Shanghai, October 26: Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat is still not out of the running for the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions despite returning with a second round one-under-par 71 at the Sheshan International Golf Club on Friday.

The Thai, who has already enjoyed two top-five finishes in his previous two WGC events in Mexico and the United States this year, will head into the weekend rounds in tied-seventh place, six shots back of American Tony Finau.

Finau signed for a 67 to take over the lead from compatriot Patrick Reed, who slipped to a share of second place with Englishmen Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood after the trio signed for matching two-day totals of eight-under-par 136 at the US$10 million event.

While conceding he has yet to play to his true potential this week, Kiradech is pleased he is still in contention for his first WGC win and there is a marked improvement in his short game.

Finau is playing at the WGC-HSBC Champions for the second time and showed his dominance on the second day of the tournament when he raced out in 32.

Finau suffered an unfortunate bounce off a sprinkler-head on 11 which saw his ball land over the back of the green and he would eventually go on to card a double-bogey there.

The American bogeyed 13 but came storming back with three more birdies on 14, 16 and 18 to take a three-shot advantage into the weekend.

Did you know?

• Kiradech Aphibarnrat hit 7/14 fairways and 9/18 greens today.
• The Thai is playing in his fourth WGC-HSBC Champions. His previous results include T55 (2013), T30 (2015), T24 (2017).
• He is the first player from Thailand to gain full-time membership on the PGA TOUR.
• Tony Finau is playing in the fifth World Golf Championships event of his career and he has never finished worse than T27 at a WGC.
• Finau finished T11 at last year’s WGC-HSBC Champions in his only previous start at the event.
• Patrick Reed is vying for his second victory at a World Golf Championships event having won the 2014 World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship.
• Reed still holds the distinction of being the youngest player ever to win a World Golf Championships event with his victory at the 2014 World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship at age 23 years, 7 months, 4 days.
• Justin Rose is trying to become the only player other than Tiger Woods to defend a World Golf Championships title. Woods has done it on seven occasions.

Players’ Quotes

Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha) Second round 71 (-1) Total 139 (-9)

It’s not a bad spot to be here. It’s really tough conditions with the wind all around, so strong. Makes the golf course completely different from the first round and was more difficult. But at least I got my putting back. I rolled the ball quite well. My short game around the green was great. I just didn’t keep the driver quite as good as I used to. I think I only hit four or five fairways all day, but need to hit more greens, as well. When the winds pick up, you need to hit more from the fairways and give yourself more opportunity to putt. This week, I don’t feel I have my A Game yet. I don’t totally have it back, but much better than what I had the last few weeks.

Tony Finau (Usa) Second round 67 (-5) Total 133 (-11)

I played nicely. Was happy with the way I finished. I was pleased to make a few birdies coming down the stretch. One thing I’ve learned in this game, you take the good with the bad and keep moving forward. I knew I was playing well still and still at the top of the leaderboard. Just keep plugging along and try to get that back and I was able to do that. I feel like I’m always pretty enthusiastic whenever I play. It serves me well and it definitely has this week. I think I just stay in attack mode. I think there’s guys, a lot of great players here that are looking to chase me down. I’ve got to stay in attack mode, continue to make birdies and if I limit the mistakes, I think it will be a good weekend.

Patrick Reed (Usa) Second round 72 (Even), Total 136 (-8)

Really it was a grind today. It was one of those days that you easily could have shot 76 or 77 with playing out of the rough all day and hitting three balls in the water, and you know, being able to salvage even par and only being three back starting the weekend, I’m happy with where I’m at. All I need to do is tighten it up a little bit and we should be right there and ready to go. I think the biggest difference between today and yesterday was yesterday I felt like I was in complete control of the golf ball. I felt like my timing was right where it needed to be, and today it felt like it was a hair off. Therefore, the ball wasn’t coming out of the window I was looking at, so it was tough to judge how far it was going to go. Today it seemed like the wind wasn’t staying in just one direction like it was yesterday. Today it just seemed to kind of bounce between west, northwest, all the way up to west. With it kind of bouncing around, you just had to hope you caught the right gust or hit the right shot, but you know, it was a grind out there.

Justin Rose (Eng) Second round 67 (-5), Total 136 (-8)

I used the greens book most of the time and there’s no greens maps here, so obviously I’m reading them with my eyes, which is how you should read putts, I know. I feel comfortable reading putts I guess this week. It was the opposite wind today. Although it was tough, certain holes played much harder than yesterday and certain holes played easier. The par 5s played easier, certainly No. 8 and No. 2 played easier than they did, but yeah, just found my moments to make birdies. I kept it mentally obviously sharp and I felt like towards the end of the round I was trying to whip myself and keep driving forward and making good decisions and good swings.

Leading scores after round 2 of the WGC – HSBC Champions being played at the par 72, 7261 Yards Sheshan International Golf Club course (am – denotes amateur):

133 – Tony FINAU (USA) 66-67.

136 – Patrick REED (USA) 64-72, Justin ROSE (ENG) 69-67, Tommy FLEETWOOD (ENG) 68-68.

137 – Xander SCHAUFFELE (USA) 66-71.

138 – Patrick CANTLAY (USA) 70-68.

139 – Kyle STANLEY (USA) 70-69, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 68-71, Keegan BRADLEY (USA) 69-70, Emiliano GRILLO (ARG) 70-69, Thomas PIETERS (BEL) 75-64, Pat PEREZ (USA) 70-69.

140 – Ryan FOX (NZL) 70-70, Billy HORSCHEL (USA) 68-72, Ian POULTER (ENG) 69-71.

141 – Rafa CABRERA BELLO (ESP) 68-73, Andrew PUTNAM (USA) 70-71, Paul CASEY (ENG) 73-68, Alexander LEVY (FRA) 71-70, Jason DAY (AUS) 71-70.

142 – Tyrrell HATTON (ENG) 72-70, Adam SCOTT (AUS) 69-73, Hideki MATSUYAMA (JPN) 72-70, Adam HADWIN (CAN) 74-68.

143 – Andy SULLIVAN (ENG) 72-71, Chez REAVIE (USA) 70-73, Branden GRACE (RSA) 72-71, Andrea PAVAN (ITA) 72-71, George COETZEE (RSA) 69-74, Alex NOREN (SWE) 74-69.

144 – Thorbjorn OLESEN (DEN) 75-69, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 72-72, C.T. PAN (TPE) 68-76, Matt WALLACE (ENG) 69-75.

