Bengaluru, August 9: Thai veteran Thammanoon Sriroj rolled back the years after signing for a spectacular nine-under-par 62 to lead by four shots following the opening round of the TAKE Solutions Masters on Thursday.

The 49-year-old Thammanoon, a five-time Asian Tour winner by not since 2004, got off to a solid start with five straight birdies from the 10th hole before adding another birdie on 18 to turn in 31.

He nailed three more birdies on the first, third and sixth holes but dropped his only bogey of the day on the seventh hole. The experienced Thai, however, bounced back swiftly with a birdie on the par-three eighth after hitting his tee shot to within three feet.

Young Thai duo Danthai Boonma and Suradit Yongcharoenchai shared second place with Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent, Argentinean Miguel Carballo and local prospect Feroz Singh Garewal after they cardedmatching rounds of 66s at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) Golf Course.

India’s rising star Khalin Joshi was amongst those bunched in seventh place after he carded a 67 on his home course. Defending champion Poom Saksansin of Thailand battled to a 71 to tie in 64th position at the US$350,000 Asian Tour event.

Did you know?

• Thammanoon Sriroj is one of Thailand’s most successful golfers with five titles on the Asian Tour. He claimed his fifth victory in China in 2004.
• Thammanoon’s four-shot advantage is the largest 18-hole lead on the Asian Tour so far this season.
• Thammanoon is using a near brand-new set of clubs this week. Apart from his putter and sand wedge, the other clubs are new.
• The Thai veteran hit only seven fairways but found 15 greens and needed only 24 putts in his solid round of 62.
• Earlier in January, Thammanoon regained his Asian Tour card by making the grade at the grueling 90-hole Qualifying School where he finished in tied-11th place.
• He marked his best result on Tour so far this season at the AB Bank Bangladesh Open in May where he came in tied-11th.
• In 2015, Thammanoon secured his first win on the Asia Development Tour after prevailing in a play-off at the Ballantine’s Taiwan Championship.
• Danthai Boonma made his Major debut at The Open at Carnoustie last month. He earned the coveted spot after finishing tied-fourth at the SMBC Singapore Open earlier in January, which was part of The Open Qualifying Series. The young Thai, however, failed to make the cut in his first Major after signing for rounds of 78 and 74.
• Danthai is a one-time Asian Tour winner. He claimed his breakthrough at the 2015 World Classic Championship in Singapore. Also a one-time winner on the Asian Development Tour where he won the 2016 Boonchu Ruangkit Championship.
• Danthai sits in a current 24th place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, thanks to three top-10 finishes.
• Danthai is a double gold medalist at the 2012 South East Asia (SEA) Games.
• Danthai missed only three fairways and three greens in his commendable round of 66. He averaged 291 yards off the tee and amassed a total of 28 putts today.
• Feroz Singh Garewal turned professional in 2015 at the age of 17. He trains under Jesse Grewal, who also coaches Indian star Shubhankar Sharma.
• Garewal was a regular player on the Asian Development Tour from 2015 to 2017. Represented his country at the 2014 Asian Games and came in fifth at the Youth Olympics the same year.
• Garewal found only five out of 13 fairways but was able to hit 14 greens in total. He needed only 27 putts in his opening round of 66.
• Scott Vincent is the highest-ranked Asian Tour player in 10th place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings.
• Vincent’s wife Kelsey is on his bag this week.
• The 26-year-old Vincent, the only Zimbabwean player on the Asian Tour, closed with three straight birdies from the 16th hole to grab a share of second place.
• An eagle-birdie-birdie finish puts Suradit Yongcharoenchai right in the mix as he signed for a 66. The 19-year-old came in seventh last year.

Players’ quotes:

Thammanoon Sriroj (Tha) – First round 62 (-9)

My tee shots were good today but my putting was even better. I made a lot of long putts today. I made my only bogey of the day on the seventh after hitting into the trees but bounced back with a good birdie on the eighth where I hit it to about a foot. I thought I hit it really close but my playing partner Mukesh Kumar hit it even closer.

I have played here a few times. I knew it’s a narrow course and the rough will be tough which doesn’t suit my game. I was thinking much before I started the round. I thought I might missed the cut again but the confidence grew as I head into the round today and I played better and better from there.

