Kapur wins duel at Royal Cup

Prom Meesawat (Tha) – Third Round 66 (-5), Total 201 (-12)

Published on December 30, 2017

Pattaya, Thailand, December 30: Prom Meesawat of Thailand broke out of the main pack after carding a five-under-par 66 to lead the US$500,000 Royal Cup by two shots. The tournament is currently contested at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.

The burly Thai golfer kept his mistakes to a minimum and scored six birdies. He only had one bogey the entire round at the 15th, but it could have been much worse if not for a terrific bunker shot that landed five yards from the hole.

Shiv Kapur of India carded a birdie at the 18th to keep things interesting going into Sunday. Kapur, who was playing with Prom in the same group, kept within sight of the leader with pivotal birdies at the 12th in addition to the one at the last hole. Kapur finished Saturday with a 10-under-par 203 total, just two shots behind Prom.

Young Thai golfer Poom Saksansin was happy about his round and rightly so. He kept pace with the front two with a steady display, highlighted by four birdies and just one bogey. He finished round three with a 68 for a share of third place with Gaganjeet Bhullar.

Bhullar, on the other hand, had a rather dramatic round three. He made six birdies, but it was slightly negated by two bogeys and an uncharacteristic double bogey at the par-four ninth. After a magnificent start, the Indian golfer ground out his round towards the last few holes and signed for a 69.

The Royal Cup is a no cut event and it will be the final event on the 2017 Asian Tour schedule.

Did you know:

Prom Meesawat’s nickname is “The Big Dolphin”, because of his physique and that he comes from the coastal town of Huahin.
He earned US$134,192 on the Asian Tour this year, which put him in 30th position on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
His favourite female golf professional is Paula Creamer.
Shiv Kapur’s solid season has been a huge turnaround for him after going through a tough year in 2016 where he lost his European Tour card and had to go through a liver surgery which kept him out of the game for a few months.
Kapur’s first victory on the Asian Tour was in Thailand.
Kapur got married in 2016, in Bali.
Poom Saksansin finished eighth on the 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit. He earned US$331,417 this year.
Poom qualified for the EurAsia Cup by virtue of being one of the four leading Asian Golfers on the Order of Merit.
Gaganjeet Bhullar enjoyed a tied-second finish the last time he was in Thailand, at the Thailand Open.
He earned US$253,803 and finished 15th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Player Interviews:

I was playing my own game and Shiv (Kapur) was playing his own game. We have known each other for a long time. Shiv was playing well and didn’t make many mistakes. Even myself, I’m playing well too. I hope that it’ll be good fun tomorrow.

Especially this week, I’m hitting my irons pretty good. I was able to control the distance well. As I’ve mentioned, you’ve got to stay pin high at this course. The green is typically soft on the front nine and hard at the back nine.

I had two tough shots. At the 13th (where he scored a birdie), I had to hit it high from the rough so that the ball can stop on the green. That one worked out well. At the 15th, I left about four to five yards short of the hole from the bunker.

I’m going to stick with my game plan tomorrow. I’ll go shot by shot. Shiv is playing well, I’m playing well. I’ll just go out and enjoy. Having a two-shot advantage is nothing in golf these days. I’m just going to try my best to win.

Shiv Kapur (Ind) – Third Round 68 (-3), Total 203 (-10)

I played great today. He (Prom) didn’t make many mistakes. He left the door opened once or twice, but I didn’t capitalise on it. Every time I made a birdie, he seemed to make a birdie as well. He played a solid back nine and he seemed to pull away a bit.

I told my caddie at the 18th tee, if I can birdie the last and close the gap to two shots, that can give me a better chance for a win. It’s a big difference between being two shots back and three shots back.

The birdie on 12th was the turning point of my round today. If I missed and he made the birdie, as it would widen the gap.

I’m not trying to get into a match play situation. Perhaps, if it’s the last few holes tomorrow and it’s a similar situation as today then maybe, you can look at that.

I’ve known Prom since the junior days and I’ve played with him in the last 15 to 20 years. I have a lot of respect for his game. He’s a fantastic player and he’s not going to hand me the tournament. I’m going to have to go out and work hard for it. With a birdie at the last hole, I have a better chance.

It’ll be a fun battle if I can score some birdies on the front nine and put some pressure on him.

Poom Saksansin (Tha) – Third Round 68 (-3), Total 207 (-6)

Today I had a mistake, but it was a good mistake. I tried to lay up at the fifth hole, but it hooked to the pin and I made a birdie there.

Another good hole was the 10th. I had a good birdie chance, but I missed it. It was simply too difficult. The green was quite sloppy and I didn’t give it enough allowance.

Overall, I’m happy because I played well today. The weather is hot today, but in a good way. The winds are strong and the back nine is firmer than the front nine. The pins are still as tough as ever, but I am looking forward to the challenge.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) – Third Round 69 (-2), Total 207 (-6)

It was a bit of a yo-yo round and there were lots of ups and downs during the day.

I did make six birdies today, but I’ve also made some bad shots which led to bogeys. But otherwise, I drove the ball well like I did the last two rounds, kept the ball in play at pretty much all the holes and I gave myself plenty of birdie opportunities. I made some par saves at the end but otherwise, it was a decent round.

I started the round pretty well with two consecutive birdies. The other highlight was my second shot on the eighth. I was 92 yards from the stick. I took a sand wedge, hit the ball from the rough and it went in.

I’m looking forward to having a good low round on Sunday.

Scores after round 3 of the Royal Cup being played at the par 71, 6764 Yards Phoenix Gold GCC course (am – denotes amateur):

201 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 68-67-66.

203 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 67-68-68.

207 – Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 68-71-68, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 67-71-69.

208 – Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 69-70-69, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 68-70-70, Raththee SIRITHANAKUNSAK (THA) 67-71-70, LU Wei-chih (TPE) 68-69-71.

209 – Ben LEONG (MAS) 70-68-71, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 70-68-71.

210 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 68-75-67, Danthai BOONMA (THA) 73-69-68, Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 69-72-69, Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 72-67-71.