New Delhi, October 26: Delhi expert Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh signed for a solid six-under-par 66 to grab a share of the halfway lead with young Thai talent Suradit Yongcharoenchai at the US$400,000 Panasonic Open India on Friday.

After opening his campaign with a flawless 67, Siddikur fired eight birdies against two bogeys to match the efforts of overnight leader Suradit, who returned with a bogey-free 67, on 11-under-par 133 total at the venerable Delhi Golf Club.

Local hotshot Ajeetesh Sandhu carded a 67 to trail the leading duo by one in third place while his playing partner Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand, who also carded a 67, lurked two shots off the pace in fourth.

Placed 97th on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, Siddikur will have the Merit chase at the back of his mind when he bids for a third victory on the region’s premier Tour and second at the Delhi Golf Club in the weekend.

The 33-year-old Bangladeshi is hopeful of turning his season around with a strong showing on his favourite hunting ground, where he holds an impeccable track record on. He needs to finish inside top-60 on the final Merit rankings to keep his card for 2019.

Suradit, who goes by his Thai nickname ‘Art’, has enjoyed a commendable season on the Asian Tour thus far, claiming two top-five finishes which include a joint runner-up result in India two months ago. The 19-year-old is seeking his maiden Asian Tour title this week.

A total of 74 players will progressed into the weekend rounds after making the halfway cut set at two-over-par 146 at the popular event, which is celebrating its eighth consecutive edition on the Asian Tour.

The Panasonic Open India is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and is the second leg of the 2018/19 Panasonic Swing, which is an aggregate points race that spans five events – in Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan.

Suradit Yongcharoenchai of Thailand

Did you know?

• Siddikur Rahman birdied all the four par-fives (hole one, eight, 14 and 18) today. He missed only two fairways and needed only 24 putts around the greens in his solid round of 66.
• Siddikur holds an impeccable track record at the Delhi Golf Club. He won his second Asian Tour title in 2013, finished inside top-10 in four of his five attempts at the Panasonic Open India and has secured six top-10s in other Asian Tour events there.
• Siddikur did not play in the last two editions of the Panasonic Open India. In his last appearance in 2015, Siddkur came in tied-second.
• Placed 97th on the money list, Siddikur needs a strong showing to boost his rankings and hopefully break into top-60 by the end of the season to keep his Asian Tour card for 2019.
• Siddikur enjoyed his career-best season in 2013 when he came in fourth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. He has not finished outside top-60 on the money list in his last eight consecutive seasons on Tour since 2010.
• The 33-year-old Siddikur wrote a slice of history in 2010 when he became the first player from Bangladesh to win on the Asian Tour at the Brunei Open.
• Suradit Yongcharoenchai missed only three fairways and found a total of 16 greens in regulation in his solid round of 67.
• Suradit is seeking for his maiden Asian Tour title this week. He hopes to follow in the footsteps of his countryman and roommate Tirawat Kaewsiribandit, who broke through in Pakistan two weeks ago.
• Suradit turned professional at a tender age of 16 in 2015. He will be celebrating his 20th birthday on Sunday.
• Suradit sits in 40th place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, thanks to two top-five finishes in India and Pakistan. He came in joint runner-up in his last event in India in August and finished tied-fifth in Pakistan two weeks ago.
• Suradit plied his trade on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) in 2016 and ended his 2017 season in 43rd place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit to keep his card for 2018.
• Suradit made the headlines when he won back-to-back titles on his domestic circuit last year.
• Ajeetesh Sandhu enjoyed a superb season in 2017 where he claimed his maiden Asian Tour win at the Yeangder TPC in Chinese Taipei. He followed up with a play-off win on the Japan Challenge Tour the week after.
• His good form continued in the following weeks at the Macao Open and the Pansonic Open India where he finished joint runner-up. Also enjoyed a tied-eighth place finish at the season-ending Indonesian Masters to finish in 21st position on the final 2017 Order of Merit.
• The 30-year-old Sandhu sits in a current 34th place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, thanks to two top-10 finishes in Japan and Korea.
• Sandhu needed only 26 putts around the greens in his round of 67.

Players’ quotes:

Siddikur Rahman (Ban) – Second round 66 (-6), Total 133 (-11)

I had another excellent day with eight birdies and two bogeys. Overall, it was still a wonderful round. I am happy because I played exactly the way I wanted to play.

After dropping two bogeys in a row, I told myself it happens, especially on this golf course, and I still have many holes to go. I had like three eagle chances today. I hit the green in two on all three par-fives.

On the 14th hole, I had like seven feet for eagle but I missed that and settled for birdie. On the first hole, I had about a 20-footer for eagle and then another 12-footer on the eighth. I didn’t hole any of these eagle putts but it was alright.

I am really enjoying the course so far. I am very comfortable with my driver and three-wood. Nothing really different compared to yesterday. I stuck to my game plan and kept the same strategy.

I was a little unlucky on the third. I hit a good shot but it went into the bush. It was a good bogey actually. I chipped in from about 20 feet on the fringe with my putter.

I wasn’t thinking about catching anyone. I just want to play my own game and hopefully I can continue to play the way that I have been playing.

Suradit Yongcharoenchai (Tha) – Second round 67 (-5), Total 133 (-11)

Nothing really different from yesterday. The fairways are still playing firm. The pin positions are pretty much like yesterday’s as well. This Sunday’s my 20th birthday so I definitely hope I can win my first Asian Tour title here but I don’t want to think too much about that yet.

I just want to play my game and focus on the tee shots, which are important if you want to play well on this course. If I can hit it good off the tee, everything will be easier. I need a little bit of luck on the greens this week as well.

I made a long putt for birdie from about 15 feet on the 10th hole. That’s the highlight for me today. I feel happy for Tirawat who won in Pakistan two weeks ago. He told me not to think so much and just focus on my game.

I like Prom Meesawat. He’s one of my favourite Thai golfers. He’s not a long hitter but he can play so well. I practise with him sometimes and he always give me advises on my game which helped me a lot.

This is my third year as a professional. I have learnt a lot, especially from playing on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) where I started honing my skills in 2016. I played on the main Tour last year and secured my card. It has been a very good journey so far. I gained a lot of experiences which helped.

I learned a lot from the Thai players whom I travel and practise with. They have helped me a lot in my game. Seeing them win on Tour, I feel inspired as well and I hope to be like them one day. Like how Phachara Khongwatmai is playing in Europe now, my aim is also to play well so I can progress onto the bigger stage as well.

