Pattaya, Thailand, July 1: Young Thai talent Jazz Janewattananond took advantage of a hot streak to close with a four-under-par 67, sealing a solid four-shot victory for his second Asian Tour title and first on home soil at the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak on Sunday.

After trading one birdie against two bogeys to turn in 37, Jazz fired five straight birdies from the 10th to pull away from the pack before reeling in four closing pars for a winning total of 19-under-par 265 at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.

Jazz, who was trailing by one shot at the turn, sparked his hot run with a chip-in birdie from 11 yards on the 10th. The 22-year-old Thai bounced back from a wayward tee shot on the next with a brilliant approach from the trees which left him a one-footer for birdie.

He went on to make a seven-footer on the 12th, drain a long 24-feet uphill putt on 13th and nail an eight-footer on 14th to cap five birdies in-a-row en route to winning the US$300,000 event, which celebrated its 10th straight edition on the Asian Tour this week.

Jazz made up for the disappointment of finishing runner-up last year with this victory which saw him take home a winner’s prize purse of US$54,000 and receive a total of 14 Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar battled to a 71 to take second place while American Sihwan Kim and Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand shared third place on 270 following respective rounds of 70 and 71.

Did you know?

• Jane Janewattananond dropped only four shots this week. He needed only 25 putts in his final round of 67.
• Jazz will be making his Major debut at The Open at Carnoustie later this month. He earned the coveted spot after finishing tied-fourth at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open in January, which was part of The Open Qualifying Series.
• Jazz has missed only one cut in 11 starts on Tour so far this season. He moved from 16th to ninth place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings following this victory at the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak.
• He came in runner-up at the Queen’s Cup last year, finishing just one shot back of winner Nicholas Fung of Malaysia.
• Jazz won his first Asian Tour title at the 2017 Bangladesh Open by four shots. The victory was especially sweet for him as he finished outside the top-60 on the 2016 Order of Merit and missed the grade at the 2017 Qualifying School. He went on to notch five other top-10s to finish a career-high 13th place on the Order of Merit.
• Jazz started working with his caddy Nick Pugh at the Queen’s Cup last year. Nick will be on his bag when he makes his Major debut at The Open later this month.
• 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.
• The 30-year-old Bhullar endured another missed opportunity for his ninth Asian Tour win. He 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.
• Pavit Tangkamolprasert battled against a wrist injury to claim a record sixth ADT victory on home soil last month.
• Pavit was crowned the 2014 ADT Order of Merit champion, after winning three titles on the secondary circuit that year.
• Pavit won his first Asian Tour title at the 2016 Venetian Macao Open in sensational style by defeating Anirban Lahiri of India on the first play-off hole.
• Pavit marked his best result on the Asian Tour this season following his tied-third place finish at the Queen’s Cup.
• Sihwan Kim came through the Asian Tour Qualifying School in 2017 and kept his card for the 2018 season after notching three top-10s to finish in 55th place on the final Order of Merit.
• The 29-year-old Kim notched his third top-three result on the Asian Tour this season at the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak. He had earlier came in third at the Hero Indian Open and tied-forth at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship in Japan.

Players’ quotes:

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) – Final round 67 (-4), Total 265 (-19)

I got off to a slow start today. I was a bit shaky, made some bogeys there. The turning point came after I chipped it in on the 10th hole. I felt like my game just came back after that. It wasn’t easy out there today. I am just happy to come out on top.

I told myself to just stay in the present and not think too much and get ahead of myself. I told myself I am just here to play golf and not try to do anything else. I just played shot by shot and I think that helped. I did my best.

I love Queen’s Cup. It’s my favourite tournament on the Asian Tour. When it was held in Samui, I played well there as well. I finished second last year, missing out on the playoff by one shot. I think I got my revenge now.

I came here with the mindset of putting my game in good shape for The Open later this month. I did more than that. To be able to win this week is a bonus. It has definitely helped to boost my confidence. I’m looking forward to play in Sarawak now.

My first week working with my caddy, Nick Pugh, was at the Queen’s Cup in Samui last year. It’s been over a year now. He wanted to have a deal with me earlier, saying he will shave off his beard if I were to win a tournament with him on the bag. I regretted not taking up the deal with him now.

It means a lot to win the Queen’s Cup. It feels very good to win at home and with my parents watching me win as well.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) – Final round 71 (even-par), Total 269 (-15)

It wasn’t easy out there. It was definitely one of the toughest days this week. I didn’t get off to a good start. I made a few silly mistakes as well. But I finished strong, had two good par-saves on 16 and 17 and a good up and down for birdie on the last to finish solo second.

It’s still a good result for me. I am happy to be able to earn some world ranking points this week. It could have been better but Jazz played really well today. His five birdies in-a-row pretty much changed the whole scenario.

Congratulations to him. I played well but it just didn’t click today. I am looking forward to playing well in the next few tournaments in Sarawak and Indonesia.

Sihwan Kim (Usa) – Final round 70 (-1), Total 270 (-14)

It was really baked up today. It was hard to get close to the pins. They put the pins in such tricky places so it was hard to make putts. It’s been an up and down week for me but I’m still happy with how I finished. 

My putter was hot the first two days but nothing went in the last two days. Overall, it’s not a bad week. Hopefully I can keep this momentum going to Sarawak and Indonesia. This is my second season on the Asian Tour and it’s been good.

I was playing in Europe for the last five to six years and I just wanted to see something different. Asian Tour’s been good with tournaments so that’s the reason why I decided to come and play here.

