Kieran Pratt claims first professional victory

Melbourne Professional Kieran Pratt has claimed his first career title at the Asian Tour’s Myanmar Open.

Showing the composure of a professional well beyond his years, Pratt won his first professional victory following a three-way playoff with fellow Australian Adam Blyth and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat.

In his first tournament of 2012, the 23 year-old claimed the title and the US$47,550.00 winner’s cheque following the second playoff hole.

“Fantastic. It feels great to win the first event of the year. Obviously you want to get off to a fast start but to win is obviously better,” said Pratt who is playing in his second year on the Asian Tour.

A former member of the Victorian Institute of Sport golf program, Pratt turned professional in 2010.

He quickly came to prominence in his first season on the PGA Tour of Australasia when he played alongside (and outplayed,) Tiger Woods in the third round of the JBWere Masters before finishing in a tie for 22^nd.

Pratt eclipsed the result in late 2011 finishing in a tie for 6^th at the JBWere Masters, the tournament won by Ian Poulter.

As for Blyth, the runner up finish is his third on the Asian Tour since joining in 2007.

Regardless, his final round of 65 in which he overcame an eight-shot deficit to join the play-off will hold the Queenslander in good stead for the rest of year.

“I was never expecting to have a chance to win. I’m disappointed that I had the opportunity to win and didn’t. But I’m still happy with the outcome and how I played. It is a great way to start the season,” said Blyth.

In a big tournament for the Aussie contingent, Scott Hend finished in a tie for 4^th while Marcus Both finished in a tie for 6^th.

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