211 – Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 71-71-69, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 75-67-69, Pasavee LERTVILAI (THA) 70-72-69, Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 70-71-70, John CATLIN (USA) 69-72-70, Ratchapol JANTAVARA (THA) 72-69-70, Thanpisit OMSIN (THA) 70-69-72.

212 – Atthaphon SRIBOONKAEW (THA) 73-70-69, Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA) 73-71-68, Nattawat SUVAJANAKORN (THA) 70-71-71, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 70-70-72, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 67-73-72.

213 – Danny CHIA (MAS) 72-71-70, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 67-74-72, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 70-71-72, Suttijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 71-70-72.

214 – Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA) 72-72-70, Panuwat MUENLEK (THA) 73-70-71, Peradol PANYATHANASEDH (THA) 69-75-70, Chaiphat KOONMARK (THA) 71-71-72, Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 73-72-69, Chanachok DEJPIRATANAMONGKOL (THA) 72-73-69, WANG Wei-lun (TPE) 76-69-69.

215 – Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 70-73-72, Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 69-75-71, Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA) 72-71-72, Piya SWANGARUNPORN (THA) 73-72-70, Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 69-73-73, Tawan PHONGPHUN (THA) 72-74-69.

216 – Pannakorn UTHAIPAS (THA) 72-70-74, Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 70-78-68, Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 69-72-75, Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) 71-68-77.

217 – Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA) 73-72-72, Somprad RATTANASUWAN (THA) 71-71-75, Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 73-73-71.

218 – Natipong SRITHONG (THA) 69-75-74, Giwhan KIM (KOR) 75-70-73, Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA) 73-72-73, Chirat JIRASUWAN (THA) 70-75-73, Itthipat BURANATANYARAT (THA) 74-76-68.

219 – Nitithorn THIPPONG (THA) 73-67-79, Thepbodin AMARANAN (THA) 73-75-71.

220 – Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 70-73-77, Worrasorn SUWANPANANG (THA) 73-73-74, Tawit POLTHAI (THA) 75-74-71.

221 – Chonlatit CHUENBOONNGAM (THA) 75-75-71.

222 – Meechok PHANTHARAK (THA) 74-70-78, Somsak KAOPRATUM (THA) 70-78-74, Scott HEND (AUS) 71-77-74.

223 – Kwanchai TANNIN (THA) 71-79-73.

224 – Kasidit LEPKURTE (THA) 75-77-72, Ronnachai JAMNONG (THA) 78-76-70.

225 – Naras LUANGPHETCHARAPORN (THA) 77-70-78, Nattapong PUTTA (THA) 74-76-75, Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 77-76-72.

227 – Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA) 73-73-81, Udorn DUANGDECHA (THA) 79-72-76.

232 – Jaturon DUANGPHAICHOOM (THA) 75-86-71.

253 – Jomyoot GEETONG (THA) 86-83-84.

257 – Pattalit THANOMSING (THA) 80-89-88.

Jbe KRUGER, South Africa – DQ

Nicholas FUNG, Malaysia – RT

Ends.

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Published on December 29, 2017

Pattaya, Thailand, December 29: Prom Meesawat of Thailand shot a four-under-par 67 to share first place with Shiv Kapur of India after the second round of the US$500,000 Royal Cup.

The experienced Thai golfer was feeling very positive from the first hole at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country and he had the result to show for it. Prom carded three birdies and an eagle during the round for a seven-under-par 135 total.

The only blemish on his scorecard was a bogey on hole two. Prom put it down to bad luck as the wind picked up just as he hit the ball flush.

Shiv kept mistakes out of his game and carded a bogey-free 68. Similar to round one, he needed a few holes to get his game started. Things went on track for him after consecutive birdies on the sixth and seven.

Lu Wei-chih of Chinese Taipei is two shots behind the leaders in lone third after carding a 69. He scored three birdies and turned in at 33 courtesy of some accurate approach shots. However, things did not go as well over his back nine (holes one to nine) as he made three bogeys. Although, he had an eagle on the sixth.

The entire field stays for the weekend as the Royal Cup is a no cut event. It is also the final event on the 2017 Asian Tour schedule.

Did you know:

Prom Meesawat is a two-time winner on the Asian Tour. He won the 2006 SK Telecom Open and the 2014 Yeangder TPC.
He finished 30th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
Prom enjoyed three top-10 finishes in 2017, the Yeangder TPC, Macao Open and the Asian Golf Championship
Shiv Kapur won an individual gold medal for golf at the 2002 Asian Games.
The Indian golfer ended an 11-year wait for the title by winning the 2017 Yeangder Heritage
Lu Wei-chih had a brain tumour removed in mid-2012. He recovered and went back to competitive golf a year later.
His victory at the 2016 Mercuries Taiwan Masters completed his comeback in spectacular fashion.
All four Asian Tour victories that Lu had were in Chinese Taipei.

Player Interviews:

Prom Meesawat (Tha) – Second Round 67 (-4), Total 135 (-7)

It’s another good day for me as I didn’t make a lot of mistakes. The bogey that I had was just unlucky. I hit a good shot and thought about having a birdie chance at the hole, but the wind picked up and the ball flew over the hole.

I played well after the turn, as I birdied the fifth and eagle the sixth.

The sixth is good for long hitters. This time, the wind helped me drove the ball farther down the fairway. I took a 7-iron and it landed over the bunker and rolled onto the green. I then putted in for eagle from 25 feet.

Over at the back nine, it’s tougher and firmer, so you have to control your distance very well.

It’s a tight leaderboard, so everyone’s still got a chance. This course is short. If you can read the green well, you can go low on this golf course. For myself, I’ll just go out and enjoy the weekend.

Shiv Kapur (Ind) – Second Round 68 (-3), Total 135 (-7)

I was bogey-free today. I kept the mistakes off the card. I felt that I had a slow start as I didn’t give myself birdie chances in the first five holes. I ground out a few pars, made a birdie on the sixth and a good birdie on seven. I got going after that.

