August 6: India’s Anirban Lahiri fired a two-under-par 68 to finish in tied-sixth place in the final round of the World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational on Sunday.

The 2015 Asian Tour number one, traded four birdies against two bogeys to finish on an eight-under-par 280 total, seven shots behind Justin Thomas of the United States who won his maiden World Golf Championship title at Firestone Country Club. Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat settled for tied 31st place following a final round of 71 while Australia’s Wade Ormsby ended his campaign in tied 39th place after shooting a 73.

Current Habitat for Humanity Standings leader Shubhankar Sharma of India, carded a 70 to share 69th place with Japan’s Kodai Ichihara (68) on a 293 total.

At the Seniors Tour in Japan, Thai Veteran Prayad Marksaeng continued his winning ways when he won his fourth title of the season at the Maruhan Cup Pacific Club Senior on Sunday.

He carded a two-under-par 70 to win by one-shot. His winning total of nine-under-par 135 at the Pacific Club Rokko Course puts him firmly on track to win the PGA of Japan Senior Tour Order of Merit for the third consecutive year.

Ends.

Fiji, August 5: India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar withstood the intense pressure by producing one of the best shots of the week on the 17th hole which would eventually seal his ninth Asian Tour win at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways on Sunday.

Staring at yet another bridesmaid finish this season, the Indian showed he would not be cowed under pressure as he holed a monstrous chip from outside the green for an eagle-three. 

That eagle provided him with some relief as he would head into the last hole with a one-shot advantage over Australia’s Anthony Quayle, who had earlier broken the course record with his nine-under-par 63 at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.

Bhullar hit his approach shot straight onto the green on 18 and left his birdie putt just short of the hole. An easy tap-in for par for a winning total of 14-under-par 274 would soon confirm the 30-year-old as the newest winner of the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways. 

Australia’s Anthony Quayle, who started the day two shots back of Bhullar, surmounted a late challenge when he stormed home with three birdies and two eagles in his back-nine. 

However, it was still not enough to catch Bhullar on a day when the Indian showed great composure and mental courage.

Major winner Ernie Els of South Africa also staged a late comeback by closing with a 65 to share third place with New Zealand’s Ben Campbell at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways, which being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia again.

Did you know?

• Gaganjeet Bhullar picked up golf at the age of four from his father. He grew up at Kapurthala Golf Club, in a city located north of India.
• Bhullar was India’s number one amateur in 2004 and 2006 and claimed a silver medal in the team event at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha. He also won the World Junior Masters Championship in 2005.
• Prior to his latest victory at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airway, Bhullar had five top-10s which included two runner-up finishes at the Maekyung Open and Queen’s Cup in Korea and Thailand respectively.
• With his ninth Asian Tour victory, Bhullar holds the most number of wins by an Indian golfer on the Asian Tour.
• Anthony Quayle broke the course record at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course. With his final round 63. It was previously held by Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond who carded a 64 in his final round last year.

Players Quotes

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) Fourth round 66 (-6), Total 274 (-14)

It was a tough day.  It was windy, flags were tough, but I played really well.  I gave myself many, many opportunities today.  The key was I got on to a really good start, I was three under after four holes and I think that kept me going.  And just around the turn things were actually getting a little tough for me, but I think I managed to make a really good par save on number 10. That gave me a lot of boost, a lot of confidence.  After that, it was just one shot at a time and I was just able to execute.  I was mentally prepared for that.  I knew somebody or another had to go low today.  Even Ernie Els, he’s a legend, he was playing really well.  Anthony, I know his game, he played really well.  Nine-under out there in these conditions, that’s a great round of golf.  Even though after number 16, I still had hopes, I still had kind of a feeling that I can still win the tournament, but I think that chip in on 17, that pretty much closed the deal. I had a little bit of an idea that this chip is going to run a lot, but it wasn’t an easy chip, I could have easily missed up and down and settled for second or third.  This kind of good form was definitely building up from last, I would say, two months, I had two good finishes.  In fact, more than two, but two runner up finishes on the Asian Tour.  I’ve been playing really well.  It was just a matter of time and I’m glad it happened on this stage.

Anthony Quayle (Aus) Fourth round 63 (-9), Total 275 (-13)

That was pretty awesome out there.  I got to play with Ernie and played a pretty awesome back nine there.  I’m pretty happy with it regardless of the finish. I was just saying I struggled to kind of comprehend I was playing with Ernie. I’m at a loss for words at the moment, it hasn’t sunk in.  It was a great round and it was cool to do it in front of him.  He had a few nice words for me in the scorer’s tent. He said that was some back nine, really impressive.  If you keep at it, you’ll do well.  It was pretty cool.

Ernie Els (Rsa) Fourth round 65 (-7), Total 276 (-12)

It was really a great day.  I think people on television, spectators out there, they would have had a great thrill because there’s some really great golf being played.  Conditions weren’t that easy.  Guys I was playing with, 63. I shot 65.  Mr. Bhullar just chipped in there for an eagle, so there’s a lot going on.  I’m pleased with my round and pleased with the tournament and it’s been a lot of fun, really a lot of fun in Fiji. I did almost as much as I could.  I set out to try to shoot 65, which I did, and Anthony just played unbelievable.  Jeez, what is it, 29 on the back nine?  That’s unbelievable stuff.  Great golf and well deserved.  Whoever wins, they deserve it because it’s great golf. He’s (Anthony) got a great game, great attitude.  He’s got the whole package.  He hits it long, he’s got great touch, and under the gun he really brought his stuff.  He eagled 17 and he had to get the ball up and down.  He was off the fairways a lot, but he kept hanging in there.  And to shoot 29 on the back nine is incredible.