I started the round making birdies. At first, I thought I am just lucky but after making five in-a-row, I thought maybe it’s just my talent. I have shot 10 birdies before in Thailand. I have had more birdies in a row too.

I will not expect too much this week because this course doesn’t really suit my game. We will see how it goes tomorrow. I have played in Japan for four years before and I am planning to play the Senior Tour in Japan after I turn 50 next year.

I am using almost a brand-new set of clubs this week and I am feeling comfortable with it. Only my putter and my sand-wedge are old. The rest of the clubs are new this week.

Danthai BOONMA (Tha) – First round 66 (-5)

I played really good today. I started well with three birdies in my opening five holes. I hit my tee shots very well. I putted well as well. I was able to hit it close for birdies on two of the par-threes too.

I started from the 10th hole today and my first birdie of the day on 13th got my round going. I hit close to about three feet before making the putt. The course is in good condition this week. It’s pretty wet compared to last year.

It was quite windy in the morning but I enjoyed myself out there. I like the challenge. I am feeling confident with my game right now, especially after playing at The Open earlier although I missed the cut there. Looking forward to the rest of the week. I will try my best.

Feroz Singh GAREWAL (Ind) – First round 66 (-5)

I hit it really close on the eighth hole, played eight-iron off the tee. And 10, 11 and 12 I hit it really close so I converted those. Then on the 18th I made a long putt for a birdie – nine yards, about 27 feet.

Not a good driving day for me. Was struggling off the tee. Made a few up and downs in the beginning and that sort of got the momentum going. Back 9 was good, I hit nine greens in the back 9.

I dropped a shot on seventh. Hit it left. Then missed the green and then missed up and down. Two bad shots on one hole. 

The course played really good. It is a beautiful golf course. The rough is a little high but it’s in perfect conditions. Wind wasn’t a factor in the morning but later on the day it was a little high up there, but it was fine. It was not swirling, it was just one way so that’s fine. 

I play at the KGA every year. The familiarity with the course always helps. You get used to the conditions so you know where to miss and where not to miss. Even if you are in trouble, you know where to get out. 

Scott Vincent (Zim) – First round 66 (-5)

It was good out there, a lot better than what I was expecting. I hit a lot of greens. I hit the ball very nicely. Didn’t make any putts until the last three holes where I birdied all. It was a nice way to end the day. The longest putt I made today was on the last hole 18th. I had about 15 feet downhill, a little right to left.

The conditions were pretty good. We were pretty lucky with the weather. The rain came when we were walking off the tee box to our second shot. I was just chatting my wife Kelsey, who is on my bag this week, and we were having a good time out there. Obviously easier to do that when you’re playing well. It was a fun day for us.

Playing in the morning tomorrow, hopefully the weather stays and we have the chance to chase down the leader. It’s going to be the same thing for me tomorrow. I didn’t do a good job hitting the fairways today. I hope to do better tomorrow.

Scores after round 1 of the Take Solutions Masters being played at the par 71, 7074 Yards Karnataka Golf Association course (am – denotes amateur):

62 – Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA).

66 – Feroz Singh GAREWAL (IND), Danthai BOONMA (THA), Scott VINCENT (ZIM), Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA), Miguel CARBALLO (ARG).

67 – Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA), Om Prakash CHOUHAN (IND), Jake MCLEOD (AUS), Maverick ANTCLIFF (AUS), Khalin JOSHI (IND), Anura ROHANA (LKA), Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA).

68 – Kapil KUMAR (IND), Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA), Marcus BOTH (AUS), Matt KILLEN (ENG), Jaibir SINGH (IND), Sudhir SHARMA (IND), Aadil BEDI (am, IND), Sam CHIEN (USA), KOH Deng Shan (SIN), M DHARMA (IND).

69 – Aman RAJ (IND), Harimohan SINGH (am, IND), Veer AHLAWAT (IND), Nirun SAE-UENG (THA), Casey O’TOOLE (USA), Danny CHIA (MAS), Pannakorn UTHAIPAS (THA), Shohei HASEGAWA (JPN), Chikkarangappa S. (IND), Angad CHEEMA (IND), Chanachok DEJPIRATANAMONGKOL (THA), Kushal SINGH (IND), Ashok KUMAR (IND), Sujjan SINGH (IND), S.S.P CHAWRASIA (IND), Jason KNUTZON (USA), Himmat RAI (IND), Javier GALLEGOS (ESP), Miguel TABUENA (PHI), Dodge KEMMER (USA), Mithun PERERA (LKA), Karandeep KOCHHAR (IND), Pasavee LERTVILAI (THA).

