JIMMY Chia Kee Joo almost never made the grand finals of the Prudential Astro Masters golf championships at Hainan Island in China recently.
The 40-year-old businessman was running late when he arrived at the LCCT. In fact, they had already closed the gate when he got to the departure lounge.
“I was so distraught and disappointed that I was going to miss such an important event. Of course, it was my fault so I could only plead with the Air Asia land crew to let me through.
“When they relented and allowed me through, I almost sprinted all the way to the aircraft. It was only when I sat down and the aircraft’s doors were closed that I heaved a sigh of relief, knowing that I would be making the grand final after all,” Chia said.
Winners all: Chia (centre) holding aloft the trophy. With him are Fiona Liao (left) and Anthony Yeap. His persistence turned out to be a blessing in disguise when Chia was crowned as the champion of the Prudential Astro Masters after carding identical scores of 76-76 at the grand finals played on the West Coast GC and Meishi Mayflower GCC.
Second spot went to overnight leader Tan Chee Kean with a two round score of 154 while Daniel Yeo Thian Chai of Damai GCC, Kuching was third on 157.
Chia’s triumph earned him a trophy, a RM200 Maxis Reload Card, an LG Microwave Oven and a set of Bridgestone irons.
In the nett category, Ng Kok Wah of Penang made up an incredible eight-shot deficit to snatch the trophy and a Maxis Blackberry. The 12-handicapper played to par on the first day but carded a commendable seven under 65 on the second day at Meishi Mayflower.
Astro’s director of media sales Anthony Yeap said they were pleased at being able to organise the grand final in China.
The grand finals will be telecast in two half-hour shows on the Golf Channel soon.
“We are planning on maximising our connections with the various channels that we have, like the Golf Channel. It would provide the Astro Masters with a massive lift should the Prudential Astro Masters receive regular air time coverage on our channels from next year onwards,” he added.
Prudential was the title sponsor of the Masters while AmBank Group and LG Electronics were the associate sponsors. The other sponsors were Bridgestone, Crest Link, Pharmaton, Heineken, Delsey, Alain Delon, Fred Lenzo, Maxis, AXN, TVB, TopGear Magazine, GOLF Magazine, SunPlay, Fresh & White, Rexona, Gatorade Tiger, Cinta Sayang Resort, Clear, TOP, Shokubutsu and Golf Channel.
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