Leading scores after round 4 of the Fiji International being played at the par 72, 6575 Metres Natadola Bay CGC course (am – denotes amateur):

274 – Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 70-69-69-66.

275 – Anthony Quayle (AUS) 75-66-71-63.

276 – Ernie Els (RSA) 72-70-69-65, Ben Campbell (NZL) 67-66-77-66.

278 – Jarryd Felton (AUS) 67-71-71-69.

280 – Poom Saksansin (THA) 73-68-71-68, Andrew Dodt (AUS) 67-70-72-71, Jake McLeod (AUS) 72-67-70-71.

282 – Matthew Millar (AUS) 71-73-71-67, Andrew Martin (AUS) 72-71-70-69.

283 – Steven Jeffress (AUS) 73-66-75-69, Ashun Wu (CHN) 70-69-74-70, Matthew Griffin (AUS) 69-72-71-71.

284 – James Marchesani (AUS) 72-70-74-68, Richard Green (AUS) 76-67-73-68.

285 – Damien Jordan (AUS) 75-70-69-71, Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 70-68-71-76.

286 – Thitiphun Chuayprakong (THA) 75-72-69-70, Michael Wright (AUS) 73-75-71-67, Lucas Herbert (AUS) 70-75-71-70, Nicholas Cullen (AUS) 67-72-75-72, Mark Brown (NZL) 75-68-71-72, Harry Bateman (NZL) 70-69-74-73, Travis Smyth (AUS) 71-70-72-73.

287 – Jake Higginbottom (AUS) 74-73-69-71, Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 79-68-71-69, Nick Flanagan (AUS) 74-72-70-71, Johannes Veerman (USA) 72-74-70-71, Vijay Singh (FIJ) 76-72-71-68, Rhein Gibson (AUS) 73-70-73-71, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 77-68-76-66, Justin Harding (RSA) 74-67-72-74.

Ends.

Fiji, August 4: India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, an eight-time Asian Tour winner, is ready to draw on his winning experience on Tour to power himself towards another victory as he snatched the third round lead with a three-under-par 69 at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways on Saturday.

The 30-year-old has won under blustery conditions before, most notably in Macau and he believes he can replicate that similar winning form as he holds a one-shot advantage over the Australian quartet of Jake McLeon, Jarryd Felton, Terry Pilkadaris and Andrew Dodt with his three-day total of eight-under-par 208.

McLeon, who finished tied-second in Thailand last week, hopes to ride on his good form and surmount a challenge on the day which matters most after returning with a 70 at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.

Overnight leader Ben Campbell of New Zealand meanwhile had a day to forget when he saw his four-shot advantage wiped out after returning with a 77 to slip down to sixth place.

South Africa’s Ernie Els, a four-time Major champion and former world number one, underlined his credentials by signing for a 69 to haul himself back into contention at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways, which being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia again.

Did you know?

• Gaganjeet Bhullar picked up golf at the age of four from his father. He grew up at Kapurthala Golf Club, in a city located north of India.
• Bhullar was India’s number one amateur in 2004 and 2006 and claimed a silver medal in the team event at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha. He also won the World Junior Masters Championship in 2005.
• Bhullar claimed his eighth Asian Tour title at the Macao Open last year to become the youngest player to win eight titles on the region’s premier Tour.
• He endured another missed opportunity for his ninth Asian Tour win at the Queen’s Cup last month.
• The Indian also came close at the Maekyung Open in Korea in May but settled for a share of second place after he was defeated in the play-off.
• Jake McLeod’s tied-second finish at the Royal Cup in Pattaya, Thailand was his best result on the Asian Tour to date.

Players Quotes

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) Third round 69 (-3), Total 208 (-8)

I had a great start to the day.  I started with two good birdies and then I kept on hitting the ball really well and the ball was in play throughout the round.  I think today my striking was really, really good.  Despite the windy conditions, I kept the ball in play, and actually I holed a lot of really tricky putts today.  Looking at the scores, it wasn’t an easy round of golf today.  Wind was howling, it was gusty, especially on the back nine. Numbers 10, 11 and 12, these holes were playing straight into the wind, they were really tough.  But yeah, I’m glad I played well today and it’s good to be back in contention. It’s never easy to play in this kind of situations, but I remember the last tournament I won was in Macau and it was really, really windy.  So of course I do have a lot of positive memories playing in this kind of situation. Golf is an individual game.  You just have to stick to your own routine and the process.  I think that’s going to be my game plan tomorrow.

Jake McLeod (Aus) Third round 70 (-2), Total 209 (-7)

It was a tough day out there today with all the wind, but I played really nicely, made a lot of putts, which is nice. I played pretty well last week as well.  So the putter’s finally coming together for me and I’m pretty happy about that. It’s always a good opportunity being up near the lead in the last round, so really looking forward to it.

Ben Campbell (Nzl) Third round 77 (+5), Total 210 (-6)

I don’t feel like I played anywhere near as bad as what I scored actually.  I think I only made one putt out there.  It was a bit frustrating.  As I said yesterday, you just needed to kind of chip and putt your way around here and that’s exactly what I didn’t do today. I’m only two back and I could have easily holed six or seven putts just like that and been still well clear today.