Ajeetesh Sandhu of India

Ajeetesh Sandhu (Ind) – Second round 67 (-5), Total 134 (-10)

It was a much better round today as compared to round one. I hit it better even though I missed a few putts. I’m quite pleased about my effort.

At the Delhi Golf Club, one has to create opportunities by hitting maximum fairways. The par-fives also provide scoring opportunities if you play them well.

I felt certain aspects of my game were a bit rusty so I’ve been working on those over the past few months with my friend and fellow professional Gurbaaz Mann and my coach Jesse Grewal.

The key moment today was the birdie on the 11th. After having started with a bogey on the 10th I felt I came back well with the birdie on the next hole that actually helped me settle down and get into my rhythm.

I’ve always played well at the Delhi Golf Club. I don’t remember having a bad finish here. I have good memories of this course from my junior days when I won a lot here.

Scores after round 2 of the Panasonic Open India being played at the par 72, 6935 Yards Delhi GC course (am – denotes amateur):

133 – Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA) 66-67, Siddikur Rahman (BAN) 67-66.

134 – Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND) 67-67.

135 – Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 68-67.

136 – Rashid Khan (IND) 68-68.

137 – M. Dharma (IND) 70-67, Jeev Milkha Singh (IND) 69-68, Settee Prakongvech (THA) 70-67, Jack Harrison (ENG) 69-68, Anura Rohana (LKA) 70-67, Yutaka Araki (JPN) 70-67.

138 – Aman Raj (IND) 70-68, Mukesh Kumar (IND) 71-67, Kshitij Naveed Kaul (IND) 72-66.

139 – Chapchai Nirat (THA) 70-69, Namchok Tantipokhakul (THA) 71-68, Khalin Joshi (IND) 71-68, Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 69-70, Tapy Ghai (IND) 67-72, Matt Stieger (AUS) 70-69.

140 – Prom Meesawat (THA) 71-69, Angad Cheema (IND) 70-70, Sachin Baisoya (IND) 70-70, Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 71-69, Shiv Kapur (IND) 70-70.

141 – Shankar Das (IND) 70-71, Lu Wei-chih (TPE) 70-71, Kapil Kumar (IND) 69-72, Jbe Kruger (RSA) 71-70, Lionel Weber (FRA) 71-70.

142 – Peradol Panyathanasedh (THA) 68-74, Abhijit Chadha (IND) 71-71, Veer Ahlawat (IND) 68-74, Steven Jeffress (AUS) 71-71, K. Prabagaran (LKA) 69-73.

Shanghai, October 25: Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat underlined his growing reputation as a world class player by posting a four-under-par 68 to take a share of fifth place after the first round of  the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions on Thursday.

Kiradech, together with C.T. Pan of Chinese Taipei, are the highest placed Asians in the elite 78-man field and they will head into the second round of the US$10million WGC event four shots back of American Patrick Reed who leads with his 64 at the Sheshan International Golf Club.

Having already enjoyed two top-five finishes in his previous two WGC events in Mexico and the United States this year, Kiradech, who was hospitalised for two days after his exertions in Malaysia a fortnight ago, is back in the pink of health and looking forward  to get the job done this week.

The 2013 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion is ranked 41st in the world and is also the first Thai to earn a PGA TOUR card.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar will meanwhile be looking for a strong comeback after struggling to a 72 which placed him in a share of 27th place at the year’s final WGC event.

Compatriot Shubhankar Sharma, who currently leads the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity standings, had a day to forget as he carded a 80 to end the day in last place on the leaderboard.

Did you know?

• Kiradech Aphibarnrat is playing in his fourth WGC-HSBC Champions. His previous results include T55 (2013), T30 (2015), T24 (2017).
• He made a total of 26 putts and traded six birdies against two bogeys today.
• Kiradech’s season has been highlighted by a couple of impressive top-five finishes at the WGC-Mexico Championship and WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.
• Kiradech has also enjoyed two other top-15s at the Memorial Tournament and U.S. Open.
• Earlier this year Kiradech won his third Asian Tour title at the 2018 ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth.
• C.T. Pan is making his WGC debut at the WGC-HSBC Champions this week.
• Patrick Reed won the Masters Tournament this year and also has one World Golf Championships title to his name when he emerged victorious at the 2014 WGC-Cadillac Championship.
• Reed still holds the distinction of being the youngest player ever to win a World Golf Championships event with his victory at the 2014 World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship at age 23 years, 7 months, 4 days.
• Patrick Reed was the only player in the field to hit all 18 greens in regulation today.

Players’ Quotes

Patrick Reed (Usa) First round 64 (-8)

It feels great. To be able to come out here and to be the first event back and to feel like I hit the ball really solid. I had full control, especially with how windy it was today. It felt really good because if you can go out and shoot rounds like that in these kind of conditions, you know you’re going to have confidence when the wind dies down and there are perfect conditions out there. I really just need to keep on taking it day by day and try to shoot the lowest round I can each day. Hopefully I’ll shoot a couple more of these rounds, I think that will help me out.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha) First round 68 (-4)

I just tried to put the ball in the fairways and gave myself the opportunity to play the second shot. There’s a lot of birdies out there, but you can’t make a mistake. When you hit it in the wrong position, you might get hurt a lot. I spent some time in the hospital, two nights, and just feel fresh, ready to come out now. It was too hot in Malaysia, some dehydration, and some more rest, but so far I’ve been recovered and I’m good to go. I have to say, I’m playing very solid golf the last eight months. I got really confident in the last two World Golf Championships, I finished top five. I’ve been knocking on the doors. Went on the top in the first round. But just can’t make the job done. A lot of things went wrong in the last two rounds. But I’ve got more experience and I’ve got more confident going into this year. To be the first Thai golfer to play on the PGA TOUR brings about a lot of pressure. But I will try to win, you know, even one event. I hope to let the new generation see that despite coming from little country in Asia, we can play against the top players in the world. I just want to inspire them.

