Hua Hin, Thailand, February 23: Read what players have to say following the final round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School on Sunday.

Benjamin Follett-Smith (ZIM) – Final round 70 (-1), Total 340 (-15)

It’s amazing to win this. There are so many positives to take away from this week. It’s just one of the biggest for me. This was exactly what I wanted to do. Nothing has really sunk in yet. It’s just been tough.

I had a tough stretch after winning on the Sunshine Tour last year. But coming here and win the Asian Tour Qualifying School just proves to me that I am actually good enough. It’s a huge thing for me personally. There’s so much more to say but I’m happy with the way I played.

I read a book called ‘Fearless Golf’ recently and I think it kind of put things in perspective for me. I realised I need to start playing for myself and not other people so I won’t worry about what others are thinking. That got to me and I was able to go out there and enjoy my golf.

It’s been an incredible week. Scott Vincent, obviously, has done this before and look where he is now. It’s a big thing for me to try and follow his footsteps and be as good or better one day.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Benjamin Follett-Smith of Zimbabawe in action on Sunday February 23, 2020, during the final round of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Will Heffernan (AUS) – Final round 66 (-5), Total 341 (-14)

I had a good round. It was pretty windy earlier but I made some nice putts.  It’s been a really enjoyable week. I’ve been playing quite a bit in Asia now and I think I’ve gotten used to the temperature. I feel more prepared this year.

I have been to a fair few of Qualifying Schools over the last couple of years and I have gained some good experiences which helped this week. To get my Asian Tour card for this season just means a lot to me. I am from Melbourne and I turned professional last year.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Will Heffernan of Australia in action on Sunday February 23, 2020, during the final round of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Hein Sithu (MYN) – Final round 69 (-2) A&B Course, Total 343 (-12)

I am super happy and super excited right now. It was a rough day today, but then I managed to get out of it, so I’m super happy that I get to play this season on the Asian Tour. It’s just a dream come true.

I felt a lot pressure today. I just had to put my head in the game, I mean I can’t watch the other guys play and just play my own game. But yeah, it was very nerve racking. With the wind picking up pretty bad today as well, I had to put my head in the game.

I made five birdies and three bogeys today, so I still managed to shoot two under and I’m so happy about it. Asian Tour here I come!

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Hein Sithu of Myanmar in action on Sunday February 23, 2020, during the final round of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Malcolm Kokocinski (SWE) – Final round 71 (E) A&B Course, Total 343 (-12)

It feels good, I’m satisfied with the week. It’s been a tough two years now almost, so I’m excited and feeling energized from making it through and playing well all week.

I’m trying to do like in 2018 and win one of the smaller events, that’s my main goal for this year. Just keep pushing and refocus a little bit, and practice a little bit differently compared to what I’ve done in the last three years.

It’s great for the confidence absolutely. My confidence has been low lately, but seeing my game improving makes me a little bit more confident again. So, I’m just trying to keep the same mentality I’ve had this week, and previously the last two months, and just being prepared a little bit differently.

I didn’t play well today, I shot even par and I hit some great shots but didn’t make a putt all day. I had a chance to win and I’m kind of a little disappointed I didn’t, but at least I was in contention with few holes left to play. I hit some great shots coming down the stretch too, so I’m satisfied.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Malcolm Kokocinski of Sweden in action on Sunday February 23, 2020, during the final round of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Bio Kim (KOR) – Final round 68 (-3), Total 344 (-11)

It was really windy out there but I hung in there. Was the best putting days that I have had the last couple of days but I hung in there and hit some good iron shots which kept me in the moment. I’m happy with the way I finished.

I’ve played the Asian Tour Qualifying School a couple of times before but I never had a full season on the Asian Tour before. I’m looking forward to it now. I’m just proud of myself for finishing strong this week. I managed the misses well and I played solid around the greens this week.

Hua Hin, Thailand, February 22: Read what players have to say following the fourth round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School on Saturday.

Ben Follett-Smith (ZIM) – Fourth round 70 (-1) A&B course, Total 270 (-14)

Today was a complete grind, I mean it started on the first hole (the 10th) I actually had my yardage book the wrong way around, so I started thinking I was playing number one. I got down the fairway and I was like there is no star here, and I was a bit confused and disoriented.

