hit a good putt with the second chance and it unfortunately broke left.
“Fortunately I made a pretty good start, kind of hung in there mid-round and just knew I had to keep chipping away making a birdie here and there and make par on the tough holes.
"I thought at 17 and 18 you’ve got the down-wind and I could try and birdie one of those. "I didn’t, but fortunately the result has gone my way."
Victory will parachute Dodt up the world rankings completes a remarkable return to the winner's circle for the 29-year-old, who hasn't had a top-ten finish on the Eurpoean Tour in five years and only returned to the circuit this season after battling through November's Q-school.
"To be honest, losing my card two years ago was probably the best thing that could have happened to me.
"I went home last year, spent 12 months at home, played the Asian Tour again, found myself again, found my game and to be in the winner’s circle again – it’s unbelievable.”