C.T. Pan (Tpe) First round 68 (-4)

It was great. I followed my strategy very well and made a couple really crucial putts out there for pars. That helped me a lot to stabilise my mind. Other than that, I just played very good. I gave myself a lot of good opportunities, and the last hole was great. I putted off the green into the hole. So that’s always a good finish. The conditions are hard. It’s windy and it’s swirling. It’s not consistent. So I hit a lot of low shots, just trying to keep it under control. But you know, you still have to hit the fairway and the tee shots are hard. You cannot really feel the wind on the tee box because you are surrounded by the trees. I will just follow my same strategy. All I’m trying to do is try to play more conservatively and give myself more opportunities out there. It’s great. (having his brother on his bag) He’s getting better. Last week I had an anger issue and said something bad on him, but other than that, he’s getting better and I’m getting better with him too. We had a blast out there.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) First round 72 (Even)

I’m little frustrated especially with those few pars coming in the last few holes. I think I could have done better. But it was a tough day. It was windy and the winds were swirling a lot but I’m looking forward to playing well in the next 54 holes. There’s still everything to play for and hopefully I can come back out again and play some good golf the next three days.

Leading Scores after round 1 of the WGC – HSBC Champions being played at the par 72, 7261 Yards Sheshan International Golf Club course (am – denotes amateur):

64 – Patrick REED (USA).

66 – Xander SCHAUFFELE (USA), Tony FINAU (USA).

67 – Matthew FITZPATRICK (ENG).

68 – Billy HORSCHEL (USA), Tommy FLEETWOOD (ENG), Rafa CABRERA BELLO (ESP), Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA), C.T. PAN (TPE).

69 – George COETZEE (RSA), Adam SCOTT (AUS), Ian POULTER (ENG), Justin ROSE (ENG), Keegan BRADLEY (USA), Matt WALLACE (ENG).

70 – Pat PEREZ (USA), Ryan FOX (NZL), Patrick CANTLAY (USA), Andrew PUTNAM (USA), Kyle STANLEY (USA), Alexander BJORK (SWE), Chez REAVIE (USA), Emiliano GRILLO (ARG).

71 – JC RITCHIE (RSA), Alexander LEVY (FRA), Jason DAY (AUS).

72 – Satoshi KODAIRA (JPN), ZHANG Xinjun (CHN), Andrea PAVAN (ITA), Branden GRACE (RSA), Adam BLAND (AUS), Sihwan KIM (USA), Hideki MATSUYAMA (JPN), Adrian OTAEGUI (ESP), Brooks KOEPKA (USA), LIANG Wenchong (CHN), Andy SULLIVAN (ENG), Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND), Tyrrell HATTON (ENG), Rory MCILROY (NIR).

New Delhi, October 25: Thai teenager Suradit Yongcharoenchai broke clear of the tight leaderboard after firing two birdies in his closing three holes for an opening six-under-par 66 at the US$400,000 Panasonic Open India on Thursday.

The 19-year-old Suradit, who is playing at the popular event for the second time, nailed seven birdies against a lone bogey to lead by one shot over Delhi expert Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh, as well as Indian duo Ajeetesh Sandhu and Tapy Ghai at the Delhi Golf Club.

Having enjoyed a tied-fifth place finish in Pakistan two weeks ago, Suradit was delighted to continue his fine form as he takes aim at a breakthrough Asian Tour title at the Panasonic Open, where he finished tied-21st last year.

Siddikur, a two-time Asian Tour winner but not since 2013, rediscovered some of his best form after returning with a bogey-free round highlighted by five birdies.

He holds an impressive track record at the par-72 6935 yards course where he won his second Asian Tour title in 2013, finished inside top-10 in four of his five attempts at the Panasonic Open India and has secured six top-10s in other Asian Tour events.

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond, highest-ranked player in 14th place on the Merit rankings, posted a 68 to trail by two while defending champion Shiv Kapur of India posted a 70 to tie in 16th position in the event, which is celebrating its eighth successive edition on the region’s premier Tour.

Reigning Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit champion Pannakorn Uthaipas recorded the second albatross of the season on the par-five first hole after his five-iron second shot found the bottom of the cup from about 220 yards.

The Panasonic Open India is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and is the second leg of the 2018/19 Panasonic Swing, which is an aggregate points race that spans five events – in Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan.

Did you know?

• Suradit Yongcharoenchai sits in 40th place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, thanks to two top-five finishes in India and Pakistan. He came in joint runner-up in his last event in India in August and finished tied-fifth in Pakistan two weeks ago.
• The 19-year-old Thai had ended his 2017 season in 43rd place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit to keep his card for 2018. Enjoyed a top-10 finish in India that year as well.
• Suradit turned professional at a teenage of 16. Made the headlines when he won back-to-back titles on his domestic circuit last year.
• The young Thai is leading in an Asian Tour event for the first time in his career.
• Siddikur Rahman holds an impeccable track record at the Delhi Golf Club. He won his second Asian Tour title in 2013, finished inside top-10 in four of his five attempts at the Panasonic Open India and has secured six top-10s in other Asian Tour events there.
• Siddikur enjoyed his career-best season in 2013 when he came in fourth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. He has not finished outside top-60 on the money list in his last eight consecutive seasons on Tour since 2010.
• The 33-year-old Siddikur wrote a slice of history in 2010 when he became the first player from Bangladesh to win on the Asian Tour at the Brunei Open.
• Placed 97th on the money list, Siddikur needs a strong showing to boost his rankings and hopefully break into top-60 by the end of the season to keep his Asian Tour card for 2019.
• Siddikur missed only three fairways and needed only 26 putts around the greens for his commendable 67.
• Tapy Ghai hails from Gurgaon, India. The 22-year-old is playing in his second year as a professional.
• Despite hitting just four fairways, Ghai found 12 greens in regulation and navigated his way around the greens in just 24 putts.
• Ajeetesh Sandhu enjoyed a superb season in 2017 where he claimed his maiden Asian Tour win at the Yeangder TPC in Chinese Taipei. He followed up with a play-off win on the Japan Challenge Tour the week after.
• His good form continued in the following weeks at the Macao Open and the Pansonic Open India where he finished joint runner-up. Also enjoyed a tied-eighth place finish at the season-ending Indonesian Masters to finish in 21st position on the final 2017 Order of Merit.
• Sandhu sits in a current 34th place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, thanks to two top-10 finishes in Japan and Korea.
• Reigning Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit champion Pannakorn Uthaipas recorded the second albatross of the season on the par-five first hole. The Thai hit a three-wood off the tee right down the middle of the fairway before his five-iron second shot found the bottom of the cup from about 220 yards. It was the second albatross in his career and first time in a professional tournament.

Players’ quotes:

Suradit Yongcharoenchai (Tha) – First round 66 (-6)

I played really good today. I feel very good with my game. I hit a lot of fairways. My tee shots were very good today and that was the key to play well here. I played my irons very well too and gave myself a lot of birdie opportunities.

