Hong Kong, November 23: Chinese Taipei's Lin Wen-tang lifted the UBS Hong Kong Open title after a thrilling play-off win over Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and Italy's Francesco Molinari on Sunday.
Lin nailed an accurate approach shot in the second-play-off hole which left the ball within inches of the hole for a tap-in birdie and the win at the Hong Kong Golf Club.
He walked away with the winner's cheque of US$416,660 and rises to second place on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit after becoming the first Asian golfer to win the title in a decade.
"It cannot be described how I feel. All I can do is use my smile to say thank you to you all," said Lin.
Lin had the chance to win with a four feet birdie putt on the 18th hole in regulation play but he two putted for par and remained tied with Italy's Francesco Molinari and McIlroy at the top of the pack.
He then struck a wayward drive in the first play-off hole on the 18th, hooking his tee shot into the trees, but an incredible recovery shot from what looked an impossible position got him out of trouble to within four feet for a birdie. 
McIlroy also birdied after a wonderful approach to three feet but Molinari was eliminated when his 15 foot putt slipped by, leaving Lin and McIlory to head back to the 18th tee for the second play-off hole.
This time it was McIlroy who found trouble off the tee, finding the same trees as Lin moments earlier, but the Northern Irish teenager played an almost equally remarkable recovery, hooking a gap wedge 40 yards round the trees to find the back of the green.
Lin made no such mistake at the second time of asking and blasted a solid drive followed by an inch perfect pitch which left his ball right next to the hole. McIlroy's birdie putt slid by and Lin was able to tap in for the win.
"I tried to be happy as much as I can. For the last few holes, actually, I knew I did have a chance to win the tournament without the playoff, but I didn't make it. I was focused on the 18th green in regulation play but I somehow missed the four feet birdie putt, but I put it behind me right away as I knew I had to head back to the tee for the play-off.
"When I was in the trees in the first play-off hole, I knew that as long as the ball was not in the hole, I still had a very good chance to take it to another playoff hole, so I went for it. And it was like help from the Gods; and at the end, I made it.
"I've always said that the trophy goes to the most well-prepared player, and I'm very well prepared this week. I really have been wanting to win. I think good preparation is the basis of success," admitted the champion.
Chinese Taipei's Lu Liang-huan was the first ever winner of the tournament 50 years ago and Lin has joined the list of illustrious winners this week.
Lin has also enjoyed a superb 2008 season on the Asian Tour having won the Asian Tour International in March. He had also previously finished tied third at the BMW Asian Open in April coupled with two runner-up finishes prior to his Hong Kong success.
Despite having lost in a tight battle, McIlroy was pleased with his overall performance.
"I thought I probably did enough when I made three at the first play-off hole and I had an incredible recovery shot on the second play-off hole, but it just wasn't meant to be," he said.
Molinari shared a similar sentiment having lost out in the first play-off hole.
"You need to do the right shot at the right moment, and I'm pretty happy with the way I played the play-off, anyway. It was a pretty good putt as well, but just didn't break," said the Italian golfer.
Leading final round scores
265 - Francesco Molinari (ITA) 66-67-67-65, Rory Mcilroy (NIR) 70-64-66-65
Lin Wen-tang (TPE) 65-69-64-67
(Lin defeated McIlroy in the second play-off hole)
267 - Chawalit Plaphol (THA) 66-66-70-65, Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 69-67-64-67
268 - Iain Steel (MAS) 68-68-66-66, Richard Sterne (RSA) 64-69-69-66, David Gleeson (AUS) 72-65-65-66, Oliver Wilson (ENG) 66-66-65-71, Bernhard Langer (GER) 69-67-63-69
269 - Oliver Fisher (ENG) 67-65-73-64, Graeme Mcdowell (NIR) 71-68-65-65, Angelo Que (PHI) 68-68-67-66, Jeev Milkha Singh (IND) 71-63-66-69
270 - Liang Wen-chong (CHN) 64-71-69-66, Colin Montgomerie (SCO) 68-65-68-69
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About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Carlsberg (Official Beer), ESPN Star Sports (Official Regional TV Broadcaster), Pin High (Official Apparel Partner), Ricoh (Official Office Solutions Provider), Sofitel (Official Hotel), TIME and FORTUNE (Corporate Partner) and Srixon (Official Ball). Sentosa, Singapore's premier island resort getaway, is the Home of the Asian Tour.
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