It was his third European Tour title after victories at the 2013 Malaysian Open and this year's Shenzhen International in China.

"It is my third title on the tour but this one is special because I won in Europe," said Kiradech who has played on the European Tour since 2013. "This proves that Asian players can win in Europe."

Kiradech, who is dubbed 'Asia's John Daly', dedicated the success to his mother.

"This is a birthday present for my mother who will celebrate her birthday on Aug 11,'' Kiradech said after returning from Aberdeen. 

"This is also a special gift for all Thai fans on National Mother's Day on Aug 12."

Kiradech said that his target was to reach the world's top 50 by the end of the year so that he would be eligible to play in several tournaments on the PGA Tour.

"Last year, I played about 10 events in the US and I am sure that I can play competitively there,'' said Kiradech who started the year at No.134 in the world.

"A top 50 place in the world rankings would give me more chances to play there."

Kiradech climbed to No.9 in the Race to Dubai thanks to the winner's cheque of €171,000 (about 6.5 million baht) from the Paul Lawrie tournament.

He has earned €1,037,066 (about 39 million baht) after 17 tournaments this year, and hopes to stay in the top 20 in the Race to Dubai at the end of the season.

The former Asian Tour No.1 yesterday visited Singha Corporation chief Santi Bhirombhakdi and executive Rangsrid Luxitanond to thank them for their support.

"The company has supported me from the beginning when I had financial problems,'' he said.

Meanwhile, five Asian Tour members, led by the reigning and current Order of Merit leaders David Lipsky and Anirban Lahiri, will shoot for glory at the US$9.25 million WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club starting tomorrow.

Three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, 2007 Asian No.1 Liang Wen-chong of China and Australian Andrew Dodt will also feature in the star-studded event.

It will be Lipsky's second apperance in a World Golf Championships event after he finished tied 62nd in the WGC-Cadillac Championship earlier this season.

He will arrive in Firestone in good form following his tied 16th finish at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland, which he won last season.

For Lahiri and Thongchai, they will be aiming for a strong performance in America to consolidate their positions in the International Team rankings for the Presidents Cup.

Thongchai is currently ranked seventh on the list while Lahiri is ninth, with the top 10 earning automatic spots following the cut-off date on Sept 6.

Lahiri finished fifth in Switzerland two weeks ago and will be hoping to improve on his joint 34th finish at the Cadillac Championship earlier this season while Thongchai will be keen to produce a strong outing after tying for 50th place two weeks ago.

Original story here.