Pavit Tangkamolprasert (Tha) – Final round 71 (even-par), Total 270 (-14)

I struggled with my game today. I tried my best but my driving was pretty bad today. I missed a lot of fairways. I just couldn’t get the ball in the right positions to give myself a chance to attack the pins.

But overall, it’s still a good result for me. I am still happy with the way I played. I had the chance to win the tournament as I was leading by one after nine but Jazz had a good run after he chipped in from 10. Hats off to him for winning.

This is my best finish so far this season. I am still feeling confident with my game. I just need to forget about today and move on to the next tournament in Sarawak next week.

Scores after round 4 of the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak being played at the par 71, 6951 Yards Phoenix GC course (am – denotes amateur):

265 – Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 64-66-68-67.

269 – Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 68-65-65-71.

270 – Sihwan KIM (USA) 66-64-70-70, Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 67-67-65-71.

271 – Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 67-66-69-69.

272 – Danthai BOONMA (THA) 65-72-69-66, Natipong SRITHONG (THA) 66-70-69-67, Sadom KAEWKANJANA (am, THA) 70-64-66-72, Scott VINCENT (ZIM) 66-71-63-72.

273 – Johannes VEERMAN (USA) 71-69-67-66, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 69-69-67-68, Tanapat PICHAIKOOL (am, THA) 68-68-68-69.

274 – Chaiphat KOONMARK (THA) 69-67-72-66, Javi COLOMO (ESP) 69-70-67-68, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 71-65-70-68, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 69-70-67-68, Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 66-70-69-69, Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 63-70-69-72.

275 – Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 69-68-67-71, Dino A. GIACOMAZZI (USA) 66-68-69-72.

276 – Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 70-68-70-68, Berry HENSON (USA) 71-65-71-69, Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS) 72-67-67-70, WANG Wei-lun (TPE) 68-67-70-71, Jarin TODD (USA) 68-68-69-71, Ben CAMPBELL (NZL) 67-70-68-71, Paul PETERSON (USA) 65-72-68-71, Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA) 71-65-68-72, Rashid KHAN (IND) 69-67-68-72.

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, Thailand, June 30: Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond clung on to his lead after draining a 17-foot birdie putt on the last to share the spoils with Gaganjeet Bhullar of India, who posted a second straight six-under-par 65, at the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Jazz, who held a share of the overnight three-shot lead, birdied the par-five second hole and reeled in 12 straight pars before sinking back-to-back birdies from 15. He dropped a shot on 17 but recovered with the birdie on the last for a round of 68.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha)

Jazz, chasing for a second Asian Tour win, sits atop the leaderboard with Bhullar on 15-under-par 198 total while Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand trails the leading duo by one in third place on his own following a 65 at the highly-rated Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.

Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe returned with the day’s best score of a 63 to sit two shots off the pace in tied-fourth position alongside local amateur Sadom Kaewkanjana and overnight co-leader Sihwan Kim of the United States, who carded rounds of 66 and 70 respectively.

The US$300,000 Queen’s Cup, held in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, is celebrating its 10th straight edition on the Asian Tour with a new presenting sponsor in Bangchak Corporation, one of Thailand’s leading energy companies, this week.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind)

Did you know?

• Jane Janewattananond has dropped only two shots so far this week.
• Jazz will be making his Major debut at The Open at Carnoustie next month. He earned the coveted spot after finishing tied-fourth at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open, which was part of The Open Qualifying Series.
• Jazz missed only one cut in 10 starts on Tour to sit in a current 16th place on the 2018 Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.
• He came in runner-up at the Queen’s Cup last year, finishing just one shot back of winner Nicholas Fung of Malaysia.
• Jazz won his first Asian Tour title at the 2017 Bangladesh Open by four shots. The victory was especially sweet for him as he finished outside the top-60 on the 2016 Order of Merit and missed the grade at the 2017 Qualifying School. He went on to notch five other top-10s to finish a career-high 13th place on the Order of Merit.
• 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.
• The 30-year-old Bhullar came in second runner-up when he last played the Royal Cup at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club six months ago.
• Pavit Tangakamolprasert fired one birdie and one eagle to turn in 33. Dropped a shot on 13 but stormed home with four birdies in his closing five holes to cap his best round so far this week.
• Pavit battled against a wrist injury to claim a record sixth ADT victory on home soil last month.
• Pavit was crowned the 2014 ADT Order of Merit champion, after winning three titles on the secondary circuit that year.
• Pavit won his first Asian Tour title at the 2016 Venetian Macao Open in sensational style by defeating Anirban Lahiri of India on the first play-off hole.
• Pavit won the 2014 Singha Open on his local circuit at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club. The tournament was also played on the Mountain and Ocean courses, same as the Queen’s Cup this week.
• Pavit sits in 46th place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings. His best result this season is a tied-13th place finish at the Thailand Open earlier this month.
• Scott Vincent is the only Zimbabwean member on the Asian Tour. He came through the Qualifying School in 2016 and did not miss a single cut in six starts on the Asian Tour that year.
• Vincent claimed four top-10s in 2017 to finish in 17th place on the Order of Merit, retaining his Asian Tour card for the 2018 season.
• He has capped three top-10 finishes this season to sit in a current ninth place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.

Players’ quotes:

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) –Third round 66 (-8), Total 198 (-15)

It was a slow round for me today. Made only one birdie and then a lot of pars, didn’t birdie again until later in the round. It was a pretty good finish with three birdies and one bogey. It was quite tough out there with the wind.

I wasn’t able to play my ‘A’ game today but I tried my best to get the job done. I just wanted to shoot an under-par round with this windy condition. I hit a good shot out of the bunker on 15 was good and that birdie kind of got my momentum going.

