Cambodian SEA Games prospect Seng Van Seyha bolstered his confidence ahead of the Malaysian trip by winning the ninth Angkor Amateur Open golf championship with a two round gross of 148 at the Sir Nick Faldo-designed Angkor Golf Resort in Siem Reap yesterday evening.

Despite a nervy second round 77, the long-hitting Phnom Penh youngster managed the best overall gross on the weight of his solid first round 71 to beat back the challenge of American Todd Doss by two strokes.

Narrowly beaten into second place by compatriot Ly Hong last year, Seyha made amends this time round with a one under par.

The Cambodian national team player opened his second round with three successive pars before hitting the turn in 39 (+3) with the chasing pack hot on his heels.

The big-hitting youngster then made a double bogey on the 12th, leaving the door wide open for his nearest rivals to fight back, but they were unable to do so.

Seyha drew upon his tournament experience and closed out with six solid pars to return home in 38 strokes in a round of 77, two clear of Doss.

There were 21 prizes on offer this year over four divisions and the prizes were closely contested across the board.

The scores were a fraction lower than previous years, highlighting the challenging set-up of the Faldo course and the hot playing conditions that the players faced over the weekend.

“Seyha is a worthy champion and I have no doubt he will be a leading national player for many years to come. He is a powerful young player who conducts himself very well on and off the golf course.

“Hopefully he can be a role model for young players in the Kingdom,’’ said David Baron, the AGR’s director of golf, after the trophy presentation.

In the senior division, Ooi Wai Kin took top honours with the best gross of 147 (73 and 74), while Tiana G Lau won the ladies section with 75 and 80 for a two-round total of 185.