I knew I was tied for the lead after the birdie on seventh but I wasn’t thinking too much. I just played my own game and went on to make another birdie on the eighth. I didn’t hit my tee shot well on that hole. It was kind of in the rough and I had to lay up from about 100 yards.

I managed to hit it close to the pin from there and made the birdie to take the outright lead. I think my game is pretty alright at the moment. If I can keep hitting fairways and greens, I should be able to do well this week.

Obviously riding on my good form as well. I finished tied-fifth in Pakistan two weeks ago and was joint runner-up when I last played in India two months ago. I haven’t change much to my routine so I will keep doing what I have been doing.

I made a really good birdie on the par-three seventh hole. I hit it close to within a foot and tapped in for birdie. I played pretty consistently through the round today. This is my second time playing on this course and in this tournament.

I don’t have a driver in the bag this week. I know the fairways are pretty tight here. I told myself to just focus on the tee shots. I feel good and confident coming back to India because I came close to winning in this country two months ago.

Tirawat (Kaewsiribandit) is my regular roommate on Tour and to see him win in Pakistan was a great motivation and inspiration for me. It makes me want to win as well. Hopefully I can ride on my good form and try for a win this week.

Siddikur Rahman (Ban) – First round 67 (-5)

It was an excellent day out there. I hit the ball good and my putting was great as well. I am really happy with my round. I have a lot of great memories on this golf course. I won on this course five years ago and I have played well here on several other occasions.

I always think about all these good memories whenever I come to play here. It always inspires me. I don’t think there will be any changes in my game plan moving forward. I hope to continue playing the same way I did today.

I had a good birdie on the 10th hole. I really didn’t know where the putt will go. I saw the slope and just putted from about 18 feet and the ball just went in. I had another nice birdie on the 17th hole. I hit a seven-iron from 165 yards to about five foot of the pin and made that putt.

I feel really excited now. I missed the last two editions so it’s been awhile since I last played here. To come back here and shoot such a good score, I feel really excited now. I am always happy to come and play here. It’s one of my favourite courses on Tour.

I know I play better when I feel happy on the golf course. I will try not to think so much about other matters and focus on enjoying my game over the next few days. That will be the key. The course seems to be playing easier this time. The fairways are playing softer.

I finished tied-12th in Pakistan two weeks ago and that’s my best result this year. I was a little bit under pressure because I haven’t been playing well since the start of the year and I needed to keep my card for 2019.

I have been giving myself too much pressure by thinking about it and that is why I haven’t been able to play well. I shouldn’t be thinking about that. I know I am a good player and I just need a good week to achieve what I need.

That is what I am telling myself now. I won’t give myself any pressure. I just want to play my game and see how it goes. I am happy with my recent performances so I hope to continue that. I played here as an amateur since 2000 and I won the All Indian Amateur here in 2004.

Ajeetesh Sandhu (Ind) – First round 67 (-5)

The score is pretty good. I played alright, not my best. It’s something that might just happen on this course. I think I played pretty well. That three birdies in a row kind of gave me some momentum heading into the remainder of the round.

I hit two good shots on the 13th and made a 10-footer for birdie there. The 14th hole was the toughest hole that I birdied today. I hit a great chip for eagle on the 18th but it somehow lipped out. But I’ll take it. I’m happy with the birdie on the last.

It was pretty warm out there. There was no wind so it was pretty easy. The greens are a bit slow so you got to be aggressive with your shots. If you miss on the wrong side of the greens, you miss another chance.

It’s always good playing with Jazz (Janewattananond). We have a good friendship. We have played quite a lot together this year, even in Europe. It was fun and comfortable out there. He finished well with a birdie on the last like me too which was good.

I am sure the conditions will be different tomorrow morning. It plays completely differently when the sun comes out. The course plays shorter and it’s definitely easier. I’ll just take it as it comes. I have played this course enough times.

Tapy Ghai (Ind) – First round 67 (-5)

When you score seven birdies it’s always a good round. All the aspects of my game were in good shape today. I had clarity of mind and didn’t have any doubts during my round so that helped.

I’ve drawn a lot of confidence from my first professional win which was achieved on the PGTI earlier this month in Ahmedabad. That win has helped me break some mental barriers. I feel like a different player now.

As a junior I’ve played a lot of golf at the DGC at it was my home course at the time before I moved to Gurgaon. I’m quite familiar with the DGC so that is another advantage I enjoy this week.

I recovered well from the bushes to make my first birdie of the day on the 10th. The momentum just continued thereafter as I hit a terrific tee shot on the 12th that set up a seven-foot birdie putt. Then I also had a 20-feet birdie conversion on the 14th.

Subsequently I made two birdies and two bogeys till the fourth before coming back strong with consecutive birdies on the fifth and sixth. I’m delighted with this effort considering this is only my second Asian Tour event.

Veer Ahlawat (Ind) – First round 68 (-4)

It’s been a good season for me so far as I’ve posted five top-10s on the PGTI in 2018. I’m 11th on the PGTI Order of Merit at the moment and I feel I’m carrying some good form into this week.

My game was pretty solid today as I struck it well and therefore hit 16 regulations. I also holed a couple of 15 feet birdie putts.

I started really well with birdies on the first two holes and four birdies on the first seven holes but a poor tee shot on the 18th was a dampener as it resulted in a double bogey. Importantly, I didn’t let that double bogey affect my rhythm on the front nine where I picked up two more birdies.

The highlight of my round though was the chip-in from the fringe for a par save on the seventh.

My game is at a good point as of now as I’m striking and putting well. But I don’t want to think too ahead and want to take it one round at a time. My focus was good today as I managed to pull myself up even after the double bogey on the 18th.

My goals in the near future include getting my first win on the PGTI and also trying to qualify for the Asian Tour through the Qualifying School.

Scores after round 1 of the Panasonic Open India being played at the par 72, 6935 Yards Delhi GC course (am – denotes amateur):

66 – Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA).

67 – Tapy Ghai (IND), Siddikur Rahman (BAN), Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND).

68 – Veer Ahlawat (IND), Rashid Khan (IND), Peradol Panyathanasedh (THA), Jazz Janewattananond (THA).

69 – Terry Pilkadaris (AUS), Jack Harrison (ENG), Suttijet Kooratanapisan (THA), K. Prabagaran (LKA), Kapil Kumar (IND), Karandeep Kochhar (IND), Jeev Milkha Singh (IND).

