KAIMON, Japan – Nov. 29, 2004 – David Smail of the New Zealand fired a 1-under 71 Sunday to win the Casio World Open by a shot over American Hunter Mahan. Smail finished four rounds in the high-profile Japanese tour event at 12-under 276.
Mahan finished with a 2-under 70 to close within one of Smail at 11-under 277. Japanese players Takashi Kamiyama, Hisayuki Sasaki and Ryoken Kawagishi shared third place alongside young South African Charl Schwartzel at 9-under 279. Kawagishi finished right behind Tiger Woods in the Dunlop Phoenix last week.
Shingo Katayama, known in the United States for his colorful cowboy hats, and Katsunori Kuwabara were one shot further back at 8-under 280.
Justin Rose of England fired his second 1-under 71 in three days to finish alone in ninth place at 7-under 281. Colin Montgomerie came with a late surge to claim a share of 12th place, a 69 pushing him up to 4-under after an opening 74 had hindered his chances of a big week.
"It's great to win again, it's just fantastic, I just can't believe it," said Smail, who also won this event in 1992. "It was a tough week after traveling to Spain (where he represented New Zealand in the WGC-World Cup) last week. I felt tired all week and my legs were so tired coming up the last few holes."
Smail began the final round with a two-shot lead over Mahan, and carded four birdies to three bogeys, including a birdie on the final hole that proved to be the winning margin. Mahan, two behind as he played the final hole, skimmed the edge of the cup with a 30-foot eagle putt that would have forced a playoff, but had to settle for a birdie and solo second place.
Further down in the field, European Tour player Jeev Milkha Singh of India and Australian Craig Jones finished in a pack at 2-under 286, while Joe Ozaki and Toru Suzuki were in a group at 1-under 287.
American Christian Pena struggled to a 73-75 weekend to fall into a group at even-par 288, while senior star Jumbo Ozaki and Dinesh Chand of Fiji, best known for partnering Vijay Singh in international team events, finished in a group at 1-over 289.
Source: PGA