I just want to go out there and play my best gold tomorrow. If things go my way, I will win. But if it doesn’t, I still have a lot of opportunities with the remaining tournaments I have to play. It’s been good since I won in Bangladesh last year.

That victory turned my career around completely. I feel like my game has been moving towards the right direction since that win. I am happy to put myself in contention week in week out. I just need to get the job done. I guess it’s just live and learn, we’ll just go out and have fun tomorrow.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) – Third round 65 (-6), Total 198 (-15)

I kept the ball in play today. I hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens. I just kept on giving myself a lot of birdie opportunities. I got my first birdie on the fourth and made a good par save on the sixth. I drove into the water hazard and had to take a drop there. Hit my second shot onto the green and two-putted for par.

I made a really good birdie on the ninth. I hit my driver off the tee and had about 142 yards to the stick and I hit it to about six inches for birdie there. I made three straight birdies after the turn which was great. The only bogey I had was on the 17th hole and that was a total misread off my club.

Nothing special tomorrow. I will just continue to do my own thing and try and repeat what I did in the last 54 holes. The game’s feeling good. I will focus on hitting as many fairways and greens as I can tomorrow and hopefully hole some putts.

Pavit Tangkamolprasert (Tha)

Pavit Tangkamolprasert (Tha) – Third round 65 (-6), Total 199 (-14)

I played the same today, still pretty solid. I hit good drives out there. Didn’t make any putts on the front nine but I managed to hit it close for birdie on the fifth and then make the eagle on the seventh. I hit a good drive with a three-wood and then a solid five-iron over the trees which took a bounce on the green and rolled to about half a foot for eagle. 

I struggled to read the greens today. I just couldn’t get it right, especially for the first 10 to 11 holes. But I managed to find back the touch after that. The birdie on 14 gave me a lot of confidence. I sank a long putt from about 20-feet for birdie on 17. It was a great finish.

The wind was swirling out there today. It was difficult to get the directions right. The pin positions were pretty tough on the back nine as well. I will try my best tomorrow. It has been two years since I first won on the Asian Tour. Anything can happen tomorrow.

I played with the local amateur Sadom today. He seems shaky at the start and he told me he hasn’t played with me before. He got comfortable heading into the round and he played really good today. I am happy to see that we have such a strong amateur around.

Scott Vincent (Zim)

Scott Vincent (Zim) -Third round 63 (-8), Total 200 (-13)

I got off to a great start. Managed to make a few putts and get to five-under on the front nine. Started the back nine with three birdies in a row and looking like I could put a really low score out today but I kind of just hung in there in the last six holes.

Six pars coming back and some were really good par saves. All in all, it was a good day. I hit the driver very well today. I hit 11 fairways. It gave me some opportunities to attack the pins. I made quite a lot of putts as well. It was just a solid round.

I hit a good tee shot on the first straight down the fairway, wedged to about six feet and had a downhill left to right putt and made that. That just got my momentum going. I just kept telling myself to keep it going. If I can do the same tomorrow, I should be in a pretty good shape.

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, Thailand, June 28: Thai talent Poom Saksansin took advantage of his solid iron-play to sign for an opening eight-under-par 63, grabbing a one-shot lead over countryman Jazz Janewattananond at the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak on Thursday.

Poom, a two-time Asian Tour winner, nailed eight birdies before dropping a shot on 17 for his only blemish of the day. The 25-year-old Thai, however, recovered swiftly with a birdie on the last to take his place atop the leaderboard at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.

Jazz, who will be making his Major debut at The Open next month, returned with a bogey-free round highlighted by seven birdies to sit in second place at the US$300,000 event, which is celebrating its 10th straight edition on the region’s premier Tour this week.

Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh, who was flawless with six birdies, shared third place with American Paul Peterson and Danthai Boonma of Thailand on matching 65s. Peterson came home with four straight birdies while Danthai got off to a birdie-eagle start en route to their 65s.

Jbe Kruger of South Africa recorded the first hole-in-one of the week when he aced the par-three 16th hole with a gap wedge from 145 yards. He trails by three shots in tied-sixth place following a 66.

Defending champion Nicholas Fung of Malaysia posted a 72 to tie in 103rd place at the Queen’s Cup, which welcomed a new presenting sponsor in Bangchak Corporation, one of Thailand’s leading energy companies, this season.

Did you know?

• Poom Saksansin is a two-time winner on the Asian Tour. He produced a five-shot victory at the 2016 Indonesian Masters to win his first Asian Tour title and completed a convincing wire-to-wire victory at the 2017 TAKE Solutions Masters where he won by two shots.
• Poom led the 2014 Queen’s Cup into the final round before finishing second behind Thaworn Wiratchant.
• He finished in a career-high eighth position on the 2017 Merit rankings and earned a maiden appearance at the 2018 EurAsiaCup where he represented Team Asia.
• Poom, together with Sunghoon Kang, defeated Henrik Stenson and Alex Levy in the first day four-ball match 5&4. Also beat Paul Casey 1 up on the final day Singles match.
• Poom sits in 29th place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, thanks to two top-10s, which included a runner-up finish at the Thailand Open earlier this month.
• Jazz missed only two fairways and three greens in his flawless round of 64 today.
• Jazz will be making his Major debut at The Open at Carnoustie next month. He earned the coveted spot after finishing tied-fourth at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open, which was part of The Open Qualifying Series.
• Jazz missed only one cut in 10 starts on Tour to sit in a current 16th place on the 2018 Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.
• He came in runner-up at the Queen’s Cup last year, finishing just one shot back of winner Nicholas Fung of Malaysia.
• Jazz won his first Asian Tour title at the 2017 Bangladesh Open by four shots. The victory was especially sweet for him as he finished outside the top-60 on the 2016 Order of Merit and missed the grade at the 2017 Qualifying School. He went on to notch five other top-10s to finish a career-high 13th place on the Order of Merit.
• Siddikur Rahman is a two-time Asian Tour winner. Became the first Bangladeshi to win on the Asian Tour in 2010.
• Siddikur needed only 21 putts for his commendable round of 65.
• Siddikur has recorded five top-10 results in his last eight appearances at the Queen’s Cup, albeit on a different golf course.
• Like Jazz, Danthai will also be making his Major debut at The Open at Carnoustie next month. He also secured his spot after finishing tied-fourth in Singapore in January.
• Danthai has enjoyed some good results at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club. He finished tied-third at the King’s Cup in 2016 and came in tied-eighth at the Royal Cup last December.
• The 22-year-old Danthai secured his Asian Tour breakthrough at the World Classic Championship in Singapore in 2015.
• Paul Peterson claimed his breakthrough win on the Asian Tour at the Myanmar Open earlier in January.
• The left-handed Peterson came in tied-third at the Queen’s Cup in 2016 before going on to win his first European Tour title at the Czech Masters two months later.
• The 29-year-old Peterson sits in eighth place on the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.