70 – Angad Cheema (IND), Sachin Baisoya (IND), Settee Prakongvech (THA), Shiv Kapur (IND), Akshay Sharma (IND), Maverick Antcliff (AUS), Anura Rohana (LKA), Yutaka Araki (JPN), Matt Stieger (AUS), Shankar Das (IND), Chapchai Nirat (THA), Mardan Mamat (SIN), Lu Wei-chih (TPE), Mitchell Slorach (SIN), Aman Raj (IND), M. Dharma (IND), Jyoti Randhawa (IND).

71 – Chikkarangappa S. (IND), Khalin Joshi (IND), Steven Jeffress (AUS), Trishul Chinnappa (IND), Himmat Rai (IND), Wolmer Murillo (VEN), Jbe Kruger (RSA), Abhijit Chadha (IND), Shamim Khan (IND), Prom Meesawat (THA), Lionel Weber (FRA), Namchok Tantipokhakul (THA), Mukesh Kumar (IND).

72 – Manu Gandas (IND), Naman Dawar (IND), Kshitij Naveed Kaul (IND), Paul Harris (USA), Niall Turner (IRL), Udayan Mane (IND), Ashok Kumar (IND), Sudhir Sharma (IND), Zamal Hossain Mollah (BAN), Digvijay Singh (IND), Chiragh Kumar (IND), Mohammad Sanju (IND), Gaurav Pratap Singh (IND), Om Prakash Chouhan (IND), Abhishek Jha (IND), Shakhawat Sohel (BAN)

Shanghai, October 24: Zimbabwean Scott Vincent and Sihwan Kim of the United States are prepared for one of their career’s biggest tests when they take on the world’s best players at the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions which starts on Thursday.

Vincent qualified for the US$10 million Chinese showpiece as one of the leading four players from the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings while Kim secured his place when the number of spots for the Asian Tour was increased to six due to late withdrawals.

The 26-year-old Vincent is the first golfer from Zimbabwe to play on the Asian Tour. While he is still awaiting his breakthrough, he has already enjoyed three runner-up results and six top-10 finishes this season.

Kim, on the other hand, has posted five top-five finishes on the Asian Tour so far and is currently in ninth place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings.

The Korean-American was elated upon receiving the news that he was going to tee up at the year’s final WGC event which will feature five of the world’s top six golfers and all of the year’s Major winners.

They include world number one Brooks Koepka of the United States, defending champion Justin Rose of England and Italy’s Francesco Molinari, who famously triumphed at The 147th Open Championship this year.

The home challenge will be led by China’s highest ranked player Li Haotong. Li, who is currently ranked 54th in the world, finished tied-seventh at the WGC-HSBC Champions in 2015 which remains his best result at the event so far.

Did you know?

• Scott Vincent earned his first Asian Tour card in 2016 via Qualifying School.
• In his rookie year on Tour, he posted two top-10s, including a tied-second finish at the Shinhan Donghae Open. Vincent went on to finish 28th on the Order of Merit to retain his card for the 2017 season.
• In 2017, he claimed four top-10s to finish in 17th place on the Order of Merit.
• The Zimbabwean has posted nine top-10s this season including three runner-up finishes.
• Sihwan Kim is a graduate of the 2017 Asian Tour Qualifying School. Straight after securing his card then, he went on to claim two straight top-10 finishes at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open and Bashundhara Bangladesh Open.
• He secured a tied-sixth finish at the season-ending Indonesian Masters to finish in 55th place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings and retain his card for 2018.
• Kim has already secured five top-five finishes on the Asian Tour so far and is currently in ninth place on the Habitat for Humanity standings.

Players’ Quotes

Scott Vincent (Zim)

I’m obviously very excited to be here. I was just telling Kelsey (wife) the other day that at the start of the year, I was qualifying to play at the SA Open and a few months later, I’m playing at a WGC event. What a year it has been. I got to play in some amazing tournaments and I’ve also played some amazing golf this year. This is definitely the pinnacle of my golfing career so far and it’s nice to be able to share this with my wife and to rub shoulders with the best players in the world. I’m not expecting a lot but I still very competitive and I want to come out here to compete. I know what I need to do as a player and I’ll try to stick to the game plan. Then we’ll see where that puts us at the end of the week.

Sihwan Kim (Usa)

I’m very excited and I’m very glad I can make it here. I was like one of the last ones to get in here and getting anything here would be a huge bonus. I was in the States and then I got an email that I was the first reserve and a couple of days later, I was in. I was happy and excited. I just got to stay patient and hopefully I can hole some putts to keep the momentum going. I just got to keep the ball on the fairway as the rough can be very tricky here. If I can do that, you can have lots of birdie chances which I certainly need around here.

Li Haotong (Chn)

I just want a chance to play better, and to have a good performance, as well, and to enjoy this great event, great week here. Winning in Dubai was certainly the highlight for me this year. I want to thank the China Golf Association for giving me the opportunity to compete across the world and to have that chance to win such a great event. It has been an amazing year. I feel that I will have a breakthrough this year because I have a pretty good momentum and I’m in pretty good shape. It is a lot of pressure, but I think right now I’m much better to compete. I think three years ago, I was one behind in the last or second last group. So I enjoy it more and I’m more used to it I think.

Brooks Koepka (Usa)

It was nice (to win in Korea last week). To start the year off with a win is something you always want to do. 1-for-1 is always nice. Just got to build on that. I feel like I’ve built a lot of momentum throughout the year and obviously only a week off in between, it felt like, so there wasn’t much of a gap. To build that momentum and kind of build on what I’ve done this year, was key, and hopefully, you know, it rolls over into this week and then have a few weeks off to kind of figure out what I need to work on and what needs to get better, and go from there. I’ve only been world number one for three days. I haven’t found too many challenges in those three days. But I’m looking forward to this week. Looking forward to teeing it up as number one. I think that’s something every golfer kind of dreams of and every golfer wants to accomplish. I’m looking to build on that lead, grow it, and that way I can be number one for a while. The goal isn’t just to get here; it’s to stay here. I think you look at it, and you get the best players in the world to come over here. I mean, I know a lot of the guys in the States, they have got to travel, you know, 16, 17 hours just to get here, but yet the guys are doing it. So there’s a reason that they are going to come over here. It’s a WGC. It’s an important — you know, these eight events, the majors and WGCs, are what you want to play and what you want to win. And when you’re done, when you’re done playing, those are what people remember you for. They remember you for the majors that you’ve won, the WGCs, things like that. So it’s an important event. I wouldn’t — I think what they are doing right now is an unbelievable job. The way they treat us here is fantastic. The fans are awesome. It’s a fun golf course to play, and I think that right there speaks for itself.

