Thomas successfully defends CIMB Classic title

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Justin Thomas completed a fairytale return to the CIMB Classic with a successful title defense after eight birdies in the final round Sunday earned him a three-shot victory over closest rival Hideki Matsuyama.

The American did not match his record tournament score of 26-under-par 262 in 2015, but he still finished with an impressive 23-under for only his second PGA Tour title.

“It’s great to win again here. It’s a place I’m comfortable with ... Hopefully I will be able to come back next year,” said Thomas, who shot 64 to match his first-day score.

Overnight leader Anirban Lahiri, who led the field by four shots into the final round, lost ground after a quadruple bogey on the third hole, after his tee shot went into a tree.

Lahiri recovered with a birdie and eagle over the next two holes, but the early setback left him in a tie for third with Derek Fathauer (67).

“I got unlucky with the tee shot and just compounded my errors. My short game again, coming up a little bit to bite me,” said Lahiri, the 2015 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner.

Marc Leishman (66) finished one shot away from Lahiri in fifth, with Keegan Bradley (68) one spot below him at 16-under.