70 – Sanjeev KUMAR (L) (IND), Shakhawat SOHEL (BAN), Tapy GHAI (IND), David GLEESON (AUS), Viraj MADAPPA (IND), CHOO Tze Huang (SIN), Suttijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA), Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND), Digvijay SINGH (IND), Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA), Akshay SHARMA (IND), Mitchell SLORACH (SIN), Syed Saqib AHMED (IND), Honey BAISOYA (IND), Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA), Mukesh KUMAR (IND), Amritinder SINGH (IND).

71 – Digraj Singh GILL (USA), Josh YOUNGER (AUS), Andrew MARTIN (AUS), Arie Irawan (MAS), Amir NAZRIN (MAS), WANG Wei-lun (TPE), Peradol PANYATHANASEDH (THA), Deepinder Singh KULLAR (IND), Sung LEE (KOR), Abhinav LOHAN (IND), R Mari Muthu (IND), Pawan KUMAR (IND), Anil Bajrang MANE (IND), Paul HARRIS (USA), Arjun SHARMA (IND), N. THANGARAJA (LKA), LIU Yanwei (CHN), Poom SAKSANSIN (THA), Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA), Rashid KHAN (IND), Nattawat SUVAJANAKORN (THA), Scott BARR (AUS), XIAO Bowen (CHN), Shivendra Singh SISODIA (IND), Amardip MALIK (IND), Sunit CHOWRASIA (IND), Alvin CHEUNG (HKG), Saarthak CHHIBER (am, IND).

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.

Bengaluru, August 9: Young Thai talent Danthai Boonma and local prospect Feroz Singh Garewal fired matching five-under-par 66s to set the early pace at the ongoing opening round of the TAKE Solutions Masters on Thursday.

The 22-year-old Danthai, who made his Major debut at The Open last month, returned with a flawless round highlighted by five birdies while Garewal, 21, carded six birdies against a bogey to lead the way at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) Golf Course.

Thailand’s Settee Prakongvech, who enjoyed a top-10 finish last year, stayed bogey-free to trail the leading duo by one shot alongside local hope Om Prakash Chouhan, as well as Australian duo Jake McLeod and Maverick Antcliff at the US$350,000 Asian Tour event.

“I played really good today. I started well with three birdies in my opening five holes. I hit my tee shots good and I putted well. It was quite windy in the morning but I enjoyed myself out there. I like the challenge.

“I am feeling confident with my game right now, especially after playing at The Open earlier although I missed the cut there. Looking forward to the rest of the week. I will try my best,” said Danthai, who sits in 24th place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, thanks to three top-10 finishes.

End.

Bengaluru, August 7: Malaysia’s Danny Chia hopes to get his season back on track at the US$350,000 TAKE Solutions Masters which gets underway on Thursday.

The 45-year-old Chia, who enjoyed a tied-10th finish in last year’s edition, will draw from his good memories when he chases for glory at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) Golf Course.

Chia, a two-time Asian Tour winner but not since 2015, will rely on his old swing which helped him to a tied 22nd place finish which was also his first cut in seven attempts at the Royal Cup in Thailand two weeks ago.

Chia struggled with poor ball-striking after making changes to his swing at the start of the season but he is slowly rediscovering his form thanks to advice from Terry Pilkadaris of Australia. After narrowing his stance, Chia is now beginning to strike the ball more consistently.

Bengaluru native Chikkarangappa S. will have unfinished business at the TAKE Solutions Masters where he was in contention before settling for a tied-10th place finish last year. He won the event twice when it was staged on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) in 2014 and 2015.

Coming off a victory on home soil last week, Indonesian Rory Hie will bank on a feel-good factor when he challenges for top honours at the TAKE Solutions Masters. He enjoyed a tied-fourth finish last year to fork his best ever result on the Asian Tour.

Danny Chia with his pro-am partners

Did you know?