Players’ quotes:

Poom Saksansin (Tha) – First Round 63 (-8)

I hit very good approach shots today. My mid-irons and short irons were very good. I got a bit of luck with my putting as well. The highlight of my round today was on the 12th hole. I almost made an eagle there but my putt lipped out.

I am very happy with the way I played today. I wasn’t thinking much. I just stuck to my game plan and kept the momentum going. The game’s feeling much better now. I am feeling more confident after finishing second at the Thailand Open earlier.

I guess my mental game has improved a lot and that’s why I am playing good again. This is a course that I practise a lot on so I am very familiar with it. It’s a very short course. You need to drive the ball well and hit good iron shots to play well here. This is the lowest score that I have ever shot on this course.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) – First Round 64 (-7)

I got off to a good start. Everything was pretty smooth for me out there. I was just hitting a lot of fairways and a lot of greens, made some putts and missed some. It was overall a pretty good round. 

I was playing with no pressure. I guess that helps. It’s still early in the week. I am not thinking much. It’s going to be a hot week here. I was just trying to save my energy. It was pretty windy when we start so it was a little tough.

Siddikur Rahman (Ban) – First Round 65 (-6)

I haven’t had a bogey-free round for a long time. I had an excellent day out there. My putting was really good and that’s the reason why I can put up such a low score today. Everything went well today except for the 18th hole where I hit a bad drive.

But I made a great up and down from the bunker for birdie there. It was about 25 yards from the bunker but I made that. My back was really sore yesterday. I went for treatment at the physio yesterday after my practice round and also this morning before my round.

It was much better today. It felt totally different out there. I was able to swing my best today and it was great. I made most of my birdies from within 10 to 15 feet today. I started from the 10th hole today and got off to a great start with two straight birdies. 

It feels good coming to play at the Queen’s Cup, although it’s being held at a different venue this year. I have had some good results at the Queen’s Cup before so I just feel a lot of positive vibes coming to play this tournament.

This course suits my game too as it’s not too long. I like this golf course. I am feeling very excited now and I am looking forward to the rest of the season. The season hasn’t been that good so far. It’s been on and off.

My game is there but I just can’t show in my results. But having said that, there are still many more tournaments to go so I am not too worried about my performance. This is a really short course. You need to putt well. Everyone is going to hit it close out there.

Danthai Boonma (Tha) – First Round 65 (-6)

I had a really good start today. I made the birdie putt from about seven feet on the first and that got my momentum going. I think I was a bit lucky with my eagle on the second hole. I hit the green in two and sank the eagle putt from about 20 feet!

I felt good after the strong start. I played really well after that. I putted very well. My tee shots were good too. I like this golf course. I finished inside top-10 the last two times we played here. Although we’re playing a different back nine this week, I still feel very comfortable out there.

Paul Peterson (Usa) – First Round 65 (-6)

It was nice not to drop a shot today. I switched back to my old driver and I am really happy with it. It was the same one I used when I won Myanmar earlier. It just got me into a very good rhythm out there and to finish six-under.

I made a nice up and down on the 12th hole and hit some quality shots and made some putts coming in. I had the wind a little bit wrong on the 12th. I was trying to be short on that hole and picked a club that I thought was very short but it just flew the green. 

I chipped it to about three feet and made the putt. It was a very good par save there and it just got my momentum going. My groupmates were hitting some good shots coming down the stretch so we were just feeding off each other.

I hit a really good three-wood in on the seventh hole to about eight feet. It was awesome. I didn’t convert the eagle putt unfortunately but it was good to hit it about 250 yards. I felt like the birdie on ninth kind of jumpstarted the round and I was able to finish off strong.

Scores after round 1 of the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak being played at the par 71, 6951 Yards Phoenix GC course (am – denotes amateur):

63 – Poom SAKSANSIN (THA).

64 – Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA).

65 – Siddikur RAHMAN (BAN), Danthai BOONMA (THA), Paul PETERSON (USA).

66 – Miguel CARBALLO (ARG), Dino A. GIACOMAZZI (USA), Sihwan KIM (USA), Jbe KRUGER (RSA), Scott VINCENT (ZIM), Natipong SRITHONG (THA).

67 – Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA), Wongsakorn PIKUNSAWAT (THA), Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA), Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA), Kittiporn JAVANAPONG (THA), Wolmer MURILLO (VEN), Ronnachai JAMNONG (THA), Ben CAMPBELL (NZL), Miguel TABUENA (PHI), Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA), Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA), William HARROLD (ENG), Pasavee LERTVILAI (THA).