Anyway, that probably shuffled me up a bit and felt un-organized. I made a bogey on my second hole which is the 11th, I hit a terrible shot off the tee and just kind of stayed positive, understand that this is golf and that happens. Luckily, we found the ball and made bogey.

It went my way kind of towards the end, but I think that’s because I stayed patient. I made a lot of two-foot, three-foot putts on these greens that are pretty difficult. I’m not taking them for granted at any time.

And that kind of just kept me in it, just kept making those little putts and two-putting. My caddy just kept telling me just stay patient and eventually they’ll go in. I hit a pretty good bunk shot on the par-five which left me like a four-footer for my first birdie of the day. On the next I hit it really closely and made birdie again.

Tomorrow I’m just going to play it one by one all the time, one shot at a time. I don’t have very many expectations, I’m not going to create any expectations for myself. I feel like I have done that enough this year and it’s not doing well for me, so I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing.

Just stay positive and stay in the present. One shot at a time and make sure I’m aware of the wind and making those two and three-footers. Those three-foot putts, the time they need and 100% concentration.

Malcolm Kokocinski (SWE) – Fourth round 66 (-5) A&B Course, Total 272 (-12)

It was good. I have been playing good all week to be honest. It was windy out there so I’m just trying to stay patient. I finished off strong today which gave me a little boost for tomorrow. I’m really excited, just one more day to go.

I putted well today. I hit a lot of good shots too and I was able to hit it close. I feel confident on these greens. It’s been a long week but I had fun. I just told myself to take it one day at a time. I wasn’t really focusing on how many rounds we have played.

It’s hot out there and I haven’t been practicing much after the round just to conserve some energy. It’s been tough since winning in Bangladesh actually. I haven’t been able to continue the good form and I had a shoulder injury. It would be nice to get back on Tour with a good finish tomorrow.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Malcolm Kokocinski of Sweden pictured on Saturday February 22, 2020, during round four of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Neil Schietekat (RSA) – Fourth round 72 (+1) A&B Course, Total 273 (-11)

It was tough out there with the wind. The greens started to become crusty but I putted well. Just couldn’t get the greens quicker. I have been playing well. I just want to keep playing the way that I have been playing so far and hit it closer tomorrow and I should be fine.

Obviously, we all came here with one reason. To leave here with an Asian Tour card would be great. I’ve enjoyed myself this week. Everyone’s friendly and accommodating. Playing the A&B course again tomorrow, I would have to continue to hit the wedges well.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Neil Schietekat of South Africa pictured on Saturday February 22, 2020, during round four of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Hein Sithu (MYN) – Fourth round 69 (-2) C&D Course, Total 274 (-10)

It was tough out there today. The wind was picking up all day. I made some good calculations but missed out which caused me to drop some shots on the last two holes. The best shot I hit today was on the par-three 12th hole. I hit a three-iron to about one foot.

The first two rounds have been tough for me after I played really well yesterday and that gave me a lot of confidence heading into today’s round. I felt really good with my game. Playing the A&B course tomorrow will be different. It’s the opposite of C&D I think. C&D is longer and wider and you just can’t afford to make any mistakes.

I will just go out and play my own game tomorrow. Just keep my head in the game and that’s it. This is my second attempt at the Qualifying School. I missed out on making the final round last year. Conditions are different from last year but the experience helped. I was pretty nervous last year because it was my first time.

I turned professional in March 2018. I have been playing a lot on the All Thailand Golf Tour last year. I kept my card there for 2020.

I look up to a lot of players on the Asian Tour actually. I played with Antonio Lascuna today and he’s one of them. Zaw Moe and Kyi Hla look after me a lot too. I have always wanted to play on the Asian Tour. It would mean a lot if I can get my card successfully tomorrow.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Hein Sithu of Myanmar pictured on Saturday February 22, 2020, during round four of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Hua Hin, Thailand, February 21: Australian Scott Strange edged closer to his Asian Tour card after posting a third-round five-under-par 66 to move within four shots of Zimbabwean Benjamin Follett-Smith, who continues to lead the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage on Friday.