• Danny Chia is a two-time winner on the Asian Tour. He first won the Taiwan Open in 2002 before ending a 13-year title drought at the 2015 Mercuries Taiwan Masters.
• Chia is a history-maker for Malaysia. In 2010, he became the first player from his country to play in all four rounds at The Open at St Andrews, which he also qualified for in 2005 and 2008.
• Chia is the first Malaysian to win on the Asian Tour. He is also a three-time winner on the ADT.
• The 45-year-old Chia enjoyed a tied-10th place finish at the 2017 TAKE Solution Masters. Having made only one cut in seven starts this season, Chia hopes to turn the corner with a good result this week.
• Currently ranked 161st on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, Chia needs to step up his game to finish inside the top-60 at the end of the season to retain his Asian Tour card for 2019.
• Chikkarangappa S. won the tournament twice when it was held on the ADT in 2014 and 2015. He also became the top golfer in his domestic circuit in 2015.
• The 24-year-old Bengaluru native also enjoyed a tied-10th place result at the 2017 TAKESolutions Masters.
• Earned his Asian Tour card at the 2016 Qualifying School. Went on to establish himself with four top-10s to earn a full card for 2017 where he ended the season right on the top-61 cut-off mark to keep his card for 2018.
• Chikka currently sits in 66th place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, thanks to three top-15 finishes.
• Rory Hie marked his best Asian Tour result when he came in tied-fourth at the 2017 TAKE Solutions Masters.
• Hie has made only two cuts in eight starts on the Asian Tour this season. His best result was a tied-18th place finish at the Thailand Open in June.
• The 29-year-old Indonesian claimed a victory on home soil on his domestic circuit last week.
• Hie is the first Indonesian to earn playing rights on the Asian Tour after making the grade at the Qualifying School in 2009.

Danny Chia of Malaysia

Players’ quotes:

Danny Chia (Mas)

I quite like the course layout here. It’s a tree-lined golf course. You need to hit fade shots on quite a few holes here and I quite like that. The course suits my eyes a lot. It’s one of the reasons why I decided to come back and play again this year.

Tee shots will be key this week. You need to keep the ball on the fairways. The rough seems thicker, as compared to last year. It depends on how the weather plays out this week. If the greens get dry, it can be quite tough.

I am starting to hit the ball better, since the Royal Cup two weeks ago. I am pretty happy with the way I strike the ball now. At the start of this year, I made some changes to my swing, putting in a lot of new things but I never feel comfortable with it.

It was only until the Royal Cup that I decided to go back to how I used to swing. Things seem to turn out better from there. I got a little bit of help from Terry Pilkadaris as well. It’s a long story. I have been having a bit of back issues and was wondering if it’s because I’m getting old.

I spoke to Terry about it and he looked at the way I hit the ball. He suggested that I narrow down my stance which will help me to turn easier. I felt the ease straightaway when I hit the ball after that. That kind of started to connect with the other things that I’m working on.

I started to strike the ball more consistently that week. I didn’t play great but at least my ball striking was more consistent so it’s something positive that I’m bringing to this week. Hopefully I can continue to strike the ball well this week.

Chikkarangappa S. of India

Chikkarangappa S. (Ind)

I feel good coming back home to play this week. The KGA Golf Course is like my second home course, to be honest. I have played here a lot during my junior and amateur days and I have won all the events whenever I played there.

I have a lot of good memories and confidence there. It’s a pretty long golf course. I think tee shots are important and putting will be the key. It’s going to be tricky so if you can read some good lines, you should be able to score.

It’s always nice to be playing on home soil. Everyone comes out to support you, no matter young or old. It’s a great feeling and a proud moment when you play in front of your home crowd.

Obviously, I had a bad stretch last year but somehow managed to get my card. The season’s getting better. I have been consistent for the last couple of weeks. Just working on a few new things which is getting in place now. I feel more confident playing on course as well.

I won this event twice when it was staged on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) in 2014 and 2015 but it’s different winning on the ADT and winning on the Asian Tour. Winning on the Asian Tour will definitely open up more opportunities.

If you can win on home turf, it will be even more special. I will try my best this week and we’ll see what happens.

Rory Hie of Indonesia

Rory Hie (Ina)

Good vibes coming back here, definitely. I had my best finish on the Asian Tour when I came in tied-fourth at the TAKE Solutions Masters last year. I like this course. I like the greens. I feel like I putt well on these greens. I feel like I can manage my way around the golf course pretty well.