Ernie Els Third round 69 (-3) Total 211 (-5)

It was a nice solid round. The conditions were a little bit tougher than yesterday obviously, but I still made a bit of a mess on the front nine.  I made two very soft bogeys.  I played the back nine quite well and finished nicely.  So I’ll be quite far behind, but at least be within sniffing distance. I’m starting to hit the ball nicely, starting to get a bit more confidence in the putter.  The greens are running beautiful.  So it’s there, I’ve just got to keep it together a bit more on the front nine.  The front nine, I think, has been playing a little bit tougher this week.  Doing that, maybe I can do a little charge on the back nine tomorrow. It’s been a while (to be in contention), so it’s very nice.  We’re having a good week, myself, my daughter, my wife.  We’re enjoying Fiji.  And the locals have been wonderful, everyone’s been great.  So it’s nice to play a tournament and actually, as I said, have a sniff at it tomorrow.

Leading scores after round 3 of the Fiji International being played at the par 72, 6575 Metres Natadola Bay CGC course (am – denotes amateur):

208 – Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 70-69-69.

209 – Jake McLeod (AUS) 72-67-70, Jarryd Felton (AUS) 67-71-71, Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 70-68-71, Andrew Dodt (AUS) 67-70-72.

210 – Ben Campbell (NZL) 67-66-77.

211 – Ernie Els (RSA) 72-70-69.

212 – Matthew Griffin (AUS) 69-72-71, Anthony Quayle (AUS) 75-66-71, Poom Saksansin (THA) 73-68-71.

213 – Andrew Martin (AUS) 72-71-70, Travis Smyth (AUS) 71-70-72, Justin Harding (RSA) 74-67-72, Ashun Wu (CHN) 70-69-74, Harry Bateman (NZL) 70-69-74.

214 – Damien Jordan (AUS) 75-70-69, Mark Brown (NZL) 75-68-71, Steven Jeffress (AUS) 73-66-75, Nicholas Cullen (AUS) 67-72-75.

Ends.

Bengaluru, August 4: A strong cast of Asian Tour stars, comprising of over 25 Tour winners, will tee up for the second edition of the TAKE Solutions Masters at the Karnataka Golf Association next week.

The talented 156-man field, made up of players from 20 different countries, will be vying for an increased prize purse of US$350,000 at the co-sanctioned Asian Tour and PGTI event which will take place from August 9 to 12.

Zimbabwean Scott Vincent, the highest-ranked player in ninth place on the latest Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Order of Merit, will spearhead the international charge against a strong local contingent, which includes Gaganjeet Bhullar, ranked tenth, S.S.P. Chawrasia, Khalin Joshi, Chiragh Kumar and Jeev Milkha Singh.

In-form Vincent, who has had six top-10 finishes so far this season, will continue his chase for a breakthrough win on the region’s premier Tour when he makes his debut appearance in India next week.

“I’m excited to be there. I know it’s Khalin’s (Joshi) hometown. I’m looking forward to him showing us around next week. It’s always exciting to visit a new place. I have spoken to a few guys and everyone said the golf course is fantastic,” said the 26-year-old Vincent.

“The things that I have been working on are starting to come right and they have allowed me to become more consistent. It’s the hard work I think. There’s no magic for me, just hard work and good form,” Vincent added.

Vincent enjoyed a solid year in 2016 after coming through the Qualifying School that year. He claimed three top-10 results to finish in 28th position on the Order of Merit and was named Rookie of the Year.

In 2017, he notched four top-10s to finish in a commendable 17th place on the Order of Merit and retained his Asian Tour card for the 2018 season.

“I took two weeks off after Indonesia Open. I had a good rest and I also did some work, just to make sure things are moving in the right direction. I spent some time with my golf coach in Florida and we worked on a few changes.

“I’m hitting the ball well and putting well so hopefully I can be in contention when the tournament starts next week,” said Vincent.

Other notable players in the field include defending champion Poom Saksansin of Thailand, Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines, as well as Prom Meesawat and Danthai Boonma of Thailand.

TAKE Solutions is a globally-recognised domain-leader in life sciences and supply chain management. This year, TAKE Solutions have raised the prize purse by US$50,000 after a successful edition last year.

The tournament is promoted and managed by Kreeda Events who specialise in presenting world class events.  Their aim is to build on the success of last year to develop the tournament into one of the leading events on the Asian Tour.

Ends.

About Asian Tour

As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur. 

About PGTI

Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India.  PGTI’s objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making in all aspects of the game.  Headed by Mr Gautam Thaper (President), PGTI’s governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals.  PGTI currently has over 300 members.

About TAKE Solutions

TAKE Solutions is a globally recognised domain expert offering end-to-end Life Sciences solutions and is committed to putting Indian golf and its players on the global map.  TAKE has been associated with golf for over 15 years in efforts to create better infrastructure and greater playing opportunities in India and internationally.  TAKE supports SSP Chawrasia, Khalin Joshi, and Chiragh Kumar.  Shubankar Sharma, the two-time European Tour winner and the first Indian to ever lead both the European and Asian Tour Orders of Merit at the same time and  Chikkarangappa S have also recently been supported by TAKE.

www.takesolutions.com @TAKEgolfing #TAKEgolfing

About Kreeda Events

Kreeda Events specialise in the delivery of world-class events and is the promoter and manager of the TAKE Solutions Masters.  Kreeda’s two principals, Andrew Wells and Rahul Singh have a combined international events experience of more than 55 years and have successfully delivered more than 100 professional golf tournaments worldwide and worked in more than 30 countries.  In the last 10 years, their team have also been responsible for delivering some of India’s most prestigious major golf tournaments.  Andrew is one of the most respected Sports Event Directors in the world and Rahul has a deep understanding of the Indian and international Events arena through his ownership of highly acclaimed, Choices Entertainment.  In India, Kreeda also manage the Panasonic Indian Open on behalf of the Asian Tour.