I thought the conditions were much tougher today. The winds picked up and the greens got firm. The greens were pretty fast as well. Over at the back nine, I was just hanging on and trying to avoid the mistakes.

Overall, if you’re leading the tournament, you can’t be too unhappy. Hopefully, I can handle it better tomorrow and give myself a few more chances. I also hope that the course stays tough because I like it to be tough.

Lu Wei-chih (Tpe) – Second Round 69 (-2), Total 137 (-5)

I started the round feeling really prepared. I hit my second shot well, which gave me birdie opportunities. The greens here are rather sloppy, so it is very important to land in an ideal position. I got into some trouble at some holes at the back nine simply because I failed to do that.

At the sixth where I eagled, I drove to the right side of the fairway, which offered a good line to the green. My second shot was also well hit. My putt needed to go up a slope before flattening out towards the hole. I was surprised to sink that putt, but nevertheless, I was very happy about that.

Over the weekends, like what I’ve done previously, I’ll just focus on my golf swing. I’m making adjustments to make it better.

Scores after round 2 of the Royal Cup being played at the par 71, 6764 Yards Phoenix Gold GCC course (am – denotes amateur):

135 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 68-67, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 67-68.

137 – LU Wei-chih (TPE) 68-69.

138 – Raththee SIRITHANAKUNSAK (THA) 67-71, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 68-70, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 70-68, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 67-71, Ben LEONG (MAS) 70-68.

139 – Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 72-67, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 69-70, Thanpisit OMSIN (THA) 70-69, Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) 71-68, Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 68-71.

140 – Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 69-71, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 67-73, Nitithorn THIPPONG (THA) 73-67, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 70-70.

141 – Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 69-72, Suttijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 71-70, Ratchapol JANTAVARA (THA) 72-69, John CATLIN (USA) 69-72, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 70-71, Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 69-72, Nattawat SUVAJANAKORN (THA) 70-71, Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 70-71, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 67-74.

142 – Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 69-73, Danthai BOONMA (THA) 73-69, Somprad RATTANASUWAN (THA) 71-71, Pasavee LERTVILAI (THA) 70-72, Chaiphat KOONMARK (THA) 71-71, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 75-67, Pannakorn UTHAIPAS (THA) 72-70, Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 71-71.

143 – Panuwat MUENLEK (THA) 73-70, Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA) 72-71, Atthaphon SRIBOONKAEW (THA) 73-70, Danny CHIA (MAS) 72-71, Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 70-73, CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 68-75, Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 70-73.

144 – Meechok PHANTHARAK (THA) 74-70, Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 69-75, Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA) 72-72, Natipong SRITHONG (THA) 69-75, Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA) 73-71, Peradol PANYATHANASEDH (THA) 69-75.

145 – Giwhan KIM (KOR) 75-70, Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 73-72, Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA) 73-72, Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA) 73-72, Piya SWANGARUNPORN (THA) 73-72, Chanachok DEJPIRATANAMONGKOL (THA) 72-73, Chirat JIRASUWAN (THA) 70-75, WANG Wei-lun (TPE) 76-69.

146 – Tawan PHONGPHUN (THA) 72-74, Worrasorn SUWANPANANG (THA) 73-73, Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA) 73-73, Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 73-73.

147 – Naras LUANGPHETCHARAPORN (THA) 77-70, Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 72-75.

148 – Somsak KAOPRATUM (THA) 70-78, Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 70-78, Scott HEND (AUS) 71-77, Thepbodin AMARANAN (THA) 73-75.

149 – Tawit POLTHAI (THA) 75-74.

150 – Nattapong PUTTA (THA) 74-76, Itthipat BURANATANYARAT (THA) 74-76, Kwanchai TANNIN (THA) 71-79, Chonlatit CHUENBOONNGAM (THA) 75-75.

151 – Udorn DUANGDECHA (THA) 79-72.

152 – Kasidit LEPKURTE (THA) 75-77.

153 – Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 77-76.

154 – Ronnachai JAMNONG (THA) 78-76.

161 – Jaturon DUANGPHAICHOOM (THA) 75-86.

169 – Pattalit THANOMSING (THA) 80-89, Jomyoot GEETONG (THA) 86-83.

Ends.

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Published on

Shah Alam, Malaysia, December 29: Thailand’s Poom Saksansin aims to keep his cool amidst the excitement of the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM, a Ryder Cup-style showdown hosted by Glenmarie Golf and Country Club from January 12 to 14, 2018.

The two-time Asian Tour champion will make his first appearance at the EurAsia Cup after earning his place as one of the four leading Asian players on the Order of Merit. He will be representing a young and dynamic Team Asia and competing against a strong Team Europe.

“I feel very proud to be representing Team Asia. I will try my best to do well at this event,” said Poom, who finished eighth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

The 24-year-old Thai admitted that the magnitude of the event was beginning to sink in and he will rely on his past experience to help him perform at his best. He understands that there are expectations riding high on him from all directions.

“I have played in a local match play event before but it was a long time ago when I was still an amateur. I feel nervous playing in a match play tournament now because I will have someone else as my partner. If I play bad, I am worried that it will make him look bad. I’ll focus on making as many birdies as I can,” said Poom.

Poom’s success as an amateur has laid a solid foundation for him in professional golf. A comparison of his career money, which has more than doubled from 2016 to 2017, reflects his maturity as a touring professional and his hunger to rise up the ranks.

“This has been a good season for me. I will just keep riding on this good form going into the EurAsia Cup. After the Royal Cup, I will not have any time to do anything different, so I will just adopt the same mentality when it comes to my game,” said Poom.

Compatriot Phachara Khongwatmai, Malaysia’s Gavin Green and India’s S.S.P. Chawrasia join Poom as the four leading Asian players on the Order of Merit who qualified for Team Asia.

“Phachara is playing very well now. He finished second last week (at the Indonesian Masters) and I am happy that he is in good form.”

Team Asia will consist of Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, Japan’s Yuta Ikeda and Hideto Tanihara, China’s Li Haotong, India’s Anirban Lahiri, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat as well as Korea’s Byeonghun An and Sunghoon Kang.