The key would be to manage my club selection this week because there is going to be a lot of cross winds and that’s going to be the tricky part. The weather is pretty different from last year. We’ve got some rain already and it’s windier as well.

The course looks great. The conditions have always been good. My caddy was just saying the greens are better than last year as well. The season’s been pretty slow for me so far. Hopefully I can get it kick-started this week.

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.

Sentosa, Singapore, August 6: After becoming the first Indian to win nine Asian Tour titles, Gaganjeet Bhullar is now set for an epic showdown against countryman Shubhankar Sharma for the Habitat for Humanity Standings crown.

The 30-year-old made huge waves at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways after displaying mental courage and resilience to surpass the eight titles previously won by compatriots Arjun Atwal and Jyoti Randhawa.

Few would have doubted his chances in Fiji looking at his current form. In his last seven starts, Bhullar posted four top-10s including two runner-up finishes at the Maekyung Open and Queen’s Cup in Korea and Thailand respectively.

After winning his first European Tour title, Bhullar has now set his sights on winning the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings where he previously finished fifth in 2012 and 2013.

He is currently ranked fourth on the Habitat for Humanity Standings with earnings of US$357,630 and trails the leader Sharma by slightly over US$240,000. It will prove to be an exciting race towards the finishing line with the business-end of the Asian Tour season looming.

“There are still a lot of great tournaments coming up in the second half.  Winning the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings will definitely be on my mind right now,” said Bhullar, whose wife Naureen Sandhu was present to witness his win in Fiji.

“Las week was something really special and I could feel a victory coming my way.  I’ve been playing really well lately and I think the momentum was getting ready to win like this,” explained the Indian, who played his 185th Asian Tour event last week.

Bhullar is still driven despite his immense success. His career highlights include his wire-to-wire victory at the Macao Open last year and in the process, becoming the youngest player to secure eight titles on the region’s premier Tour.

“I would cherish this because we worked really hard for it. I was tied (on the titles won) with my childhood heroes Arjun Atwal and Jyoti Randhawa, so this is an achievement for me. I’m going to work even harder to win even more titles on the international level,” said Bhullar.

The victory came with huge rewards including securing his spot in the lucrative CIMB Classic sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGA Tour this October. He is also in the running to qualify for the WGC-HSBC Championship in October.  

The top three places on the money list remained unchanged with Matt Wallace (US$446,660) of England in second and Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand (US$372,481) in third position.

Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe nudged Thailand’s Jazz Janewattanond out of the top-10 after his tied-60th finish in Fiji. Ben Campbell of New Zealand, who finished in tied-third, jumped 24 places to 30th position.

This week, the Asian Tour heads to Bangalore for the US$350,000 TAKE Solutions Masters, where Thailand’s Poom Saksansin will be defending his title.

Top-20 players on the Habitat for Humanity Standings

Pos  Player  Order of Merit  (US$)

1. Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) $603,155.55

2. Matt WALLACE (ENG)         $446,660

3. Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) $372,480.89

4. Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) $357,630.25

5. Sanghyun PARK (KOR) $295,660.39

6. Rahil GANGJEE (IND) $290,425.53

7. Sihwan KIM (USA) $279,623.77

8. Minchel CHOI (KOR) $271,340.97

9. Paul PETERSON (USA) $241,148.57

10. Scott VINCENT (ZIM) $233,741.1

11. Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) $207,973.14

12. John CATLIN (USA) $199,617.91

13. Justin HARDING (RSA) $188,648.75

14. Berry HENSON (USA) $159358.66

15. Daniel NISBET (AUS) $151,883.64

16. Prom MEESAWAT (THA) $146,227.34

17. Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) $140,649.11

18. Khalin JOSHI (IND) $133,933.64

19. Shaun NORRIS (RSA) $130,943.24

20. Yikeun CHANG (KOR) $125,015.8

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.

Sentosa, Singapore, August 6: The ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth is set for its third staging in 2019 when it gets underway from February 14 to 17 at Lake Karrinyup Country Club in Perth, Western Australia.

In the inaugural ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth, Australia’s Brett Rumford dominated in front of his home crowd while Thai superstar Kiradech Aphibarnrat proved a popular winner when he triumphed in 2018.

