Marc Leishman dominates with front nine at TPC Kuala Lumpur

Australian Marc Leishman burned away from the field with a dominant front nine at TPC Kuala Lumpur before cruising home to a commanding five-stroke win at the CIMB Classic on Sunday.

Frustrated by a number of near-misses in a winless 2017-18, Leishman claimed his fourth PGA Tour victory in his first start of the new season at the $7 million co-sanctioned tournaments.

The bulky 34-year-old fired a seven-under 65 to finish with a 26-under total of 262, charging clear from a three-way tie for the lead overnight with a birdie blitz from the second hole.

Americans Chesson Hadley and Bronson Burgoon finished joint runner-up with Argentina's Emiliano Grillo on 21-under, while headliner Justin Thomas was tied for fifth a stroke further back after closing strongly with a 64.