For Kreeda information please visit  www.kreedaevents.com 

For further information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact [email protected]

Fiji, August 3: New Zealand’s Ben Campbell swept aside his closest rivals by firing a six-under-par 66 to surge to the top of the leaderboard with a four-shot cushion after the second round of the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways on Friday.

Campell held a share of the overnight lead after opening with a 67 at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course but showed his intent of breaking clear of the tight leaderboard when he charged towards the turn in 33 with three birdies.

He then moved further ahead by snaring four more birdies on holes 11, 12, 14 and 17 before dropping his only shot of the day on the closing 18 for a two-day total of 11-under-par 133.

Australia’s Andrew Dodt, who also opened with a 67 to share pole position after the first round, lost his advantage as he could only settle for a 70 to take second place.

China’s Wu Ashun meanwhile overcame his early tournament jitters by making his move with a 69 which was highlighted by an eagle three on 17 to stay six shots back of Campbell in tied-fifth place.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar made his Fijian debut count with another assured performance by signing for a 69 to share fifth place with Wu as well as the Australian trio of Nicholas Cullen, Steven Jeffress, Jake McLeod and New Zealand’s Nick Voke and Harry Bateman.

Thailand’s Poom Saksansin will meanwhile be hoping for favourable weather as he heads into the weekend round in tied-12 position.

Poom has never been a big fan of playing under blustery conditions and hopes the day’s benign conditions can set him up for another title charge as the weekend round beckons at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways, which being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia again.

Did you know?

• A mysterious illness kept Ben Campbell out of the game on and off for more than a year in 2017.
• After graduating from the Asian Tour Qualifying School in January with a tied-seventh finish, Campbell secured his first professional win at the New Zealand PGA Championship the following month in February this year.
• Andrew Dodt is a two-time Asian Tour winner. His last victory on the Tour came at the True Thailand Classic in Thailand in 2015.
• Dodt finished tied-35th at the Fiji International in 2017.
• Wu Ashun only managed to get to the tee box minutes before his tee off time on Thursday as his luggage and golf bag had earlier met with a delay.
• Despite the early hiccups, Wu posted an opening round of 70 which placed him in a share of eighth place after the first round.
• Wu is the second highest ranked Chinese player in the Official World Golf Rankings and is making his second appearance in Fiji.
• Gaganjeet Bhullar claimed his eighth Asian Tour title at the Macao Open last year to become the youngest player to win eight titles on the region’s premier Tour.
• He endured another missed opportunity for his ninth Asian Tour win at the Queen’s Cup last month.
• The Indian also came close at the Maekyung Open in Korea in May but settled for a share of second place after he was defeated in the play-off.

Players Quotes

Ben Campbell (Nzl) Second round 66 (-6), Total 133 (-11)

Yeah, I played really well out there. I got off to a nice start, which was good.  I didn’t hit really too many bad shots out there. The putter was feeling good, I chipped it well, and yeah, it was just keeping the ball in play, so I couldn’t complain much. I think this is one of the first few times I’ve ever played it in this kind of conditions.  The game plan actually changed a little bit as you were able to have a go at a few flags. I just feel a lot more comfortable out here. There’s obviously a long way to go there.  But winning any event would help in some way, whether it’s get your status or secure status or get you into other events and things like that.  But yeah, obviously I think the easy part is done, it’s the tough part now to keep going.

Andrew Dodt (Aus) Second round 70 (-2), Total 137 (-7)

I didn’t make a birdie on the back nine, which is a bit frustrating considering that the wind completely dropped and scoring was there to take advantage of. But I’m still in a good position and excited for the weekend. It was a different direction for the first nine holes, but when I put the pins in my yardage box this morning, I thought the pins were quite accessible, so I am quite surprised that no one did go low because it was there for the taking. I probably need to stay aggressive and keep attacking.  My nature is a little bit going into a bit of a shell and get a bit defensive, so I really need to keep the foot on the accelerator and keep being aggressive.  Ben’s obviously playing well, so he’s going to take a bit of catching, but I can only do my best.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) Second round 69 (-3), Total 139 (-5)

I had a shaky start to the round, I started with a bogey and then I had another bogey on three but I made a really good birdie on number two and a great par save on number four. I was struggling with my driving on the first three holes, but after that, I kind of got my momentum and swung the ball really well on the back nine.  And, you know, three-under, even though it’s not that great of a round, and there’s still 36 holes to go, I’m in a good position right now. There were tough conditions when we got started and it was not easy to hit the ball that close.  Despite the fact, I kept on telling myself to hit a lot of greens in regulation and kept the ball in play pretty much on the back nine.  I am enjoying my time in Fiji.  Every time I’m here, every third person is calling my surname, calling "bula, bula."  It’s very good. My wife is here and we both are enjoying ourselves, having a great time.

