KAVARNA, Bulgaria - Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell defeated Thongchai Jaidee 2 & 1 in the final of the Volvo World Match-Play in Bulgaria on Sunday.
Thongchai's effort, however, will likely move him inside the Top 50 golfers in the world rankings, high enough for a certain place in next month's US Open.
Thongchai Jaidee during the final match of the Volvo World Match-Play Championship against Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland at Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort in Kavarna on May 19, 2013. (AFP Photo)
McDowell, capturing his second tournament victory in three events, was 2 down after four holes before pulling ahead at the 14th hole against the 43-year old Thongchai on the Thracian Cliffs course.
A run of three wins in four holes from the 12th gave the Northern Irishman the 800,000-euro winner's cheque and one of the most prestigious titles on The European Tour.
In perfect conditions at a sun-drenched Thracian Cliffs Golf and Beach Resort, it was Thongchai who won the second from 25 feet, having salvaged a half at the first despite driving into a bunker.
Five-time European Tour winner Thongchai, having seen off Thomas Aiken in the morning's semi-finals, doubled his advantage at the long fourth when McDowell missed a 10-foot birdie putt and the World No.63 converted from half that distance.
Former US Open Champion McDowell had beaten Branden Grace in his semi-final and was looking to atone for his defeat to Nicolas Colsaerts at the same stage last year.
But the World No.8 was lucky not to go three down at the par five fifth when his approach went into an unplayable patch of rough and he had to salvage par from 12 feet, with Thongchai missing his birdie effort from six feet.
A hole finally went McDowell's way when he birdied the short seventh from six feet, and the next four were halved with pars.
Only McDowell was able to birdie the long 12th and so the contest went into the closing stretch all square again, although the momentum had clearly shifted.
McDowell won the 14th with a par after Thongchai drove into a bush and had to play out sideways, and as a result led the final for the first time, before taking the 15th after a brilliant approach to five feet and parring the next two.
"I am very happy and had a very good week," said Thongchai.
"I made only one mistake in the final on the 14th hole after the a poor drive. But it was a good tournament for me. My game is very solid.
"I came here of course to win and to come second I am very proud and satisfied, as it is a good result for me.
"I did get very tired this afternoon but more importantly I enjoyed the tournament, and I enjoyed coming here for a first time in my career to Bulgaria."