The 2019 ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth is set to again be a highlight on an impressive sporting schedule in Perth which has grown exponentially since the opening of the Perth Stadium last year.

Following 6 months of review and preparations the third edition is set to capitalise on a successful 2018 tournament that featured Lee Westwood, Danny Willett and cult hero Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston.

“We are extremely proud of how far the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth has come over the last two years,” said Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA of Australia which owns the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

Lake Karrinyup Country Club is one of the best golf courses in the country and we are delighted to be hosted by this fantastic venue once again in 2019,” he added.

Tri-sanctioned for the third time in 2019, the Asian Tour, ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, and the European Tour, the field is set to include a plethora of golfing talent from all corners of the globe. 

Equally pleased with the scheduling of the event is Dr Haruhisa Handa, Founder and Chairman of ISPS HANDA.

 “We are delighted to continue our title sponsorship of the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth, for the third year running,” said Dr Handa.

“ISPS believes in the ‘power of sport’ to inspire change. The ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth embodies sport’s ability to innovate with its dynamic new format and will provide a thrilling start to the 2019 sporting calendar. I wish the tournament the very best of success,” he added.

The ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth was the first of a number of format innovations the European Tour has introduced over the years, emphasising the importance of entertainment as a way of bringing the game of golf to new audiences. They have since introduced the Golf Sixes event and Shot Clock Masters to their schedule.

Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer at the European Tour, said: “We are delighted to be returning to Perth and Lake Karrinyup Country Club for an event which has gone from strength to strength in the last two years.

“The innovative format was a ground-breaking one when it was introduced at this tournament in 2017 and its continued success is a testament to ISPS HANDA, the Western Australian government and the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia. We look forward to co-sanctioning another great event next February.”

The Asian Tour will again be a welcomed guest on Australian shores as it forms a stronger alignment with the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia enhancing opportunities for professional golfers in the region.

Cho Minn Thant, Chief Operating Officer of the Asian Tour says they look forward to returning to what has been a happy hunting ground for their players.

“The ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth has been a huge success with its refreshing and innovative format. Fans have enjoyed the tournament and it is also a very popular event with our players,” he said.

“We hope to see continued success from our members following Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai’s runner-up finish in 2017 and Kiradech Aphibarnrat’s victory earlier this year.

“We are eagerly anticipating our return to Lake Karrinyup Country Club in Perth next year and look forward to working closely with ISPS HANDA, the Western Australian government and the PGA Tour of Australasia in making it another successful tournament,” said Cho.

The ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth will be played from February 14 to 17, 2019 at Lake Karrinyup Country Club in Perth, Western Australia.

Tickets will go on sale from 1 October 2018 and will be available from Ticketmaster.

The ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth event is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA.

Ends.

About the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth

To be played at Lake Karrinyup Country Club from 14-17 February, 2019 and tri-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, European Tour and Asian Tour, the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth combines 54 holes of traditional stroke play across the first three days with an exciting knockout match play format for the fourth and final round. A regular cut will fall after 36 holes before the field is then further reduced to the top-24 players following 54 holes of regulation play, with any ties for 24th place being decided by a play-off. Those remaining players will then earn their places in the six-hole shootout. Any matches tied after the six holes will be decided by playing the new Shootout Hole – a purpose-built 90-metre hole constructed at Lake Karrinyup, with a tee placed adjacent to the 18th fairway and utilising the 18th green. The ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth is a revolutionary golf tournament designed to retain the traditions of the game whilst appealing to a broader audience.

About ISPS HANDA

ISPS HANDA is a ‘General Incorporated Association’ based in Tokyo. ISPS HANDA was founded by Japanese philanthropist Dr Haruhisa Handa in 2006 to support charitable causes throughout the sporting world. ISPS HANDA’s support for golf is founded in its belief in the “power of sport” and it has fostered partnerships with golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf. ISPS HANDA’s heritage in supporting blind and disabled golf and Dr Handa’s interest and philanthropic contribution in golf has formed the foundation of its wider mission for golf to become a Paralympic sport. Outside of golf, ISPS HANDA’s support extends to other sports including rowing, football, polo, boxing and the convening of discussion platforms for young leaders in sports.

More information: www.ispsgolf.com

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.

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.