68 – Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA), Hamza AMIN (PAK), Kammalas NAMUANGRUK (THA), Thepbodin AMARANAN (THA), Javier GALLEGOS (ESP), Naras LUANGPHETCHARAPORN (THA), Raththee SIRITHANAKUNSAK (THA), Paul HARRIS (USA), Sarit SUWANNARUT (THA), Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA), WANG Wei-lun (TPE), Nirun SAE-UENG (THA), Jarin TODD (USA), Gareth PADDISON (NZL), Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND), Casey O’TOOLE (USA), Josh YOUNGER (AUS), Kevin LEE (KOR), Sung LEE (KOR), Tanapat PICHAIKOOL (am, THA).

69 – Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA), LIU Yanwei (CHN), Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA), Javi COLOMO (ESP), Rashid KHAN (IND), Viraj MADAPPA (IND), Atiruj WINAICHAROENCHAI (THA), John Michael O’TOOLE (USA), Tawan PHONGPHUN (THA), Hein SITHU (MYN), Pannakorn UTHAIPAS (THA), Malcolm KOKOCINSKI (SWE), Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA), Khalin JOSHI (IND), Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA), Piya SWANGARUNPORN (THA), Chaiphat KOONMARK (THA).

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.

June 25: England’s Matt Wallace fired a seven-under-par 65 in the final round of the BMW International Open to win by one shot at Golf Club Gut Laerchenhof.

The 28-year-old Wallace, who started the round at the 10th tee and two shots off the lead, made a charge with five birdies in his first seven holes to make the turn at 31. He went on to make birdies on holes one and three to seal his victory on a 10-under-par 278 total.

Three players took tied-second including Denmark’s Thorbjorn Oleson who signed for a record-breaking 61 which was the lowest round in the event’s history.

“I made two long putts on holes 10 and 11 and hit some great shots which gave me the confidence to think that I could actually get there. I played the front nine really nicely but still missed a lot of putts,” said Wallace.

Wallace took home his first victory of the season at the Hero Indian Open in March. He also recorded a tied-third finish at the Volvo China Open in April. He said that his excellent performances in Asia had given him the confidence he needs to perform on the European Tour.

“I work very hard and I believe I can do it, I want to go further and keep building on this. I want to keep building on this. Obviously, this gives me a lot of confidence to go on and play well and hopefully do this in the bigger events from now on. It is brilliant to win here in Germany and this is such a great event with a great field,” added Wallace.

Former Asian Tour number one Scott Hend, who was leading after the second round, settled for a tied-seventh place after trading five birdies against a disappointing double bogey on hole 10 and a bogey on his last hole for a final round 70.

American David Lipsky finished at tied-18th on a 285 total following a 71 while Malaysia’s Gavin Green took 73rd place after carding a 76.

Over in the United States, India’s Anirban Lahiri carded a one-under-par 69 to take tied-ninth place at the Travelers Championship held at TPC River Highlands.

Lahiri, a seven-time Asian Tour winner, struggled in the final round when he traded five birdies against two bogeys and one double bogey to drop six spots.

Ends.

Pattaya, June 25: A total of 86 players teed off under sunny skies at the Qualifying tournament on Monday, vying for one of the seven spots on offer for the 2018 Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak which starts on Thursday.

Local amateur Atiruj Winaicharoenchai emerged top of the field after signing for a superb six-under-par 65 at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club. The 18-year-old plans to make his professional debut at the US$300,000 event, where he has previously finished tied-33rd in 2015.

Teerapat Punglamyai, also of Thailand, came in two shots back to share second place with American Cory Oride while Wolmer Murillo of Venezuela and Brett Munson of the United States were tied in fourth-place on matching 68s alongside Thai duo Sajawat Sriprasit and Nirun Sae-ueng.

The cut-line was set at three-under-par 68 with the leading seven players securing spots at the prestigious tournament, which is celebrating its 10th consecutive edition on the Asian Tour this week.

2018 Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak – Monday qualifier (Results)

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Pattaya, Thailand, July 1: Young Thai talent Jazz Janewattananond took advantage of a hot streak to close with a four-under-par 67, sealing a solid four-shot victory for his second Asian Tour title and first on home soil at the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak on Sunday. After trading one birdie against two bogeys to turn […]

Pattaya, Thailand, July 1: Young Thai talent Jazz Janewattananond took advantage of a hot streak to close with a four-under-par 67, sealing a solid four-shot victory for his second Asian Tour title and first on home soil at the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak on Sunday.

After trading one birdie against two bogeys to turn in 37, Jazz fired five straight birdies from the 10th to pull away from the pack before reeling in four closing pars for a winning total of 19-under-par 265 at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.

Jazz, who was trailing by one shot at the turn, sparked his hot run with a chip-in birdie from 11 yards on the 10th. The 22-year-old Thai bounced back from a wayward tee shot on the next with a brilliant approach from the trees which left him a one-footer for birdie.

He went on to make a seven-footer on the 12th, drain a long 24-feet uphill putt on 13th and nail an eight-footer on 14th to cap five birdies in-a-row en route to winning the US$300,000 event, which celebrated its 10th straight edition on the Asian Tour this week.

Jazz made up for the disappointment of finishing runner-up last year with this victory which saw him take home a winner’s prize purse of US$54,000 and receive a total of 14 Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar battled to a 71 to take second place while American Sihwan Kim and Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand shared third place on 270 following respective rounds of 70 and 71.

Did you know?