Strange, a 42-year-old veteran who had won twice on the Asian Tour in 2005 and 2006, fired five birdies on Course C&D to mark his best round yet in the grueling 90-hole battle held across Courses A&B and C&D at the Lake View Resort and Golf Club.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Benjamin Follett-Smith of Zimbabwe pictured on Friday February 21, 2020, during round three of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Follett-Smith, the only Zimbabwean in the field this week, carded a 67 on Course C&D to retain his one-shot advantage with a three-day total of 13-under-par 200. South African Neil Schietekat would match his efforts on the same course to take second place.

Japanese hotshot Rikuya Hoshino sits a further two shots back in third following a 68 while Strange took a share of fourth place with American Miguel Delgado, Korea’s Dongeun Kim and Trevor Fisher Junior of South Africa, who posted rounds of 70, 70 and 69 respectively on Course C&D.

Sungyeol Kwon of Korea produced the shot of the day when he aced the par-three eighth hole on Course A&B with a seven-iron from 174 metres. He would eventually sign for a 65 on Course A&B to tie in 39^th place on 209.

After the completion of 72 holes on Saturday, the field will be cut to the leading 70 players and ties, who will then play the fifth and final round. The leading 35 players and ties following the conclusion of 90 holes on Sunday will be ranked accordingly for the 2020 season.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – 3 Buddha statues overlook the golf course pictured on Friday February 21, 2020, during round three of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Hua Hin, Thailand, February 21: Read what players have to say following the third round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School on Friday.

Benjamin Follett-Smith (ZIM) – Third round 67 (-4) C&D course, Total 200 (-13)

I played good, I mean there wasn’t much about it. I could have made a few more putts, but the grain on the greens is really difficult to read. I hit really good shots consistently throughout the round, so I deserve what I shot and I’m happy to be in the position I’m in.

Obviously I’m swinging well, got my head in the right direction as well thinking the right things.

It has been windy and I like wind just because I don’t have to aim it straight. And you know, when I won my first Sunshine Tour tournament it was also in the wind and that’s kind of given me confidence now, feeding off that kind of vibe.

I’d say I hit the ball relatively low. So, I mean I would say yeah, it’s one of my strengths playing in the wind.

It’s nice to be at the top, but obviously far from finished. I just got to stay confident, stay at the top, enjoying the golf, enjoying the weather, enjoying each shot as it is and that’s probably the only way to stay present and carry on going the way I’m going.

My caddie Tranos Muradzikwa is also a professional, when I was a junior he was on top of the ranks. Scott Vincent and I both played against him and he’s beaten us both many times too, so he’s actually a really good player himself.

When we go back home and playing in Zimbabwe events, he gives us a good run for our money. He’s a well-known guy in Zimbabwe, he’s been in the newspapers many times.

Neil Schietekat (RSA) – Third round 67 (-4) C&D course, Total 201 (-12)

I kind of got back on the back nine of the C&D course today. I let slipped a few shots yesterday but I managed to play better on that side today. I’m quite happy with my round because it was windy out there. Everything was playing tough. The greens were tough.

I’m putting well from 12 feet in. If it didn’t go in, it was close to going in. That gave me a lot of confidence. I have enjoyed the week so far. We have been checking out Hua Hin with a couple of friends. We have gone into town as well which was nice.

Another two rounds to go, I am a little bit tired. It’s nice to see other South Africans playing well too. We played in similar conditions back home although the greens are different. But the weather is pretty much the same and we play in windy conditions too.

I’m looking forward to playing the A&B course for the last two days. I quite like that golf course. I just kind of want of take things in my stride and play one shot at a time.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Neil Schietekat of South Africa pictured on Friday February 21, 2020, during round three of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Rikuya Hoshino (JPN) –  Third round 68 (-3) C&D course, Total 203 (-10)

I had two consecutive bogeys in the front nine that was terrible for me, but I made five birdies and an eagle today. I felt comfortable after making the eagle and I could concentrate on my golf after that.

I have been playing pretty well. Nice courses here. I enjoy the good food this week.

I have to make a lot of birdies in the next two days to give myself a chance to win.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Rikuya Hoshino of Japan pictured on Friday February 21, 2020, during round three of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Scott Strange (AUS) – Third round 66 (-5) C&D course, Total 204 (-9)

It got a bit windy after the first four holes but I played pretty good. I struck the ball nice. It could have been a few strokes less but overall it was good.

