Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee has won an unprecedented third Asian Tour Order of Merit title. after finishing 11th in the UBS Hong Kong Open.
Jaidee, who was also Asia's number one in 2001 and 2004, carded a final round of 67 in the USB Hong Kong Open, to ensure top spot ahead of China's Liang Wen-chong with two events remaining.
The 40-year-old posted wins at the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open and the Ballantine's Championship this season and finished tied for 13th at The Open.
"Winning the Asian Tour Order of Merit title really means a lot to me," he said.
"The competition is always getting tougher and tougher each year and to win it again shows that my game is improving each year as well."
The current world number 57 is targeting breaking into the world's top 50 next year, while he is also planning to play on the US PGA Tour.
"I trained really hard this year, working with my coach and building up my stamina, fitness and constantly improving my game," he added.
"It's very exciting to be playing in the last event in the Race to Dubai next week.
"It's a very big event and I need to play well. If I play like I did this week, I think I stand a good chance."
Liang only emerged as a serious contender with second place in Singapore earlier this month but, needing to claim second in Hong Kong, could only finish alongside Jaidee, nine shots adrift of winner Gregory Bourdy.
"To be honest, I'm a little bit disappointed that I lost out to Thongchai in the title race. I had a bad round yesterday and that really made a difference to my hopes," said 2007 Order of Merit winner Liang.
"But that's how golf is and I'll try harder again next year."
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