Thomas breaks duck in Kuala Lumpur

Justin Thomas held his nerve to claim his maiden PGA Tour victory at the CIMB Classic in Malaysia on Sunday.

Having charged into contention with rounds of 68, 61 and 67, the 22-year-old began the final day tied for the lead alongside Brendan Steele and he looked in good shape as he picked up five shots in his opening 13 holes.

He did card a double bogey from the middle of the fairway at the 14th but fought back in formidable style to make three straight birdies.

It meant a par was required on the 18th to claim the win at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club and, after racing his first putt past the hole, Thomas holed out from five feet to sign for a 66 and take the title by a shot.

The American’s total of 26-under-par is a tournament record and afterwards he was almost speechless at breaking his PGA Tour duck at just 22.

“I still can’t believe what happened,” he said. “I made that par to clinch the title. I don’t care how I got it done; it just feels awesome.”

The victory makes Thomas the third first-time winner in as many events so far in the 2016 season, following the success of Emiliano Grillo and Smylie Kaufman.

Behind him, Adam Scott fired a final round of 63 to finish one off the pace in second while Steele and Kevin Na shared third a further stroke back on 24-under.

Tagged Brendan Steele, CIMB Classic, Justin Thomas, PGA Tour