Granberg makes his mark

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Finnish rookie Joonas Granberg shot a final-round 66 on Saturday to win the Selangor Masters in Shah Alam, Malaysia.

In doing so Granberg became just the second Finn to triumph on the Asian Tour, and the 24-year-old - who set a new course record with a blistering 10-under par 62 in the first round - took out the US$60,902 first prize.

Granberg's score of 15 under edged Thai teenager Panupohol Pittayarat by one stroke, with Adam Groom of Australia sharing third place alongside Filipino veteran Antonio Lascuna on 13 under the card.

Groom, searching for his first Asian Tour title, was tied on 15-under alongside Granberg heading to the 18th but four putted on the last green for a disappointing double bogey and a 68.

Local hope Sukree Othman kept the Malaysian fans happy by soaring up the leaderboard with a superb 65 to tie for fifth place with Australian Marcus Both (67) and Siddikur of Bangladesh (68) on 12 under.

"I didn't think my first win will come so soon. There are so many good players on the Asian Tour and I didn't play very well in my first four events in Asia," Granberg said.

"I thought I had a chance for a top-10 or top-five but now, I'm a winner."

The Finn, who has three wins on his home tour, started the final round four shots off the lead but got off to a flying start with an eagle on his opening hole from 10 feet before reaching the turn in 33.

"The eagle on the first was very good. It relaxed my feeling so much. Then I had a good birdie on the third and I was more relaxed," Granberg said.

"I just played it one shot at a time. I walked very relaxed and that was my secret. I said yesterday that 66 would be okay and now I'm the winner. It's amazing."

Groom, 32, was disappointed with his tee-shot on the final hole, but insisted he was happy with his performance throughout the event.

"I played great all day," the Australian said. "I was six-under before the last hole and probably played one of my best rounds in a while."

"I hit a bad tee shot but the positive part was that I was in contention. I made some money and that would put me in good position on the Order of Merit."

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