Team Europe will feature Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Paul Casey, Paul Dunne, Ross Fisher, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Alex Levy, Alex Noren, Thomas Pieters, Henrik Stenson and Bernd Wiesberger.

The EurAsia Cup will feature 24 matches, with day one showcasing six Fourball matches, followed by six Foursomes matches and 12 Singles matches on the third day.

Ticket sales are now open. You can purchase the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM tickets here: https://www.ticketpro.com.my/sports/2231222-Eurasia-Cup-2018.html

Ends.

About DRB-HICOM

DRB-HICOM Berhad (“DRB-HICOM”) is one of Malaysia’s leading conglomerates with core businesses in the Automotive, Services & Education, as well as Property sectors. With more than 90 active companies in its stable and over 59,000 employees group-wide, DRB-HICOM’s aim is to continue adding value and propelling the nation’s development. In the Automotive sector, DRB-HICOM is involved in the manufacturing, assembly and distribution of passenger and commercial vehicles, including the national motorcycle. In Services & Education, DRB-HICOM is involved in various businesses, including concession and financial-related services. In Property, DRB-HICOM is involved in residential and commercial developments.

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Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) – First Round 67 (-4)

About the European Tour

The European Tour celebrates men’s professional golf on a global stage. In 2017, the European Tour International Schedule features a minimum of 47 tournaments in 26 countries, including eight Rolex Series events, all part of the Race to Dubai.Celebrating the global connectivity of the European Tour and Dubai, the Race to Dubai is a season-long competition to crown the European Tour’s Number One player, an honour which in 2016 went to Sweden’s Henrik Stenson for the second time, and which since 2009 has also been achieved three times by Rory McIlroy, as well as by Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Luke Donald. Formerly known as the Order of Merit, points are accumulated based on prize money won, with the top 10 ranked players at the end of the season sharing a $5million Race to Dubai bonus pool.Since its formation in 1972, the European Tour has witnessed 26 Members celebrate a total of 52 Major Championship titles between them, enjoyed ten Members attaining the pinnacle of World Number One and has celebrated its diversity as players from 36 different countries have won on the Tour.The European Tour also manages the Challenge Tour, which featured 28 tournaments in 22 countries in 2016, and the Senior Tour, which featured 13 tournaments in nine countries in 2016. It is also the Managing Partner of Ryder Cup Europe, the body which, alongside the PGA of America, administers golf’s greatest team contest, The Ryder Cup.The European Tour broadcasts live coverage of its tournaments to more than 490 million homes in more than 150 countries every week, generating in excess of 2,200 global broadcast hours for each event. It also enjoys the support of many of the world’s leading business brands with Rolex, BMW, Emirates and Titleist as Official Partners.

About MMC Corporation Berhad

In other businesses, MMC owns Aliran Ihsan Resources Berhad, a water treatment plant operator and Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd, the operator of Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru; a major aviation hub and the main air transportation gateway to Iskandar Malaysia. Additionally, MMC’s Group Property arm manages close to 6,000 acres of industrial developments in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor and Kulim, Kedah, namely Senai Airport City, Tanjung Bin Petrochemical & Maritime Industrial Centre (TBPMIC) and Northern Technocity in Kulim. The Senai Airport City, TBPMIC and NTC (NTC) developments come under the ambit of Group Property’s three operating companies – Senai Airport City Sdn Bhd, Seaport Worldwide Sdn Bhd and Northern Technocity Sdn Bhd respectively.

Published on December 28, 2017

Pattaya, Thailand, December 28: Five players carded four-under-par 67 to share the lead after round one of the Royal Cup, which is contested at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in Pattaya, Thailand.

27 golfers are within three shots of the lead.

Newlywed Gaganjeet Bhullar of India enjoyed a bogey free round, highlighted by birdies on holes six, seven, 10 and 11. The 29-year-old Indian did not have ample time to prepare for the US$500,000 tournament as he arrived in Thailand the previous night. However, he played on the same course last year and after five holes, he adapted to the set up.

Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand was in a similar situation as Bhullar and enjoyed a similar result. The Thai hotshot did not let the wet course conditions affect his swing and rhythm, as he traded five birdies against just one bogey to sign for a 67.

Shiv Kapur of India got jolted into a competitive mindset after his bogey on the 14th, his fifth hole of the round. Kapur, who recently welcomed the birth of his daughter, went on to card four birdies over seven holes before stringing a series of pars to close the round.

Panuphol Pittayarat of Thailand started his tournament in magnificent fashion as he carded two birdies and an eagle to score a 31 at the turn. His back nine though, was relatively less dramatic. He missed out on closing the day with the outright lead after bogeying the 18th.

Compatriot Raththee Sirithanakunsak stood out as the only golfer to score two eagles on Thursday. He did so at two par-five holes, the sixth and 16th. The 28-year-old golfer, who also carded three birdies, would have had a sensational round if not for the bogeys on second, seventh and 17th.

Did you know:

Gaganjeet Bhullar is the first player to win eight titles on the Asian Tour before turning 30. He has three wire-to-wire victories so far.
After missing the mark at Qualifying School, Jazz Janewattananond played at the Bashundhara Bangladesh Open in February and won it. He went on to notch five top-10s this year.
Shiv Kapur bounced back from liver surgery and dengue fever to win two tournaments in 2017, the Yeangder Heritage and Panasonic Open India.
Panuphol Pittayarat turned professional when he was 14 years old and he won his maiden Asian Tour title this year, at the Indonesia Open.
The Royal Cup is the last tournament in 2017. It features no cut offers a prize purse of US$500,000.

Player Interview:

I had a good, stable round. I hit the ball really well. I gave myself a lot of birdie opportunities but because I misread the speed of the greens, I missed some of them. Overall, it’s a decent start to the tournament.

I actually played without a practice round as I arrived last night, but because I played here last year, I have a rough idea of what’s going on at the course. It took me a few holes to get used to the speed and the slopes. By hole five, I was a little more confident and comfortable. I’m looking forward to the next three days.