• Jane Janewattananond dropped only four shots this week. He needed only 25 putts in his final round of 67.
• Jazz will be making his Major debut at The Open at Carnoustie later this month. He earned the coveted spot after finishing tied-fourth at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open in January, which was part of The Open Qualifying Series.
• Jazz has missed only one cut in 11 starts on Tour so far this season. He moved from 16th to ninth place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings following this victory at the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak.
• He came in runner-up at the Queen’s Cup last year, finishing just one shot back of winner Nicholas Fung of Malaysia.
• Jazz won his first Asian Tour title at the 2017 Bangladesh Open by four shots. The victory was especially sweet for him as he finished outside the top-60 on the 2016 Order of Merit and missed the grade at the 2017 Qualifying School. He went on to notch five other top-10s to finish a career-high 13th place on the Order of Merit.
• Jazz started working with his caddy Nick Pugh at the Queen’s Cup last year. Nick will be on his bag when he makes his Major debut at The Open later this month.
• 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.
• The 30-year-old Bhullar endured another missed opportunity for his ninth Asian Tour win. He 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.
• Pavit Tangkamolprasert battled against a wrist injury to claim a record sixth ADT victory on home soil last month.
• Pavit was crowned the 2014 ADT Order of Merit champion, after winning three titles on the secondary circuit that year.
• Pavit won his first Asian Tour title at the 2016 Venetian Macao Open in sensational style by defeating Anirban Lahiri of India on the first play-off hole.
• Pavit marked his best result on the Asian Tour this season following his tied-third place finish at the Queen’s Cup.
• Sihwan Kim came through the Asian Tour Qualifying School in 2017 and kept his card for the 2018 season after notching three top-10s to finish in 55th place on the final Order of Merit.
• The 29-year-old Kim notched his third top-three result on the Asian Tour this season at the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak. He had earlier came in third at the Hero Indian Open and tied-forth at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship in Japan.

Players’ quotes:

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) – Final round 67 (-4), Total 265 (-19)

I got off to a slow start today. I was a bit shaky, made some bogeys there. The turning point came after I chipped it in on the 10th hole. I felt like my game just came back after that. It wasn’t easy out there today. I am just happy to come out on top.

I told myself to just stay in the present and not think too much and get ahead of myself. I told myself I am just here to play golf and not try to do anything else. I just played shot by shot and I think that helped. I did my best.

I love Queen’s Cup. It’s my favourite tournament on the Asian Tour. When it was held in Samui, I played well there as well. I finished second last year, missing out on the playoff by one shot. I think I got my revenge now.

I came here with the mindset of putting my game in good shape for The Open later this month. I did more than that. To be able to win this week is a bonus. It has definitely helped to boost my confidence. I’m looking forward to play in Sarawak now.

My first week working with my caddy, Nick Pugh, was at the Queen’s Cup in Samui last year. It’s been over a year now. He wanted to have a deal with me earlier, saying he will shave off his beard if I were to win a tournament with him on the bag. I regretted not taking up the deal with him now.

It means a lot to win the Queen’s Cup. It feels very good to win at home and with my parents watching me win as well.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) – Final round 71 (even-par), Total 269 (-15)

It wasn’t easy out there. It was definitely one of the toughest days this week. I didn’t get off to a good start. I made a few silly mistakes as well. But I finished strong, had two good par-saves on 16 and 17 and a good up and down for birdie on the last to finish solo second.

It’s still a good result for me. I am happy to be able to earn some world ranking points this week. It could have been better but Jazz played really well today. His five birdies in-a-row pretty much changed the whole scenario.

Congratulations to him. I played well but it just didn’t click today. I am looking forward to playing well in the next few tournaments in Sarawak and Indonesia.

Sihwan Kim (Usa) – Final round 70 (-1), Total 270 (-14)

It was really baked up today. It was hard to get close to the pins. They put the pins in such tricky places so it was hard to make putts. It’s been an up and down week for me but I’m still happy with how I finished. 

My putter was hot the first two days but nothing went in the last two days. Overall, it’s not a bad week. Hopefully I can keep this momentum going to Sarawak and Indonesia. This is my second season on the Asian Tour and it’s been good.

I was playing in Europe for the last five to six years and I just wanted to see something different. Asian Tour’s been good with tournaments so that’s the reason why I decided to come and play here.

Pavit Tangkamolprasert (Tha) – Final round 71 (even-par), Total 270 (-14)

I struggled with my game today. I tried my best but my driving was pretty bad today. I missed a lot of fairways. I just couldn’t get the ball in the right positions to give myself a chance to attack the pins.

But overall, it’s still a good result for me. I am still happy with the way I played. I had the chance to win the tournament as I was leading by one after nine but Jazz had a good run after he chipped in from 10. Hats off to him for winning.

This is my best finish so far this season. I am still feeling confident with my game. I just need to forget about today and move on to the next tournament in Sarawak next week.

Scores after round 4 of the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak being played at the par 71, 6951 Yards Phoenix GC course (am – denotes amateur):

265 – Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 64-66-68-67.

269 – Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 68-65-65-71.

270 – Sihwan KIM (USA) 66-64-70-70, Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 67-67-65-71.

271 – Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 67-66-69-69.

272 – Danthai BOONMA (THA) 65-72-69-66, Natipong SRITHONG (THA) 66-70-69-67, Sadom KAEWKANJANA (am, THA) 70-64-66-72, Scott VINCENT (ZIM) 66-71-63-72.

273 – Johannes VEERMAN (USA) 71-69-67-66, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 69-69-67-68, Tanapat PICHAIKOOL (am, THA) 68-68-68-69.

274 – Chaiphat KOONMARK (THA) 69-67-72-66, Javi COLOMO (ESP) 69-70-67-68, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 71-65-70-68, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 69-70-67-68, Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 66-70-69-69, Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 63-70-69-72.