I have been playing the same the last few days actually though I’ve yet to hole a putt. If I can keep striking the ball the way I have been striking it the last few days and hole some putts, it would be nice.

The birdie on seventh was a good one. I think it’s worth a hole-in-one given the pin position on that hole today. Overall, the week’s been good. I have been catching up with everyone that I’ve known for years. The weather’s always good. It’s nice to be back playing in Asia.

I have been playing in Japan over the last few years and I thought I would try and get my Asian Tour card and give myself an opportunity to play more this season. The playing standards on the Asian Tour have gotten better over the years.

That’s where it’s going to go. Everything gets better. There are so many kids out here now. The boy I played with today is only in his twenties. I think he wasn’t even born when I turned professional (laughs). When I first came out here, the average age was about 30.

I haven’t done any special preparations coming into this week but I’ve been working hard on my game. Hopefully it pays off this week.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Scott Strange of Austraia pictured on Friday February 21, 2020, during round three of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Hua Hin, Thailand, February 20: Benjamin Follett-Smith kept up his chase for an Asian Tour card by signing for a three-under-par 68 on Course C&D to grab a share of the lead following the second round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage on Thursday.

The 23-year-old Zimbabwean endured a tough stretch on the Sunshine Tour last year with 12 consecutive missed cuts but found the perfect place to reset at the Lake View Resort and Golf Club where he will be hoping to be third time lucky in his Tour card chase on the Asian Tour.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Benjamin Follett-Smith of Zimbabwe pictured on Thursday February 20, 2020, during round two of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Follett-Smith, placed 602^nd on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), holds a one-shot lead on nine-under-par 133 alongside Japan’s Toshiumi Kushioka (69, C&D), Korea’s Hyowon Park (66, A&B) and American Dodge Kemmer (64, C&D).

Follett-Smith, who partnered fellow compatriot and Asian Tour member Scott Vincent at the 2018 World Cup of Golf in Melbourne, claimed his first title on the Sunshine Tour at the Capetown Open last February and was the Tour’s Rookie of the Year in 2018.

Former Asian Tour member Kemmer is attempting to regain his card after a three-year lapse at the Qualifying School, where he had previously enjoyed success with runner-up finishes in 2012 and 2016.

The 32-year-old American marked the best efforts of the day on Course C&D with a bogey-free round highlighted by five birdies and an eagle on the par-five 15^th, where he coolly rolled in a seven-foot putt.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Dodge Kemmer of the USA pictured on Thursday February 20, 2020, during round two of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Overnight co-leader Toshiumi Kushioka of Japan, who progressed from Section A of the First Stage last month, maintained his fine form to retain his one-shot advantage in his first attempt at the 90-hole battle which was held across courses A&B and C&B.

The 2020 Asian Tour Qualifying School, which comprises of two stages – First Stage and Final stage, attracted a total of 458 entries from 37 countries across the globe.

The 36-hole cut was set at two-over-par 144 with a total of 146 players, who finished inside top 140 and ties, progressing into the next two rounds.

After 72 holes, the field will be cut again to the leading 70 players and ties, who will then play the fifth and final round. At the conclusion of 90 holes on Sunday, the leading 35 players and ties will be ranked accordingly for the 2020 season.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Toshiumi Koshioka of Japan pictured on Thursday February 20, 2020, during round two of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Hua Hin, Thailand, February 20: Read what players have to say following the second round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School on Thursday where the 244-man field was cut to the leading 140 players and ties following the completion of 36 holes.

Benjamin Follet-smith (ZIM) – Second round 68 (-3), C&D course

Made a three-putt today unfortunately but otherwise, it was a good round. It was nice to finish with two birdies in the last three holes on Course C&D, which were the toughest out there. It was very difficult with the wind but I managed to hit it to a good spot for birdies on 16 and 18.

Happy to be in a good position for the remaining rounds. It’s going to be the same thing. I’m just going to focus on getting my head together and keep my mind in the game, not elsewhere.

