American Sihwan Kim was tussling with Catlin for the outright lead right until the 16th hole where a costly bogey pegged him back to second place, which he would eventually finish at the US$500,000 event.

The local hopes of welcoming another home winner were dashed as Chinese Taipei’s Hung Chien-yao could not surmount the late charge needed and ended his week in third place at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club.

India’s Viraj Madappa enjoyed a welcome return to form by finishing fourth after missing three cuts since his maiden breakthrough at home in in August.

“All the pressure of trying to qualify for CIMB next week and not knowing where I was standing. And to be able to stand up to that is just awesome." – John Catlin

Catlin, who held a share of the lead since the second round, had a decisive birdie on 16 to thank for giving him a two-shot cushion heading into his final two holes.

That advantage provided him with much relief as two straight pars on 17 and 18 saw him close with a winning total of 15-under-par 273 and sealed his place as the newest winner of the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship.

“This win means a lot to me,” Catlin said. “All the pressure of trying to qualify for CIMB next week and not knowing where I was standing. And to be able to stand up to that is just awesome. That’s why you work so hard for. That’s why you put in all those hours in preparation for rounds like today.

“If you told me I was going to play in a PGA Tour event six months ago, I would be like, it’s not going to happen. But now that I’ve got in, it’s amazing and I’m so excited to there.”

Jake Higginbottom was the best of the Australians, finishing T11 after shooting seven-under 65 on the final day.