Wu Ashun (Chn) Second round 69 (-3), Total 139 (-5)

The conditions were very good today and I had enough time to warm up today, too.  Yesterday was a bit of a rush.  Today was way better and I had the time to warm up a little bit and the weather was better in the morning. Today I missed a couple birdie chances, but I’ll just go for it tomorrow and see what happens.

Poom Saksansin (Tha) Second round 68 (-4), Total 141 (-3)

I don’t know why I cannot play well in the wind. I hope the weather stay like how it was today. Otherwise I’ll be gone with the wind! I can control my ball better when there’s no wind. I’m also putting well. If the winds blows this weekend, I just have to pray to myself!

 Leading scores after round 2 of the Fiji International being played at the par 72, 6575 Metres Natadola Bay CGC course (am – denotes amateur):

133 – Ben Campbell (NZL) 67-66.

137 – Andrew Dodt (AUS) 67-70.

138 – Terry Pilkadaris (AUS) 70-68, Jarryd Felton (AUS) 67-71.

139 – Nick Voke (NZL) 71-68, Harry Bateman (NZL) 70-69, Ashun Wu (CHN) 70-69, Nicholas Cullen (AUS) 67-72, Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 70-69, Steven Jeffress (AUS) 73-66, Jake McLeod (AUS) 72-67.

141 – Justin Harding (RSA) 74-67, Poom Saksansin (THA) 73-68, Travis Smyth (AUS) 71-70, Anthony Quayle (AUS) 75-66, Sam Lee (FIJ) 70-71, Matthew Griffin (AUS) 69-72, Darren Beck (AUS) 71-70, Maverick Antcliff (AUS) 69-72.

142 – Marcus Fraser (AUS) 73-69, Gavin Green (MAS) 72-70, James Marchesani (AUS) 72-70, Ernie Els (RSA) 72-70.

143 – Mark Brown (NZL) 75-68, Scott Strange (AUS) 74-69, Richard Green (AUS) 76-67, Rhein Gibson (AUS) 73-70, Andrew Martin (AUS) 72-71.

144 – Stephen Leaney (AUS) 69-75, Michael Hendry (NZL) 73-71, Matthew Perry (NZL) 73-71, Max McCardle (AUS) 73-71, Deyen Lawson (AUS) 73-71, Matthew Millar (AUS) 71-73, Dale Brandt-Richards (AUS) 72-72, Cameron John (AUS) 73-71.

145 – Damien Jordan (AUS) 75-70, Yanwei Liu (CHN) 74-71, Benjamin Clementson (AUS) 76-69, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 77-68, Lucas Herbert (AUS) 70-75, Yikeun Chang (KOR) 72-73.

146 – Bowen Xiao (CHN) 74-72, Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 72-74, Johannes Veerman (USA) 72-74, Aaron Pike (AUS) 73-73, Prom Meesawat (THA) 75-71, Daniel Gale (AUS) 76-70, Nick Flanagan (AUS) 74-72, Justin Walters (RSA) 70-76.

147 – Harrison Endycott (AUS) 75-72, Scott Vincent (ZIM) 76-71, Thitiphun Chuayprakong (THA) 75-72, James Nitties (AUS) 74-73, Ryan Chisnall (NZL) 74-73, Matt Stieger (AUS) 72-75, Kieran Muir (NZL) 72-75, Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND) 73-74, Soomin Lee (KOR) 77-70, Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 79-68, Adam Blyth (AUS) 74-73, Jake Higginbottom (AUS) 74-73, John Catlin (USA) 75-72.

Selected scores

148 – Jason Norris (AUS) 72-76, Vijay Singh (FIJ) 76-72

*+4 (148) was the final cut, 71 players made the cut

Ends.

Fiji, August 3: New Zealand’s Ben Campbell swept aside his closest rivals by firing a six-under-par 66 to surge to the top of the leaderboard after the early second round of the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways on Friday. 

Campell held a share of the overnight lead after opening with a 67 at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.

The New Zealander showed his intent to break clear of the tight leaderboard by charging towards the turn in 33 with three birdies.

He then moved further ahead by snaring four more birdies on holes 11, 12, 14 and 17 before dropping his only shot of the day on the closing 18 for a two-day total of 11-under-par 133.

"I played really well out there. I got off to a nice start, which was good.  I didn’t hit really too many bad shots out there. The putter was feeling good, I chipped it well, and yeah, it was just keeping the ball in play, so I couldn’t complain much," said Campbell. 

China’s Wu Ashun overcame his early tournament jitters by making his move with a 69 which was highlighted by an eagle three on 17 to stay six shots back of Campbell at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways, which being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia again.

“The conditions were very good today and I had enough time to warm up today, too.  Yesterday was a bit of a rush. 

“Today was way better and I had the time to warm up a little bit and the weather was better in the morning. Today I missed a couple birdie chances, but I’ll just go for it tomorrow and see what happens,” said the Chinese.

Ends.

Fiji, August 2: Australia’s Andrew Dodt, who is seeking his first Asian Tour win since 2015, got off to a flier by posting a five-under-par 67 to grab a share of the first round lead with compatriots Ben Campbell, Jarryd Felton and Nicholas Cullen on a wind-swept day at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways on Thursday.

Playing under blustery conditions at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, the 32-year-old Australian enjoyed a bogey-free round where he marked his card with three birdies and an eagle before setting the opening pace with Felton and Cullen in the morning.