My chip-in on seventh was quite special. I hit a six-iron and I just missed pin high right, on the right edge of the green. It was a tricky, quick chip and I was fortunate enough to hole it.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) – First Round 67 (-4)

I am happy with my first-round score. I had a little time to practice and prepare for the tournament as I flew in last night. The course was quite wet from the rain, but my plan is still to hit the fairways and greens for my birdie chances.

For the next round, I will stick with my game plan. It is always good to play in the tournament that has no cut as it takes pressure off. So, I will try to have fun with my golf and play great.

Shiv Kapur (Ind) – First Round 67 (-4)

I started off striking the ball very well and I’ve left quite a few shots out there. I putted 31 times and shot 67, which means that I’ve done very well when it comes to ball striking.

I made a good par save on the last from the bunker. When you hole a good putt on the last hole, it always leaves a good taste in the mouth.

My bogey on the 14th got me to re-focus and think. I told myself, “you’re playing well, but you have to buckle down.” This is especially so, when you haven’t played for some time and your sharpness isn’t there. I bounced back with a birdie on 15th, which set the tone for the rest of the day.

Panuphol Pittayarat (Tha) – First round 67 (-4)

Today I played well on the front nine with an eagle and two birdies and I scored five-under-par going into the last hole. But, I made a mistake with my bad second shot and ended up with a bogey.

The course is challenging, the pin positions are tough and it is windy sometimes. Last year at the King’s Cup, I missed the cut. This year the tournament has no cut. So, I play with no pressure and I try to enjoy playing golf as well as do my best.

Scores after round 1 of the Royal Cup being played at the par 71, 6764 Yards Phoenix Gold GCC course (am – denotes amateur):

67 – Shiv KAPUR (IND), Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA), Raththee SIRITHANAKUNSAK (THA), Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA), Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND).

68 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA), Poom SAKSANSIN (THA), LU Wei-chih (TPE), Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA), CHAN Shih-chang (TPE).

69 – Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA), John CATLIN (USA), Antonio LASCUNA (PHI), Natipong SRITHONG (THA), Peradol PANYATHANASEDH (THA), Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA), Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA), Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA), Jbe KRUGER (RSA).

70 – Chirat JIRASUWAN (THA), Nattawat SUVAJANAKORN (THA), Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND), Pasavee LERTVILAI (THA), Thanpisit OMSIN (THA), Ben LEONG (MAS), Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA), Chapchai NIRAT (THA), Khalin JOSHI (IND), Somsak KAOPRATUM (THA), Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA), Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA), Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA).

71 – Kwanchai TANNIN (THA), Somprad RATTANASUWAN (THA), Chaiphat KOONMARK (THA), Terry PILKADARIS (AUS), Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA), Suttijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA), Sorachut HANSAPIBAN (THA), Scott HEND (AUS).

72 – Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA), Chanachok DEJPIRATANAMONGKOL (THA), Pannakorn UTHAIPAS (THA), Nicholas FUNG (MAS), Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA), Danny CHIA (MAS), Tawan PHONGPHUN (THA), Prayad MARKSAENG (THA), Ratchapol JANTAVARA (THA).

73 – Piya SWANGARUNPORN (THA), Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA), Thepbodin AMARANAN (THA), Nitithorn THIPPONG (THA), Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA), Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA), Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA), Panuwat MUENLEK (THA), Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA), Danthai BOONMA (THA), Worrasorn SUWANPANANG (THA), Atthaphon SRIBOONKAEW (THA), Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA).

74 – Meechok PHANTHARAK (THA), Nattapong PUTTA (THA), Itthipat BURANATANYARAT (THA).

75 – Jaturon DUANGPHAICHOOM (THA), Chonlatit CHUENBOONNGAM (THA), Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA), Giwhan KIM (KOR), Tawit POLTHAI (THA), Kasidit LEPKURTE (THA).

76 – WANG Wei-lun (TPE).

77 – Naras LUANGPHETCHARAPORN (THA), Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA).

78 – Ronnachai JAMNONG (THA).

79 – Udorn DUANGDECHA (THA).

80 – Pattalit THANOMSING (THA).

86 – Jomyoot GEETONG (THA).

Ends.

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Published on December 22, 2017

Shah Alam, Malaysia, December 22: After winning the Asian Tour Order of Merit, Malaysian star Gavin Green will turn his attention to the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM where he will represent Team Asia.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a superb 2017 season where he won his first Asian Tour title, was crowned Asia’s number one and subsequently voted as the Players’ Player of the Year.

Following a breakthrough year, the talented Malaysian will be part of a strong Team Asia led by captain Arjun Atwal of India who will go up against Thomas Bjorn’s Team Europe at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club from January 12 to 14.

Green will be among six debutants in the 12-man Team Asia but he believes his team has the talent to cause an upset against Team Europe, who won the last edition of the EurAsia Cup. It was a 10-10 draw in the first showpiece in 2014.

“This will be something very new for me but it will be a great honour to represent Asia. It is a very young team but there are also a lot of young guys with a lot of experience playing in the big Tours and in Majors. It will be a good event for us to learn and maybe kick some butt,” Green smiled.

He will put his faith on captain Atwal to lead the team to victory. “Arjun is a great captain because he has played and won on the PGA Tour. He has put together a very strong team. You have to play solid all year to qualify for the EurAsia Cup so it is a great opportunity for all of us.

“I think we will learn a lot from this against a very strong Team Europe. It is good to see where we stand and it will be even better if we can go up against them. It is a mind game. If we get our minds right, it will be a good fight,” said Green.

The EurAsia Cup will be played at the Glenmarie Gardens course, a venue where Green finished second in 2015 and won on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) last year.

“I’m comfortable on that course because you can blast driver. Getting off to good starts is important. It is very funny in team match play. When you are up, it gives good vibes to the team and it somehow spills over. So we really need to get off to a good start and see where it leads us,” said the Malaysian.

