Choi wins Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia

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JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia (AP) -- South Korea's K.J. Choi celebrated his return to Asia by claiming a four-stroke victory in the rain-disrupted Iskandar Johor Open on Sunday.

Choi posted a final-round score of 8-under 64 for a three-day total of 20-under-par 196 at the $1 million tournament, which was reduced to 54 holes by heavy rain.

Chapchai Nirat of Thailand snatched second place by chipping in at three of the last four holes at Malaysia's Royal Johor Country Club, where the final round was suspended for two hours Sunday by a thunderstorm.

South Africa's Retief Goosen fired a superb 62 to take a share of third position with overnight leader Himmat Rai of India, who closed with a 70 for a three-day total of 201.

Choi fired three consecutive birdies in his opening three holes before adding another two on the sixth and seventh holes to make the turn in just 31.

He went on to post birdies on Nos. 11, 12 and 18 and returned a blemish-free scorecard, courtesy of an amazing par save on the 15th after his tee shot found the water. He sank a chip from 10 yards to salvage par.

The victory marked a happy return to Asia for Choi, who honed his skills on the Asian Tour before turning his attention to the PGA TOUR, where he has won seven titles.

"It is not easy to win on the Asian Tour. The depth of talent of the players here is very deep," Choi said.

"For me to win my first Asian Tour title outside of Korea is a testament of how difficult it is to play here."

Choi will play the Singapore Open next week.

Japan's Kodai Ichihara (69) and Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat (64) shared fifth place.