Campbell, who teed off in the back-nine 10, seemed poised to take the outright lead after firing birdies on six and seven but could not break away from the clubhouse leaders after closing with two straight pars.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar stayed close to the Australians leaders by returning with a 70 to ensure he remains in the mix as he chases his ninth Asian Tour title at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways, which being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia again.

The Indian is bunched in equal eighth place together with China’s Wu Ashun, South Africa’s Justin Walters, Fiji’s Sam Lee and Australians Terry Pilkadaris and Lucas Herbert.

Major winner Ernie Els of South Africa and Malaysia’s Gavin Green both signed for a 72 to trail the leaders by five shots with both believing the contest is far from over as they look to renew their title charge on Friday.

Did you know?

• Andrew Dodt’s last win on the Asian Tour came at True Thailand Classic in Hua Hin, Thailand in 2015.
• The Australian made his breakthrough on the Asian Tour in 2010 when he won the inaugural Avantha Masters, co-sanctioned with the European Tour, in India.
• Dodt has a solid record as an amateur that includes wins in Australia, Chinese Taipei (Nomura Cup) and Malaysia
• He also finished runner-up at the New Zealand Amateur Open in 2006.
• Gaganjeet Bhullar is an eight-time winner on the Asian Tour. He claimed his eighth victory at the Macao Open last year and became the youngest player to win eight titles on the region’s premier Tour.
• Bhullar endured another missed opportunity for his ninth Asian Tour win at the Queen’s Cup last month. He also came close at the Maekyung Open in Korea in May but settled for a share of second place after he was defeated in the play-off.

Players Quotes

Andrew Dodt (Aus) First round 67 (-5)

It was very tough, very windy and I had to control my ball. So my course management was a big factor.  It was a really, really solid round. The last six months haven’t been that great, so it’s been nice to be in this position.  I haven’t been able to put four rounds together.  I’ve put rounds together here and there, so today was a step in the right direction.  That’s one with three to go. I feel like the tee shots and second shots are most of the shots I’ve got a good eye for, and the greens roll lovely.  So all in all, what a great background, great setting, so it’s hard not to like Fiji. It’s certainly a solid round to start with, so I’ve just got to keep doing what I did today and keep building on that. I imagine it will be as windy again, so as I said yesterday, you’ve got to control your ball around here, so that will be the goal again. It’s easy to drop shots, so bogey free was a bonus.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) First round 70 (-2)

It was a good round of golf.  I think I gave myself a lot of opportunities.  It was quite windy in the morning but I managed to keep my ball in play. I hit about 13 greens in regulation today. So it was a good, solid round of golf. I don’t think anything’s missing in my game. I just need to have more patience and some more maturity towards my weekend rounds.  Apart from that, it has been a solid season so far. I think the key would be that I’m keeping the ball in play, like I remember even last week and in Malaysia, I only missed probably about six or seven fairways in two tournaments.  So as long as the ball is in play, you’re giving yourself birdie opportunities. I just to keep on doing what I’ve been doing and everything will click, it’s just a matter of time. I need to be more aggressive.  So that’s what I’ve been struggling with lately.  I think that experience will help me to get back to my winning situation next time.  So point is, as I said, the goal is just to try and do what I’ve been doing the last few tournaments.

Ernie Els (Rsa) First round 72 (Even)

It was pretty tough this morning. I was hoping for good weather as I feel a little uncomfortable when the wind’s blowing.  I missed probably three short putts, but other than that, it’s a pretty good day. I was thinking of shooting anything around par this morning, the way it was blowing, it was going to be okay.  There are holes where you can score, and as I said, I missed the short little putts which probably blemished my card a little bit.  I’m not out of it, but I’ve got to start stepping on it a bit going forward.

Gavin Green (Mas) First round 72 (Even)

It was a bit of a grind as the wind was up early and it kind of stayed there the whole time. It was tough as we didn’t expect it to be up so early. I had some looks for birdie but couldn’t really capitalize on them. But I still managed to hit it okay and there were a couple of miss shots which led to bogeys. I’m okay with playing in the wind but I just hit a couple of bad shots which I hope to correct tomorrow.

Leading scores after round 1 of the Fiji International being played at the par 72, 6575 Metres Natadola Bay CGC course (am – denotes amateur):

67 – Nicholas Cullen (AUS), Jarryd Felton (AUS), Andrew Dodt (AUS), Ben Campbell (NZL).

69 – Matthew Griffin (AUS), Maverick Antcliff (AUS), Stephen Leaney (AUS).

70 – Terry Pilkadaris (AUS), Sam Lee (FIJ), Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND), Lucas Herbert (AUS), Justin Walters (RSA), Ashun Wu (CHN), Harry Bateman (NZL).

71 – Travis Smyth (AUS), Darren Beck (AUS), Matthew Millar (AUS), Nick Voke (NZL).

72 – Daniel Nisbet (AUS), James Marchesani (AUS), Gavin Green (MAS), Dale Brandt-Richards (AUS), Ernie Els (RSA), Jake McLeod (AUS), Yikeun Chang (KOR), Andrew Martin (AUS), Jason Norris (AUS), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA), Matt Stieger (AUS), Kieran Muir (NZL), Johannes Veerman (USA), Hung Chien-yao (TPE).