Scott (Vincent) and I grew up together and I have heard a lot of good things from him about the Asian Tour. I have been trying to get on the Asian Tour for three times now. It’s my third time so I hope to be third time lucky!

Scott’s like a mentor to me. I aspire to be where he is and obviously if I can get to where he is, he’s going to get pushed harder and I’m going to push myself harder so yeah, it would be really nice to be able to play on the Asian Tour.

I haven’t had a good season last year so I think the key for me is staying positive now. I had too high expectations after my first season and that didn’t turn out well for me. I had to back off and realise that I shouldn’t trying to make birdie on every hole and get disappointed when I don’t.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Benjamin Follett-Smith of Zimbabwe pictured on Thursday February 20, 2020, during round two of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Dodge Kemmer (USA) – Second round 64 (-7), C&D course

It was nice and calm for the first seven holes and I made a couple of good two putts to start the round. I wasn’t hitting it fantastic until I made an eagle on 15. I took it way left over all the trees, which was kind of aggressive. But I got lucky and I pitched it to like six or seven feet past the hole and made the putt.

My putting was a lot better. I didn’t putt bad yesterday but felt like I missed everything. Then today, I changed my grip a little bit and didn’t really miss.

I like playing on the Asian Tour so I hope it works out this week now that I am going to get another chance at it. I played a bit in Japan and I like it a lot. It’s really fun with great courses and great spectators and I would like to play both Tours.

I will just try and do the same things, stay hydrated and rested and hopefully I can continue the good run.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Hyowon Park of Korea pictured on Thursday February 20, 2020, during round two of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Hyowon Park (KOR) – Second round 66 (-5) A&B course, Total 133 (-9)

The first nine holes today were tough. It was windy when we started but I managed to make a couple of up and downs. It was calmer heading into the back nine and I gave myself a lot of birdies opportunities which I was able to convert as well.

I made a long putt from about seven metres on my last hole today. It was a nice way to finish the round. I think distance control is key to play well on these courses. I hope to continue this good form for the next three rounds.

I just want to play every round like it’s the first time I’m playing it. Tee shots will be the key to score to out there.

Gurgaon, India, February 20: The 2020 edition of the Hero Indian Open is set to return to the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon from March 19-22.

Highly regard as India’s flagship golf tournament and the country’s longest running international sports event, the 56th edition of the Hero Indian Open will also be the 15th consecutive year that Hero MotoCorp Ltd, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer and one of the biggest corporate promoters of sports around the world, is supporting the tournament.

Inaugurated in 1964, the US$1.75 million Hero Indian Open is expected to welcome several of the best players in the world as it is once again promoted by the Indian Golf Union (IGU) and co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

The challenging Gary Player Course at DLF Golf and Country Club, which has been the host venue of the Hero Indian Open since 2017, will provide a stern test for the 144 players vying for top honours next month.

Almost all top Indian golfers, including past champions such as S.S.P. Chawrasia (2016 and 2017), Anirban Lahiri (2015) and three-time winner Jyoti Randhawa (2000, 2006 and 2007) will be seen in action in this edition of the Hero Indian Open.

Proven and established champions including Shiv Kapur, Rashid Khan, Rahil Gangjee and Shubhankar Sharma will also be in the fray.

Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher won his first professional title in Asia and his third on the European Tour when he triumphed in Delhi in 2019. The former Ryder Cup player staged a remarkable comeback by firing three birdies in his closing four holes to win the Hero Indian Open by one-shot over Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura.

Other past Indian Open champions include Matt Wallace (2018), Siddikur Rahman (2013), David Gleeson (2011), Liang Wen-chong (2008) and Mardan Mamat (2004).

Bharatendu Kabi, Head, Corporate Communication, Hero MotoCorp said: “Hero MotoCorp remains committed to the long-term promotion of golf in the country and around the world. We have been the Title Sponsor of the Hero Indian Open for 15 consecutive years now.

“The Hero Indian Open has always provided a platform to Indian golfers to compete against a strong international field and showcase their talent. With the presence of a strong Indian contingent, and participation of talented international players, we are sure the Hero Indian Open 2020 will see top-class competitive golf.”