Green will be joined by compatriot Nicholas Fung, Japan’s Yuta Ikeda, Hideto Tanihara, China’s Li Haotong, India’s Anirban Lahiri, S.S.P. Chawrasia, Poom Saksansin of Thailand, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Phachara Khongwatmai, Korea’s Byeonghun An and Sunghoon Kang.

The EurAsia Cup will feature 24 matches, with day one showcasing six Fourball matches, followed by six Foursomes matches and 12 Singles matches on the third day.

Ticket sales are now open. You can purchase the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM tickets here: https://www.ticketpro.com.my/sports/2231222-Eurasia-Cup-2018.html

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About the European Tour

The European Tour celebrates men’s professional golf on a global stage. In 2017, the European Tour International Schedule features a minimum of 47 tournaments in 26 countries, including eight Rolex Series events, all part of the Race to Dubai.Celebrating the global connectivity of the European Tour and Dubai, the Race to Dubai is a season-long competition to crown the European Tour’s Number One player, an honour which in 2016 went to Sweden’s Henrik Stenson for the second time, and which since 2009 has also been achieved three times by Rory McIlroy, as well as by Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Luke Donald. Formerly known as the Order of Merit, points are accumulated based on prize money won, with the top 10 ranked players at the end of the season sharing a $5million Race to Dubai bonus pool.Since its formation in 1972, the European Tour has witnessed 26 Members celebrate a total of 52 Major Championship titles between them, enjoyed ten Members attaining the pinnacle of World Number One and has celebrated its diversity as players from 36 different countries have won on the Tour.The European Tour also manages the Challenge Tour, which featured 28 tournaments in 22 countries in 2016, and the Senior Tour, which featured 13 tournaments in nine countries in 2016. It is also the Managing Partner of Ryder Cup Europe, the body which, alongside the PGA of America, administers golf’s greatest team contest, The Ryder Cup. The European Tour broadcasts live coverage of its tournaments to more than 490 million homes in more than 150 countries every week, generating in excess of 2,200 global broadcast hours for each event. It also enjoys the support of many of the world’s leading business brands with Rolex, BMW, Emirates and Titleist as Official Partners.

About MMC Corporation Berhad

MMC Corporation Berhad (MMC) is a leading utilities and infrastructure group with diversified businesses under three divisions, namely ports & logistics, energy & utilities and engineering & construction.Its key businesses under the Ports and Logistics division include the operations of Port of Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd, Johor Port Berhad, Northport (Malaysia) Bhd, Penang Port Sdn Bhd, Kontena Nasional Berhad and JP Logistics. Internationally, MMC has an associate stake in Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company Limited, a container port terminal within the Jeddah Islamic Port, Saudi Arabia.Under the Energy & Utilities division, MMC is the single largest shareholder of both Malakoff Corporation Berhad and Gas Malaysia Berhad.MMC’s Engineering & Construction division has further established itself in the sector with a leading role as the Project Delivery Partner (PDP) and underground works package contractor for the 51km Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) project (Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line) and Line 2 project (Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya Line). Prior to this, MMC has successfully completed the 329km Ipoh-Padang Besar Electrified Double Tracking Project as well as the innovative Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) motorway, the first-of-its-kind dual-purpose tunnel in the world.MMC continues to make inroads in the construction industry, securing key civil and infrastructure projects in the country namely Langat Centralised Sewerage Treatment Plant, Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant, civil and infrastructure works for RAPID Pengerang Cogeneration Plant. Additionally, MMC has a 20% effective interest in Borneo Highway PDP Sdn Bhd (BHP) which has been appointed as PDP for the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Project.In other businesses, MMC owns Aliran Ihsan Resources Berhad, a water treatment plant operator and Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd, the operator of Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru; a major aviation hub and the main air transportation gateway to Iskandar Malaysia. Additionally, MMC’s Group Property arm manages close to 6,000 acres of industrial developments in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor and Kulim, Kedah, namely Senai Airport City, Tanjung Bin Petrochemical & Maritime Industrial Centre (TBPMIC) and Northern Technocity in Kulim. The Senai Airport City, TBPMIC and NTC (NTC) developments come under the ambit of Group Property’s three operating companies – Senai Airport City Sdn Bhd, Seaport Worldwide Sdn Bhd and Northern Technocity Sdn Bhd respectively.

Published on December 18, 2017

Jakarta, December 18: Malaysia’s Gavin Green was named the Asian Tour Players’ Player of the Year to cap off a fantastic 2017 season where he also won the prestigious Order of Merit crown.

Green was recognized by his peers through a voting process for a highly successful season where he won his first Asian Tour title at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters and finished second thrice.

The big-hitting 24-year-old made history by becoming the first Malaysian to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit with earnings of US$585,813. He is also the second youngest player to win the accolade.

Green was delighted to receive the honour after an intense 12 months Order of Merit battle where he came out on top against Asian Tour stars Scott Hend of Australia, David Lipsky of the United States, S.S.P. Chawrasia of India and Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai.

“It is a huge honour to receive the Players’ Player of the Year award which is recognition for all the hardwork I’ve put in this year. This is another feather in the cap in my career and I will continue to work hard and strive for more success,” said Green.

“I want to thank all the Asian Tour players who voted for me. This is a major highlight in my season and it is an acknowledgement which I will remember for many years to come,” added the Malaysian.

To add to his list of achievements for the year, Green also won the driving distance category after averaging 314.08 yards off the tees.

Micah Lauren Shin of the United States was named Rookie of the Year thanks largely to his maiden victory at the Resorts World Manila Masters. He ended the season in 12th place on the Order of Merit with earnings of US$277,781.

SMBC Singapore Open and its host venue Sentosa Golf Club were also awarded with the Best Tournament of the Year award and Best Golf Course award respectively.

The popular Shinhan Donghae Open in Korea received the Best Spectator Engagement award for the second year running as an acknowledgement for its digital initiative and activities catered for fans.

American Paul Peterson topped the stroke average category with an average of 69.48, while Vietnam’s Michael Tran hit the most Greens in Regulation with a 75.21% strike rate.

Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan, who won his first Asian Tour title in his National Open in May, was the hottest putter on tour after averaging 27.46 putts per-round. India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar was the straightest off the tees after finding 79.17% fairways in 2017.

Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman was named the best scrambler after converting 67.6% of his missed greens in regulation to save par this season.

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Published on December 17, 2017

Jakarta, December 17: England’s Justin Rose capped a sensational year by signing off with a final round 10-under-par 62 to win the Indonesian Masters presented by Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), Bank Mandiri, Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) and Telkom Indonesia on Sunday.

The marathon week, where the Indonesian Masters was hit by multiple weather suspensions did not faze the world number six. After completing 10 holes from his third round in the morning, Rose was back at the starting tee in 30 minutes.

The world number six got his round going with a birdie on the third hole before embarking on a stunning run with four birdies and an eagle starting from the par-four fifth at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Rose’s lead was never threatened when he surged further ahead with three birdies in his next four holes after making the turn in 29. The Olympic gold medalist dropped a shot on 16 but delighted the crowd at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club by closing with a birdie on 18 for a winning total of 29-under-par 259.

It was another second placed finish for Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai at the Indonesian Masters after he signed for a flawless 65 while Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent closed with a 69 to take third place at the Asian Tour season-ending event.

India’s S. Chikkarangappa meanwhile secured his Tour card at the expenses of China’s Liu Yan-wei by taking the last 61st spot on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Did you know?

Justin Rose is the second Englishmen to win the Indonesian Masters after Lee Westwood.
Rose is the fifth wire-to-wire winner on the Asian Tour this year
Rose has never won by eight shots in his career. It is also the largest winning margin on the Asian Tour in 2017.
The Englishman started and ended the week with a 62, which is the lowest finish by a winner on the Asian Tour this year.
His winning total of 29-under-par 259 is the lowest 72-hole score on the Asian Tour in 2017.
Phachara Khongwatmai started 2017 with a tied-second finish in Singapore and would end the year with a similar result.
Scott Vincent earned his Asian Tour card by finishing sixth at Qualifying School in 2016.
The Zimbabwean’s best result was a tied-second finish at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters. Scott Vincent finished tied-17th at the Indonesian Masters last year. He has enjoyed three top-five finishes but has yet to win on the Asian Tour.
The Indonesian Masters was the third leg of the Panasonic Swing, which is an aggregate points race that spans five events – in Thailand, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, and Japan – where Asian Tour players can earn a share of a lucrative bonus pool.
The Indonesian Masters was the last event of the year on any main Tour worldwide with significant OWGR points.

Players’ Quotes

Justin Rose (Eng) – Final round 62 (-10), Total 259 (-29)

It is my last event of the season, to finish the year on a good note and still have a couple of weeks to enjoy this win over Christmas and New Year is really nice too. It is the lowest winning ever score (-29) and to win by eight shots, all of that are huge positives. The largest winning margin for me in a tournament, to come here with my game in good shape, have the deal with bad weather and jetlag and stay focused on all four rounds, is something that I am really pleased about. I have had a dream week and I have played incredible golf. 21 under par is very god golf. Starting the week with a three-shot lead would have had to shoot 69 to win today so these guys chased me all the way to the finish, this tells you a lot about the strength of the field and all of them put forth great rounds. And a lot of them were stepping up when they needed to and performed well under pressure.

Scott Vincent (Zwe) – Final Round 69 (-3) Total 269 (-19)

It has been an amazing week. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience to play with all these amazing guys and players. I didn’t think I was going to come to this tournament in the first place, it was a last minute decision and I am so happy I did. MY wife asked me every single day last week to come here and she convinced me when I played well in Joburg last week so I am glad that I listened to her. Justin played some of the best golf I have ever seen. I haven’t got a win yet but I am knocking on the door and, I will just keep doing what I am doing and I am sure it will come soon.

Phachara Khongwatmai (Tha) – Final Round 65 (-7), Total 267 (-21)

Before arriving in Indonesia, I wasn’t expecting a second-place finish to be honest. My plan for every tournament is just to play my own game and not to focus on my competitors. Today, I played really well. But Justin Rose simply played better and rightly won the tournament. I’m very happy with my performances in 2017. Hopefully in 2018, my dream of winning a tournament will come true.

S. Chikkarangappa (Ind) – Final round 75 (+3), Total 279 (-9)

I spent two good solid days with Anirban in Ahmedabad before coming to Indonesia and we spoke about keeping positive. That helped a lot because I came out here to enjoy my golf game. That’s what I did on the first three days but I was a bit nervous in the final round because I knew I was on the borderline and I didn’t want it to slip out of my hands. It is very special to keep my Asian Tour card. I was missing cuts after another after a fantastic year. Those things were not working and it was difficult for me to trust what I worked on. I was trying to make my cut. The card was in my mind in almost every event. This season has really made me learned more about my career and what can happen in a golf. I will carry this forward with me and take all these positive with me.

Leading scores after round 4 of the Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7359 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (am – denotes amateur):

259 – Justin ROSE (ENG) 62-69-66-62.

267 – Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 65-69-68-65.

269 – Scott VINCENT (ZIM) 67-65-68-69.

270 – Yusaku MIYAZATO (JPN) 67-67-67-69.

271 – Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 68-64-70-69.

272 – Younghan SONG (KOR) 67-69-70-66, Sihwan KIM (USA) 68-67-67-70.

274 – Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND) 72-68-67-67, Steve LEWTON (ENG) 67-70-71-66.

275 – Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS) 71-68-66-70.

276 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 68-71-68-69, Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 71-67-67-71.

277 – Danthai BOONMA (THA) 71-70-63-73, Hyunwoo RYU (KOR) 68-71-68-70, Daniel CHOPRA (SWE) 68-71-66-72, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 67-71-72-67.

278 – Bowen XIAO (CHN) 68-73-70-67, Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 72-66-68-72, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 69-68-74-67.

Ends

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Published on December 16, 2017

Jakarta, December 16: England’s Justin Rose remained the man to beat as he continued to take pole position at the weather-hit Indonesian Masters presented by Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), Bank Mandiri, Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) and Telkom Indonesia on Saturday.