73 – Max McCardle (AUS), Cory Crawford (AUS), Rhein Gibson (AUS), Deyen Lawson (AUS), Josh Younger (AUS), Steven Jeffress (AUS), Cameron John (AUS), Brad Moules (AUS), Michael Wright (AUS), Alejandro Canizares (ESP), Michael Hendry (NZL), Marcus Fraser (AUS), Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND), Poom Saksansin (THA), Matthew Perry (NZL), Aaron Pike (AUS).

74 – Scott Strange (AUS), Adam Blyth (AUS), Jake Higginbottom (AUS), Callan O’Reilly (AUS), Nick Flanagan (AUS), Matt Jager (AUS), James Nitties (AUS), Ben Eccles (AUS), Dinesh Chand (FIJ), Bowen Xiao (CHN), Ryan Chisnall (NZL), Justin Harding (RSA), Lu Wei-chih (TPE), Yanwei Liu (CHN).

Ends.

Singapore, August 1: The 2019 SMBC Singapore Open will be played from January 17 to 20 and it will once again be the opening event on the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation.

The US$1 million jointly sanctioned tournament, won by Spanish star Sergio Garcia at the start of this year, will be played on the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club – the event’s traditional home since 2005.

And for the third successive season the event will be part of The Open Qualifying Series. As was the case this year, the leading four non-exempt players will secure their places for the 148th Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club, in Northern Ireland, July18-21.

“Traditionally it is that time of year for us to confirm the dates for our national Open and we are delighted that it will once again start the season for the region’s two main Tours: the Asian and Japan Tours,” said Ross Tan, President of the Singapore Golf Association.

“Next year will be the 53rd Singapore Open and we will announce the line-up of star players in due course. Importantly, we are able to confirm today the SMBC Singapore Open will be part of The Open Qualifying Series ― a tremendous attribute that provides our tournament with global exposure.”

American Sean Crocker, Lucas Herbert from Australia and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond and Danthai Boonma, were the four players who qualified for the Open at Carnoustie two weeks ago via January’s SMBC Singapore Open. Both Crocker and Herbert survived the halfway cut.

“The SMBC Singapore Open has been a key tournament in Asia for our Open Qualifying Series. It first became part of the series in 2017 and the R&A are thrilled that it will once again be part of the schedule next year,” said Dominic Wall, Director Asia Pacific, The R&A.

Places in the starting field at next year’s Open will be even for more sought after as it will be only the second time in the Open’s more than 150-year history that it will be played outside of Scotland and England, and the tournament is expected to be the biggest sporting event ever held in Northern Ireland.

Ends.

About Asian Tour

As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.

Pattaya, July 29: Justin Harding of South Africa cruised to a six-shot victory at the Royal Cup to become the first player since 2011 to win back-to-back titles on the Asian Tour on Sunday.

The in-form Harding fired a three-under-par 67 in the final round of the US$500,000 Asian Tour event. With a winning total of 14-under-par 266, Harding became the first player to win twice in his first two starts in Asia.

The 32-year-old, won the BANK BRI Indonesia Open two weeks ago, took home the winner’s purse of US$90,000 while earning his fourth title in a span of two months at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.

Defending champion Shiv Kapur of India battled to a 71 to share second place with Australia’s Jake McLeod (67), Kurt Kitayama (67) of the United States and Chapchai Nirat, who finished as the highest ranked local player following a 68.

The Royal Cup is held in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, who celebrated his 66th birthday yesterday.

Did you know?

• Justin Harding is the first player to win two straight titles in his first two appearances in Asia. He won the BANK BRI Indonesia Open two weeks ago as a sponsor’s invite and immediately took up membership on the Asian Tour.
• His win at the Royal Cup marks his fourth victory in 2018, two of which were won on the Sunshine Tour. He also leads on the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit.
• With this win, Harding moves to 13th place on the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings.
• He also broke the Thais stranglehold in Asian Tour events held in the country. The last two Asian Tour events in Thailand were won by Panuphol Pittayarat and Jazz Janewattananond.
• Harding mixed his card with seven birdies against two bogeys and one double bogey. His lead was never threatened on the last day.
• After his win in Indonesia, Harding flew back to play in Kenya and finished in tied-18th place, before flying back to Asia to compete at the Royal Cup.
• Harding found 10 greens and 10 fairways in his final round of 67. He amassed a total of 24 putts.
• Shiv Kapur hit nine fairways and only missed four greens.
• This is Kapur’s first top-10 finish on the Asian Tour for the season since winning the Royal Cup in 2017.
• Kapur is currently 39th on the Habitat for Humanity standings. He finished 10th on the Order of Merit in 2017 following his win at the Royal Cup.
• Kurt Kitayama came through Asian Tour Qualifying School this year to earn his Tour card for the season.
• Kitayama had an incredible start to the season earning his first professional win at the PGM Darulaman Championship which was also a wire-to-wire win.
• This would be his best finish on the Asian Tour since March where he finished tied-fourth at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open.
• This is Chapchai’s fourth top-10 result this year following a tied-third finish at the Bank BRI Indonesia Open a fortnight ago.
• Jake McLeod enjoyed his best finish, tied-second, on the Asian Tour this week.

Player’s quotes:

Justin Harding (Rsa) – Fourth Round 67 (-3), Total 266 (-14)

It’s been a good little run, I can’t really put into words right now. Two weeks ago it was a surprise, but obviously been playing nicely, just tried to get three good rounds starting the week and put myself fin position and then get the job done. I played pretty solidly yesterday it was a strange round of golf. I made a couple more putts today which helped.