New Delhi, October 23: The Panasonic Open India is set to deliver another exciting week of top-notch golfing action when it gets underway for its eighth consecutive edition on the Asian Tour starting Thursday.

The highly-rated event, which forms part of the unique Panasonic Swing, will see leading stars from India challenging for top honours against a strong international field made up of players from 17 other countries at the venerable Delhi Golf Club.

Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), the Panasonic Open India will once again offer a prize purse of US$400,000 when it returns to its regular venue for the eighth time in succession.

Since its inception in 2011, the Panasonic Open India has welcomed worthy champions in Anirban Lahiri, Digvijay Singh, Australian Wade Ormsby, the only non-Indian to win the tournament, S.S.P. Chawrasia, Chiragh Kumar, Mukesh Kumar and defending champion Shiv Kapur.

Kapur topped the inaugural Panasonic Swing ranking with total points of 2922.90 last year, thanks largely to his victory at the Panasonic Open India, which was his first Asian Tour victory on home soil and second win in 2017.

The 36-year-old Indian would go on to win his fourth Asian Tour title at the Royal Cup in Thailand one month later and become the first and only player to win three times on the region’s premier Tour that season.

Kapur will spearhead the elite field alongside compatriots Chiragh Kumar and Viraj Madappa, who became the youngest Indian winner on the Asian Tour following his breakthrough in August, as well as two-time Asian Tour winners Jazz Janewattananond and Panuphol Pittayarat of Thailand.

Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour Chief Operating Officer (left) and Manish Sharma, President and CEO, Panasonic India & South Asia

Manish Sharma, President and CEO, Panasonic India & South Asia, said: “The Panasonic Open India has enjoyed huge success over the last seven years and produced many worthy champions. We are looking forward to this legacy taking centre stage this year as well. The tournament has played a key role in growing the game of golf in Asia over the years and it is our constant endeavour to provide a strong platform for players to excel.”

Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour Chief Operating Officer, said: “On behalf of our talented players, I would like to extend our fullest appreciation to Panasonic for its unwavering support of the Panasonic Open India which goes a very long way in promoting and developing the sport in India as well as across the region.”

“The Asian Tour is honoured to forge a strong partnership with the PGTI, who shares the same vision in growing the game by creating more playing opportunities for our members. We are pleased to work alongside Panasonic, PGTI and the Delhi Golf Club once again to ensure another successful week of golf at the Panasonic Open India.”

Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO, PGTI, said: “Golf in India has been on the rise in recent years and this is not possible without the support of great sponsors like Panasonic. Anirban Lahiri won his first Asian Tour title at the Panasonic Open India in 2011 before making his mark on the international stage. Many other Indian golfers, including the likes of Shubhankar Sharma, Rashid Khan, Chiragh Kumar, Ajeetesh Sandhu and Viraj Madappa, have followed in Anirban’s footsteps by achieving success at the international level in the following years. We look forward to seeing more Indian golfers continuing this trend by emerging as champions on the global stage in the coming years.”

The Panasonic Swing ranking, which initiated by the Asian Tour and the Panasonic Corporation to reinforce Panasonic’s support for professional golf across the region, is based on an aggregate point ranking earned by players at selected tournaments in Asia.

The second edition of the 2018/19 Panasonic Swing began at the 2018 Thailand Open in June with Panuphol enjoying the early lead on the rankings following his home victory. It will feature tournaments in India, Malaysia and Indonesia before concluding at the Panasonic Open Japan in 2019.

New Delhi, October 23: India’s Shiv Kapur returns to the venue of his famous victory eager for another successful outing at the US$400,000 Panasonic Open India which starts on Thursday.

Playing on his home course at the Delhi Golf Club, Kapur claimed his third Asian Tour title and second win in 2017 when he cruised to a three-shot triumph 12 months ago. The victory was exceptionally sweet for Kapur as it was his first Asian Tour win on home soil.

The 36-year-old Kapur, father of one, will be gunning to become the first player to successfully defend his title at the Panasonic Open India, which is celebrating its eighth successive edition on the region’s premier Tour.

He will spearhead the strong local challenge which includes promising talents Viraj Madappa, youngest Indian winner on the Asian Tour, and 17-year-old Kshitij Naveed Kaul, who is making his professional debut this week.

They will be vying to retain the trophy on home soil in the popular event which has been dominated by the Indian players since its inception in 2011. Wade Ormsby of Australia remains the only international player to win the Panasonic Open India in 2013.

Singaporean veteran Mardan Mamat returns to the site of his breakthrough Asian Tour win this week, confident of putting up a strong showing to turn his lacklustre season around. The 50-year-old marked his best result this season in Pakistan when he came in tied-24th two weeks ago.

Also in the fray are Tirawat Kaewsiribandit of Thailand, who broke through in Pakistan a fortnight ago before going on to win on his domestic circuit last week, as well as his compatriots Prom Meesawat, Jazz Janewattananond and Panuphol Pittayarat, all double-winners on the Asian Tour.

The Panasonic Open India is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and is the second leg of the 2018/19 Panasonic Swing, which is an aggregate points race that spans five events – in Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan.

(From left) Kshitij Naveed Kaul, Shiv Kapur and Viraj Madappa

Did you know?

• Shiv Kapur claimed his third Asian Tour title and second win of the 2017 season when he cruised to a three-shot victory last year. It was his first ever Asian Tour win on home soil.
• Kapur ended a 12-year barren spell when he won his second Asian Tour title in Chinese Taipei last April. He would go on to win in Thailand in December and become the only player to have won three times on the Asian Tour in the 2017 season.
• Kapur also topped the inaugural Panasonic Swing rankings with total points of 2922.90. His compatriot Rahil Gangjee came in second with 2805.00 while Rattanon Wannasrichan of Thailand finished third on 2380.50. The top-three finishers in the Panasonic Swing final ranking earned US$70,000, US$50,000 and US$30,000 respectively via a bonus pool reward scheme.
• Kapur came close to defending his title successfully at the Royal Cup in July before settling for joint-second. He secured another solid sixth place result in Chinese Taipei last month and is sitting in 28th place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.
• The Delhi Golf Club is the home course for Kapur and Kshitij Naveed Kaul, who is making his professional debut this week.
• Viraj Madappa is playing in his first year as a professional. He came through the Qualifying School earlier in January and became the first rookie to win on the Asian Tour this season following his triumph in August.
• Madappa also holds the record of being the youngest Indian player, at the age of 20, to win on the Asian Tour.
• Both Kapur and Madappa have won their maiden Asian Tour wins in their rookie seasons in 2005 and 2018 respectively. Kapur was also named the Rookie of the Year in 2005.
• Madappa enjoyed a fourth-place finish in Chinese Taipei earlier this month. It was his first top-10 result on the Asian Tour apart from his win.
• Mardan secured his first Asian Tour win at the Delhi Golf Club in 2004. He is the first Singaporean to win on the region’s premier Tour.