The season-ending Asian Tour flagship event has been hit by multiple rain and lightning suspensions since round two. Lightning activities disrupted play at 2.05pm and with thunderstorms lashing out at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club, officials decided to call off the third round at 4.10pm.

Play will resume at 6.15am on Sunday morning with the fourth round scheduled to commence at 7.30am with players teeing off in the same groups.

Major champion Rose made his quick return to the starting tee after completing his second round early on Saturday morning. He raced ahead with two birdies in his opening three holes before extending his advantage with another birdie on five.

The Olympic gold medalist then parred his next three holes to stay ahead of the chasing pack at 16-under-par before play was suspended.

Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat trail Rose by three shots at 13-under-par through eight holes while Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand and Korea’s Giwhan Kim are a further shot back at 12-under-par after eight holes.

Did you know?

Justin Rose has never won a tournament which he has led after three rounds this year. Rose’s two victories in Shanghai and Turkey were come-from-behind victories.
2017 is turning out to be one of Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s best seasons, He enjoys a lowest scoring average of 70.38 on the European tour and 68.25 of the five events he has played on the Asian Tour
Kiradech was previously known as Anujit Hirunratanakorn, but his family decided to change his name for good luck.
Scott Vincent finished tied-17th at the Indonesian Masters last year. He has enjoyed three top-10 finishes but has yet to win on the Asian Tour.
Vincent’s best finish was at this year’s Mercuries Taiwan Masters where he ended the week tied for second.
Vincent is currently in 23rd place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
Phachara Khongwatmai finished second at the Indonesian Masters last year and he is currently in seventh place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
The Indonesian Masters is the third leg of the Panasonic Swing, which is an aggregate points race that spans five events – in Thailand, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, and Japan – where Asian Tour players can earn a share of a lucrative bonus pool.
The Indonesian Masters is the last event of the year on any main Tour worldwide with significant OWGR points.
Apart from a minimum of 20 Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, the winner of the Indonesian Masters will also receive an invitation to play at the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational in 2018.

Players’ Quotes

Scott Vincent (Zim)

I have been playing really nicely and I just want to keep this momentum going. It’s really cool to play with Kiradech and Justin and I am learning so much already. So, I am just trying to be in the moment and try and win a golf tournament. I can be a little bit more aggressive but the game still doesn’t change. You got to hit good quality shots. I am glad this delay came because I have not been hitting it very good today and I need to go back and regroup and get some rest so I can charge tomorrow. I love having my wife (Kelsey) caddy for me, it has been a lot of fun she’s learning and I’m learning and it has been a cool partnership so hopefully we can end on the right note.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha)

I got a back injury from last two weeks. My back feels stiff after waking up. I couldn’t swing it well and I shot one-under after eight holes. It is good for me to take a rest but it will depend on how I feel after I wake up. This suspension can be good and bad for me. It will depend how I feel tomorrow. There are 10 more holes to catch Justin Rose. I really need to bring out my A-Game because I don’t know how the weather will be like. In my mind, I’m going to play like it is 54 holes. I know I need to finish inside the top-five this week to move inside the top-50 in the world but a top-three result is my goal. That will make sure I’m 100% in. I’m very comfortable with my swing but I’m worried about my back. I want to play without thinking that an injury will stop me. I will do a lot of stretching in my room and try to keep my back safe and go out with a really low score tomorrow.

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Shah Alam, Malaysia, December 16: Phachara Khongwatmai believes that his age will be an asset rather than a liability when he represents Team Asia at the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM from January 12 to 14, 2018.

The 18-year-old Phachara is determined to bring out his air of youthful fearlessness when he represents Asia against Team Europe in the Ryder Cup style match play event which will be played at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club

“I’m the youngest player in the event and honestly, I don’t feel any pressure,” said Phachara. “When Team Europe knows how old I am, they will really want to try and beat me. But if I get off to a fast start, they might start to get worried.

Phachara may be young, but the teenager clearly knows how to play good, competitive golf. When he was 14 years old, he won as an amateur to become the youngest player to win a professional tournament in the world.

He turned professional in 2014 and won twice on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) before going on to enjoy a solid Asian Tour career. Phachara is currently seventh on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, a clear indication of his sound performance on the Tour this year.

The young Thai is certainly no pushover when it comes to match play. At the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth, he defeated Sam Brazel, Lucas Herbert, Matthew Millar and Jason Scrivener in the knockout stage of the tournament.

He missed out on the title after losing to home favourite Brett Rumford in the final match but his performance his testament to his true golfing ability which belies his age.

“I feel good about representing Team Asia because I’ve never played in a team match play before. Hopefully, I can play as well as I did in Australia at the EurAsia Cup,” said Phachara.

In particular, he is looking forward to working with team captain Arjun Atwal of India, whom he found inspirational.

“I believe he (Atwal) can make us all be better players. I watched him play in Mauritius and he fought so hard. I was thinking at that time, maybe I’ll give him my spot!” he said, laughingly.

Atwal has selected China’s Zhang Lianwei, one of the most decorated players of his generation, as his Vice-Captain to help him lead Team Asia.

Phachara, along with newly crowned merit champion Gavin Green, S.S.P. Chawrasia and Poom Saksansin join Team Asia as the four leading players on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Japan’s Yuta Ikeda of Japan, China’s Li Haotong, India’s Lahiri and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat earned their spots in Team Asia as the leading available Asians on the world ranking.

Korea’s Byeonghun An is the captain’s pick. He will be representing Team Asia for the second time at the EurAsia Cup.

Wildcards Hideto Tanihara of Japan and Nicholas Fung of Malaysia, who will be making his third EurAsia Cup appearance, will round up the team.

The EurAsia Cup will feature 24 matches, with day one showcasing six Fourball matches, followed by six Foursomes matches and 12 Singles matches on the third day.

Ticket sales are now open. You can purchase the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM tickets here: https://www.ticketpro.com.my/sports/2231222-Eurasia-Cup-2018.html

Ends.

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