I had my eyes on the leaderboard the whole time and saw the guys catching up.  I feel like I have a little bit more control that way. I felt pretty good with my game the entire week and I wasn’t making too any mistakes. On hole 13 I hit a poor shot that made it a bit interesting but I held my composure and made a great birdie on 15 which was a tough hole.

Haven’t had a five-shot lead on the last hole before and I may have been a little too casual on my last tee shot but that’s why I got my nickname.

I’m enjoying this run right now. The courses out here in Asia allow me to play strategically and im benefitting so I don’t find that I am trying too hard and just letting it come to me.

Shiv Kapur (Ind) – Fourth Round 71 (+1), Total 272 (-8)

I’m disappointed obviously. Around the turn I played poorly and made a bad decision on the ninth hole in my second shot and then ended making double bogey and carried on the frustration to make bogey on the next hole.

So that’s when I lost the tournament and played myself out of it but I’m proud with the way I came back from that despite being completely out of sorts I managed to fight back and finish second.

Every time you’re defending a title you want to defend it well and I think I can be pretty proud of the way I came and played this week.

I haven’t been able to play with my injuries and I haven’t been able to play the kind of schedule I wanted to. I’m glad I had a week to get the rest I needed.

The idea is to take the momentum forward and kick on like how I did last season. So I am hoping this will spur me on and bring me more success in the second half.

Chapchai Nirat (Tha) – Fourth Round 68 (-2), Total 272 (-8)

Today I hit everything good, but the only mistake would be hole nine, I hit my three-wood into the bunker and had an uphill lie so I had to lay-up my second shot and just two-putt for double bogey.

I putted really bad this week I think I missed a lot of short putts.I think my game plan really worked this week. I didn’t think much at all and I was just hitting it and not thinking.

Two years ago, I didn’t feel good about playing golf but this year was a turnaround for me I feel more positive.I worked with my coach Lakchai and we have been working hard on my swing all year. Now I feel so confident over the ball and my game is starting to come together.

Jake McLeod (Aus) – Fourth Round 67 (-3), Total 272 (-8)

It has been a great week for me, sweated it out but I played pretty solidly this week. I never expected to so that well, had my eye on the leaderboard once or twice.

I knew I was never going to be close, Justin is just playing really well and has a five-shot lead so it’s been hard to catch that. Putting has been the best part for me this week but my ball striking has improved a lot too this week which helped on this course.

I’m from Townsville so I’m pretty used to the heat. I’m playing well right now and my goal was to try and secure an Asian Tour card but missed out at Qualifying School so I only have conditional status. So, this is my fourth event and I am heading to Fiji next week so I am hoping I can use that to get another good result there.

Kurt Kitayama (Usa) – Fourth Round 67 (-3) , Total 272 (-8)

Overall my week was pretty great, a top-10 finish is always nice and being under-par on the weekend finally is a huge step since I have had a bit of trouble doing well on the weekend for the past couple of tournaments.

I’ve been getting a lot of playing opportunities on the Asian Tour and I see myself improving each week which is a positive. I know its hard for the qualifying school guys to get starts so im taking advantage of the starts that I do get.

I did well in the weekend rounds in China before I came here. So, to finally get a good finish on the Asian Tour is great. My goal would just be to lock in my card for next season.

Scores after round 4 of the Royal Cup 2018 being played at the par 70, 6716 Yards Phoenix Gold GCC course (am – denotes amateur):

266 – Justin HARDING (RSA) 64-64-71-67.

272 – Jake MCLEOD (AUS) 70-64-71-67, Kurt KITAYAMA (USA) 68-70-67-67, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-69-67-68, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 66-68-67-71.

274 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 71-69-68-66, Atiruj WINAICHAROENCHAI (THA) 70-68-70-66, Dale BRANDT-RICHARDS (AUS) 70-70-66-68, Naoto NAKANISHI (JPN) 64-69-70-71.

275 – Johannes VEERMAN (USA) 71-68-72-64, John CATLIN (USA) 67-72-67-69, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 71-65-69-70, Jarin TODD (USA) 66-67-69-73.

276 – Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 72-70-67-67, Viraj MADAPPA (IND) 70-69-69-68, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 72-69-66-69, Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 67-69-69-71, Travis SMYTH (AUS) 68-68-69-71, Josh YOUNGER (AUS) 65-69-70-72, LIU Yanwei (CHN) 68-66-70-72, Mark BROWN (NZL) 67-68-68-73.

Ends.

About Asian Tour

As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.

St. Andrews, Scotland, July 29: Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant fired a three-under-par 69 to surge back into contention in the third round of The Senior Open Presented by Rolex on Saturday.

Compatriot Prayad Marksaeng carded his third consecutive 70 to share sixth place with him on a six-under-par 210 total.

Fiji’s Vijay Singh, an Honorary Member of the Asian Tour, is tied-18th following a disappointing 75 at the Old Course at St. Andrews.

Thaworn, a former Asian Tour number one, marked his card with four birdies, one eagle on hole 10 and three bogeys, to move up 20 spots and three shots behind Miguel Ángel Jiménez who leads on a 207-total following a 72.

Meanwhile at the Porsche European Open in Germany, Australia’s Scott Hend fired a three-under-par 69 to take tied-sixth at the Green Eagle Golf Course.

Hend traded five birdies against two bogeys to share tied-sixth on 208 with Japan’s Hideto Tanihara (71) and Jeunghun Wang (72).

Ends.