275 – Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 69-68-67-71, Dino A. GIACOMAZZI (USA) 66-68-69-72.

276 – Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 70-68-70-68, Berry HENSON (USA) 71-65-71-69, Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS) 72-67-67-70, WANG Wei-lun (TPE) 68-67-70-71, Jarin TODD (USA) 68-68-69-71, Ben CAMPBELL (NZL) 67-70-68-71, Paul PETERSON (USA) 65-72-68-71, Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA) 71-65-68-72, Rashid KHAN (IND) 69-67-68-72.

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, Thailand, June 30: Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond clung on to his lead after draining a 17-foot birdie putt on the last to share the spoils with Gaganjeet Bhullar of India, who posted a second straight six-under-par 65, at the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak on Saturday. The 22-year-old Jazz, who held a share of the […]

Pattaya, Thailand, June 30: Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond clung on to his lead after draining a 17-foot birdie putt on the last to share the spoils with Gaganjeet Bhullar of India, who posted a second straight six-under-par 65, at the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Jazz, who held a share of the overnight three-shot lead, birdied the par-five second hole and reeled in 12 straight pars before sinking back-to-back birdies from 15. He dropped a shot on 17 but recovered with the birdie on the last for a round of 68.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha)

Jazz, chasing for a second Asian Tour win, sits atop the leaderboard with Bhullar on 15-under-par 198 total while Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand trails the leading duo by one in third place on his own following a 65 at the highly-rated Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.

Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe returned with the day’s best score of a 63 to sit two shots off the pace in tied-fourth position alongside local amateur Sadom Kaewkanjana and overnight co-leader Sihwan Kim of the United States, who carded rounds of 66 and 70 respectively.

The US$300,000 Queen’s Cup, held in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, is celebrating its 10th straight edition on the Asian Tour with a new presenting sponsor in Bangchak Corporation, one of Thailand’s leading energy companies, this week.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind)

Did you know?

• Jane Janewattananond has dropped only two shots so far this week.
• Jazz will be making his Major debut at The Open at Carnoustie next month. He earned the coveted spot after finishing tied-fourth at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open, which was part of The Open Qualifying Series.
• Jazz missed only one cut in 10 starts on Tour to sit in a current 16th place on the 2018 Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.
• He came in runner-up at the Queen’s Cup last year, finishing just one shot back of winner Nicholas Fung of Malaysia.
• Jazz won his first Asian Tour title at the 2017 Bangladesh Open by four shots. The victory was especially sweet for him as he finished outside the top-60 on the 2016 Order of Merit and missed the grade at the 2017 Qualifying School. He went on to notch five other top-10s to finish a career-high 13th place on the Order of Merit.
• 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.
• The 30-year-old Bhullar came in second runner-up when he last played the Royal Cup at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club six months ago.
• Pavit Tangakamolprasert fired one birdie and one eagle to turn in 33. Dropped a shot on 13 but stormed home with four birdies in his closing five holes to cap his best round so far this week.
• Pavit battled against a wrist injury to claim a record sixth ADT victory on home soil last month.
• Pavit was crowned the 2014 ADT Order of Merit champion, after winning three titles on the secondary circuit that year.
• Pavit won his first Asian Tour title at the 2016 Venetian Macao Open in sensational style by defeating Anirban Lahiri of India on the first play-off hole.
• Pavit won the 2014 Singha Open on his local circuit at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club. The tournament was also played on the Mountain and Ocean courses, same as the Queen’s Cup this week.
• Pavit sits in 46th place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings. His best result this season is a tied-13th place finish at the Thailand Open earlier this month.
• Scott Vincent is the only Zimbabwean member on the Asian Tour. He came through the Qualifying School in 2016 and did not miss a single cut in six starts on the Asian Tour that year.
• Vincent claimed four top-10s in 2017 to finish in 17th place on the Order of Merit, retaining his Asian Tour card for the 2018 season.
• He has capped three top-10 finishes this season to sit in a current ninth place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.

Players’ quotes:

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) –Third round 66 (-8), Total 198 (-15)

It was a slow round for me today. Made only one birdie and then a lot of pars, didn’t birdie again until later in the round. It was a pretty good finish with three birdies and one bogey. It was quite tough out there with the wind.

I wasn’t able to play my ‘A’ game today but I tried my best to get the job done. I just wanted to shoot an under-par round with this windy condition. I hit a good shot out of the bunker on 15 was good and that birdie kind of got my momentum going.

I just want to go out there and play my best gold tomorrow. If things go my way, I will win. But if it doesn’t, I still have a lot of opportunities with the remaining tournaments I have to play. It’s been good since I won in Bangladesh last year.

That victory turned my career around completely. I feel like my game has been moving towards the right direction since that win. I am happy to put myself in contention week in week out. I just need to get the job done. I guess it’s just live and learn, we’ll just go out and have fun tomorrow.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) – Third round 65 (-6), Total 198 (-15)

I kept the ball in play today. I hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens. I just kept on giving myself a lot of birdie opportunities. I got my first birdie on the fourth and made a good par save on the sixth. I drove into the water hazard and had to take a drop there. Hit my second shot onto the green and two-putted for par.

I made a really good birdie on the ninth. I hit my driver off the tee and had about 142 yards to the stick and I hit it to about six inches for birdie there. I made three straight birdies after the turn which was great. The only bogey I had was on the 17th hole and that was a total misread off my club.

Nothing special tomorrow. I will just continue to do my own thing and try and repeat what I did in the last 54 holes. The game’s feeling good. I will focus on hitting as many fairways and greens as I can tomorrow and hopefully hole some putts.

