Sami Välimäki took second place in the Singapore golf competition, but was disappointed because he lost his clear lead in the final round.
12.2. 13:18•Updated 12.2. 19:45
Sami Välimäki finished second in the European Golf Tour competition in Singapore. Välimäki used only 66 strokes in his last round, but the South African Ockie Strydom needed only 63 strokes and beat Välimäki by one stroke in the final results.
Välimäki was still close to victory in the middle of the final round, but at the end Strydom passed. Välimäki played strongly with the advantages and at his best ran away to a three stroke lead.
Välimäki’s and Strydom’s struggle for victory culminated on the last hole. Välimäki would have needed a birdie to get level with Strydom, but could only make par. This is how Strydom undershot the pair by 19 strokes and Välimäki by 18 strokes in the final results.
– It’s sad. Should have been able to win today. A good round, but the guy (Strydom) played better, Välimäki summed up his thoughts to Urheilu.
Etuysi had strong play from the Finn, but according to Välimäki, it could have gone better as well.
– I could have played better with advantages, my putting was a bit weak. In the end, I couldn’t quite get to the spots and I couldn’t get putts in the hole on the 16th and 18th fairways, Välimäki commented.
– The guy ended up making a couple of good birdies, I couldn’t make those myself. But what I did was good too, it won’t get you anywhere.
Tasty prize money
Välimäki received the prize money of 220,000 dollars (about 206,000 euros) for his second place. The winner Strydom received 340,000 dollars (approx. 318,000 euros) as his effort. Singapore’s greens suit Finns well.
– Nice course, soft fairways and greens, I like playing on such a course. It was easy to hit fairway shots from the greens.
Välimäki came to a tough decision last summer because he wanted a change in his game. Cooperation Timo Karvinen with ended, and an Englishman became the new coach Liam James. The solution has worked and got his playing career on a new rise.
– The change of coach has brought new things and motivation to my training, Välimäki said.
Välimäki’s racing season will continue already next week in Thailand.
– On Monday I fly to Thailand. Similar thing to do. I’m still trying to improve so that the next race will be a win, Välimäki predicts already next week.
Remember the Finns Tapio Pulkanen tied for 23rd in Singapore with a score of 11 under par and Kalle Samoa ranks 42 with a score of seven under par.