Players’ quotes:

Shiv Kapur (Ind)

It was a pretty amazing win last year. I replayed the videos of my victory again and it got me some goosebumps and some fond memories came back. It was special to win on your home course, in front of your family and friends. It was a dream for me to win here.

I have seen so many of my friends win here and it’s always been one of my goals to win here. To be able to win last year was a dream come true. It was also a dream season for me, to have won three times last year.

I remember putting my two-month-old daughter in the Panasonic Open India trophy last year and that photo has been my profile picture on WhatsApp since. The season hasn’t been as good as I like it to be, to be honest.

You kind of need to keep your expectations in check, like what I have said at the end of last year. You come off a great season where you have won three times and it’s never easy to back that up with more wins. I think I didn’t plan my schedule well enough. I didn’t have much time to rest in between the two seasons. It was a bit of a burnt out then.

Overall, I feel like my game is picking up again. I am excited to finish my season well, starting from this week. I am in a decent position on the Merit rankings so a good push for a win will help me end the season strong.

It’s nice to see my face on all the branded boards out there. It’s a special feeling. Yes, there is pressure as a defending champion but I think it’s a positive and good pressure knowing that you have won on this course before. If I can put myself in position to win again come Sunday, I can definitely bank on my past memories to help me achieve the feat.

In the past, I have always had the mindset to play defensive or to play smart whenever I play on my home course at the Delhi Golf Club. But last year, I told myself to just play naturally like how it would be when I play with my friends and that kind of worked for me. I putted well last year and I think that was the key as well.

The fairways are the bets that I have ever seen. The rough is fantastic. It’s going to be a great test from tee to green.

Viraj Madappa (Ind)

It’s definitely nice to know that I have the potential to win on the Asian Tour. I wasn’t feeling confident when I turned professional at the beginning of the season. After winning my first title in August, I feel more confident to play against the top guys out there.

I am playing well now so I hope to finish the season off strong and look forward to this week. I felt like I spent a lot of time with Shiv Kapur this season. He’s been very friendly so I don’t think I am very intimidated by him anymore. I used to be! (laughs)

He has helped me out when we played a few practice rounds together. I think I’m quite comfortable playing on Tour now. I feel like my game’s good now and I might be the man to be this week!

Kshitij Naveed Kaul (Ind)

I am very excited to play my first event as a professional on my home course this week. It’s very nice and I feel good because I am playing well now. I have played a few times with Shiv Kapur and it’s nice.

The Delhi Golf Club is my home club so I hope I can take advantage of my course knowledge this week. I hope to do the same like what I have been doing before although I am playing in my first event as a professional this week.

I would like to thank Panasonic, PGTI and the Asian Tour for giving me this opportunity to play in my first event as a professional and on my home course this week. I am looking forward to the week and hopefully I can put up a good showing.

Mardan Mamat (Sgp)

The game is feeling good after making three straight cuts in Chinese Taipei and Pakistan. I’m starting to find some form which is good and I am feeling confident. I have a lot of good memories on this course. It’s always nice to come back here.

It’s good to see more players turning professional at a young age. I know there are two Indian golfers making their professional debut this week. A few weeks back, two young Singaporeans turned professional as well. It’s good for the game I feel.

It shows that the game is growing. Like what I have told the two Singaporeans who just turned professional, my advice to them is to be patient, work hard and don’t force the results. It’s the most important that you enjoy the game.

Ends.

Shanghai, October 19: John Catlin of the United States is ready to create an impression at the star-studded World Golf Championship-HSBC Champions when it gets underway at the Sheshan International Golf Club next week.

While Catlin’s name may not rank as high as the illustrious list of champions expected to light up the US$10 million event, the American is a star in his own right.

The 27-year-old is the first player to have won three times on the Asian Tour in 2018 and his victories in China, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei are by no means a fluke.

A former graduate from the Asian Tour Qualifying School, who worked his way up the ranks through the Asian Development Tour (ADT) where he has won twice, hard work has always been the key to Catlin’s success.

“I first came to Asia in 2015 and got my Asian Tour card through Qualifying School. I starting winning on the ADT and finished third on the money list last year where I went on to play on the Asian Tour.

“From having limited playing opportunities on the main Tour to winning tournaments here, it has been a journey for me,” said Catlin.

Apart from one missed cut in his first Asian Tour event in New Zealand in March, Catlin has always featured in the weekend rounds this year.

With his latest win in Chinese Taipei earlier this month, Catlin became the eighth person to have won three titles in a single season in the history of the Asian Tour.

“You don’t suddenly wake up and start winning golf tournaments. There’s no secret to success. You just got to work your way up and I haven’t skipped any steps,” said Catlin.

Catlin’s desire to be the best he can be means waking up at 6.30am and hitting the gym by 7am for about an hour and a half, three days a week.

“I’ll spend three days a week at the gym. I wake up at about 6.30am and get into the gym by 7am for about an hour and a half.

“I’ll come back, eat and I’m back at the range by 9.30am. I never leave before 5pm,” said Catlin.

Catlin will be up against an elite field that includes defending champion Justin Rose, 2018 Open Champion Francesco Molinari and world number one Dustin Johnson at the Shanghai showpiece.

The Asian Tour will be well represented by 14 members at the WGC-HSBC Champions and they include India’s Shubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar, Korea’s Sanghyun Park, Zimbabwean Scott Vincent, South Africa’s Justin Harding, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Americans Sihwan Kim and Catlin, Australia’s Jason Norris, Japan’s Yuta Ikeda, England’s Matt Wallace as well as China’s Xiao Bowen, Liang Wen-chong and Liu Yanwei.

Ends.