Kieran Vincent wins Asia Tour International Series

THE week has proven to be a good one for Zimbabwean sports personalities outside the country after golfer Kieran Vincent won the Asia Tour International Series Vietnam at KN Golf Links in Camp Ranh on Sunday.

In just his second year as a professional golfer, the 25-year-old grabbed six birdies on the final day to win his first Asian Tour title. The victory came 10 months after his brother Scott won the International Series England.

After round scores of 67, 65 and 71, Vincent went on to shoot a six-under-par 66 fourth round score for a final aggregate of 19-under, and a gross total of 269. Vincent started the day in fourth place, three behind the third round leader Takumi Kanaya from Japan, who shot a final round 73 to drop to tied fourth.

In second place there was Anirban Lahiri from India who carded a 64 and Australian Kevin Yuan, who missed a similar length birdie putt on the last to force a sudden-death play-off, a 68. The duo finished with a gross total of 270 points and -18 under par.

Speaking after his impressive victory, the Zimbabwean international was full of praise for the people who have been working with him from behind the scenes to make sure that the victory finally comes.

“It is surreal right now. I think there are so many people I have to thank at this stage that have put so much time and effort into me that they deserve it more than myself. I feel like I am a lead singer in a band of people that have done so much for me. I am very appreciative. I don’t think it is going to sink in for a while,” said Vincent.

After an unimpressive third round, Vincent bounced back on the final day with six birdies and no dropped shots to jump into pole position, something which he believes is part of the game where you can win some and lose some, adding that he is grateful that the ball went in when it did and did not miss.

The win took him to third place on the International Series Order of Merit after playing four tournaments. He is fourth on the Asia Tour Order of Merit. This therefore, gives him a chance to emulate his brother Scott who won last year’s International Series Order of Merit list and is now playing in the LIV Golf Series. -@brandon_malvin