Lt.Gen D.Anbu (Retd), President, Indian Golf Union said, “I am very pleased to be attending my 2nd Hero Indian Open in the capacity of President of the IGU, the Promoter of the event. That we have come through trying times to host this, the most spectacular golf tournament in all of India, is a matter of immense pride.”

“Hero MotoCorp has been a steadfast partner of the IGU and we are deeply grateful for Dr. Pawan Munjal’s friendship and patronage. The DLF Golf and Country Club is a true test of golf and particularly on this course, all gofers need the time tested formula of hitting straight, aiming correctly and putting well, to be the Indian Open Champion of the year.

“My gratitude to my colleagues in the IGU for their silent but efficient work in putting this together. While I do hope the trophy stays at home, my best wishes to all participants.”

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO, Asian Tour said: “The Hero Indian Open has always been regarded as one of the Asian Tour’s Majors. This historic event has long boasted a stellar field and I would like to extend our fullest appreciation to Hero MotoCorp and the Indian Golf Union for their support in continuously raising its stature over the years.

“It is also therefore befitting for the Hero Indian Open to be staged at the very challenging DLF Golf and Country Club. It is a course which demands immense mental strength as anything can happen at any time and no lead is too big.

“The final stretch at the DLF Golf and Country Club is one of the most demanding in professional golf but I have every confidence of a solid showing by our players this year as  we have many dual members who have the experience of competing more often on the European Tour now. We also expect a strong showing from the local players who have the advantage of home ground knowledge.”

Ben Cowen, Deputy Chief Operating Officer – International, European Tour said: “We look forward to returning to the striking surroundings of DLF Golf and Country Club in March as the Hero Indian Open takes its place on the Race to Dubai for the sixth year.

“As ever we thank title sponsors Hero MotoCorp for their continued support, and in particular their Chairman, Dr Pawan Munjal, whose commitment and vision helps to drive a wide range of projects across the European Tour, ranging from this event to the innovative and ever-growing Hero Challenge.

“We also acknowledge the Indian Golf Union’s hard work in continuing to grow and develop the game across India, and once again look forward to working alongside our colleagues at the Asian Tour to co-sanction another exciting event.”

Ends.

Hua Hin, Thailand, February 19: South African Neil Schietekat and debutant Toshiumi Kushioka of Japan opened their campaigns with matching seven-under-par 64s on course A&B at the Lake View Resort and Golf Club to lead by one shot at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old Schietekat, a three-time winner on the Sunshine Tour, returned with a bogey-free round highlighted by seven birdies to sit atop the leaderboard with Kushioka, who had progressed from Section A of the First Stage Qualifying School last month, where he finished tied-13th on the same venue.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Toshiumi Kushioka of Japan pictured on Wednesday February 19, 2020, during round one of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

Benjamin Follett-smith, the only Zimbabwean in the 244-man field this week, rediscovered his best form by carding a flawless 65 to share third place with American Seungjae Maeng, Korea’s Dongeun Kim and Karan Pratap Singh of India following the opening round of the 90-hole battle that was held across courses A&B and C&D.

Law graduate Natipong Srithong of Thailand signed for the lowest round of the day at the C&D course with a 66. The 26-year-old sits two shots back in seventh place alongside American Miguel Delgado, Korea’s Taehoon Ok and Malcolm Kokocinski of Sweden.

Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino, highest-ranked player in the field at 116th place on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), posted a 68 on course C&D to grab a share of 22nd place.

His compatriot Genki Okada matched his efforts by producing the shot of the day on the par-three fourth hole of the A&B course after his five-iron found the bottom of the cup from 197 yards.

HUA HIN – THAILAND – Benjamin Follett-Smith of Zimbabwe pictured on Wednesday February 19, 2020, during round one of the final stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lakeview Resort and Golf Club, Thailand. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

The 2020 Asian Tour Qualifying School, which comprises of two stages – First Stage and Final stage, attracted a total of 458 entries from 37 countries across the globe.

After the completion of 36 holes on Thursday, the field will be cut to the leading 140 players and ties who will then play 2 further rounds.

After 72 holes, the field will be cut again to the leading 70 players and ties, who will then play the fifth and final round. At the conclusion of 90 holes on Sunday, the leading 35 players and ties will be ranked accordingly for the 2020 season.

Ends.