Pavit Tangkamolprasert (Tha)

Pavit Tangkamolprasert (Tha) – Third round 65 (-6), Total 199 (-14)

I played the same today, still pretty solid. I hit good drives out there. Didn’t make any putts on the front nine but I managed to hit it close for birdie on the fifth and then make the eagle on the seventh. I hit a good drive with a three-wood and then a solid five-iron over the trees which took a bounce on the green and rolled to about half a foot for eagle. 

I struggled to read the greens today. I just couldn’t get it right, especially for the first 10 to 11 holes. But I managed to find back the touch after that. The birdie on 14 gave me a lot of confidence. I sank a long putt from about 20-feet for birdie on 17. It was a great finish.

The wind was swirling out there today. It was difficult to get the directions right. The pin positions were pretty tough on the back nine as well. I will try my best tomorrow. It has been two years since I first won on the Asian Tour. Anything can happen tomorrow.

I played with the local amateur Sadom today. He seems shaky at the start and he told me he hasn’t played with me before. He got comfortable heading into the round and he played really good today. I am happy to see that we have such a strong amateur around.

Scott Vincent (Zim)

Scott Vincent (Zim) -Third round 63 (-8), Total 200 (-13)

I got off to a great start. Managed to make a few putts and get to five-under on the front nine. Started the back nine with three birdies in a row and looking like I could put a really low score out today but I kind of just hung in there in the last six holes.

Six pars coming back and some were really good par saves. All in all, it was a good day. I hit the driver very well today. I hit 11 fairways. It gave me some opportunities to attack the pins. I made quite a lot of putts as well. It was just a solid round.

I hit a good tee shot on the first straight down the fairway, wedged to about six feet and had a downhill left to right putt and made that. That just got my momentum going. I just kept telling myself to keep it going. If I can do the same tomorrow, I should be in a pretty good shape.

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, Thailand, June 28: Thai talent Poom Saksansin took advantage of his solid iron-play to sign for an opening eight-under-par 63, grabbing a one-shot lead over countryman Jazz Janewattananond at the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak on Thursday. Poom, a two-time Asian Tour winner, nailed eight birdies before dropping a shot on 17 for his […]

Pattaya, Thailand, June 28: Thai talent Poom Saksansin took advantage of his solid iron-play to sign for an opening eight-under-par 63, grabbing a one-shot lead over countryman Jazz Janewattananond at the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak on Thursday.

Poom, a two-time Asian Tour winner, nailed eight birdies before dropping a shot on 17 for his only blemish of the day. The 25-year-old Thai, however, recovered swiftly with a birdie on the last to take his place atop the leaderboard at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.

Jazz, who will be making his Major debut at The Open next month, returned with a bogey-free round highlighted by seven birdies to sit in second place at the US$300,000 event, which is celebrating its 10th straight edition on the region’s premier Tour this week.

Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh, who was flawless with six birdies, shared third place with American Paul Peterson and Danthai Boonma of Thailand on matching 65s. Peterson came home with four straight birdies while Danthai got off to a birdie-eagle start en route to their 65s.

Jbe Kruger of South Africa recorded the first hole-in-one of the week when he aced the par-three 16th hole with a gap wedge from 145 yards. He trails by three shots in tied-sixth place following a 66.

Defending champion Nicholas Fung of Malaysia posted a 72 to tie in 103rd place at the Queen’s Cup, which welcomed a new presenting sponsor in Bangchak Corporation, one of Thailand’s leading energy companies, this season.

Did you know?

• Poom Saksansin is a two-time winner on the Asian Tour. He produced a five-shot victory at the 2016 Indonesian Masters to win his first Asian Tour title and completed a convincing wire-to-wire victory at the 2017 TAKE Solutions Masters where he won by two shots.
• Poom led the 2014 Queen’s Cup into the final round before finishing second behind Thaworn Wiratchant.
• He finished in a career-high eighth position on the 2017 Merit rankings and earned a maiden appearance at the 2018 EurAsiaCup where he represented Team Asia.
• Poom, together with Sunghoon Kang, defeated Henrik Stenson and Alex Levy in the first day four-ball match 5&4. Also beat Paul Casey 1 up on the final day Singles match.
• Poom sits in 29th place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, thanks to two top-10s, which included a runner-up finish at the Thailand Open earlier this month.
• Jazz missed only two fairways and three greens in his flawless round of 64 today.
• Jazz will be making his Major debut at The Open at Carnoustie next month. He earned the coveted spot after finishing tied-fourth at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open, which was part of The Open Qualifying Series.
• Jazz missed only one cut in 10 starts on Tour to sit in a current 16th place on the 2018 Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.
• He came in runner-up at the Queen’s Cup last year, finishing just one shot back of winner Nicholas Fung of Malaysia.
• Jazz won his first Asian Tour title at the 2017 Bangladesh Open by four shots. The victory was especially sweet for him as he finished outside the top-60 on the 2016 Order of Merit and missed the grade at the 2017 Qualifying School. He went on to notch five other top-10s to finish a career-high 13th place on the Order of Merit.
• Siddikur Rahman is a two-time Asian Tour winner. Became the first Bangladeshi to win on the Asian Tour in 2010.
• Siddikur needed only 21 putts for his commendable round of 65.
• Siddikur has recorded five top-10 results in his last eight appearances at the Queen’s Cup, albeit on a different golf course.
• Like Jazz, Danthai will also be making his Major debut at The Open at Carnoustie next month. He also secured his spot after finishing tied-fourth in Singapore in January.
• Danthai has enjoyed some good results at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club. He finished tied-third at the King’s Cup in 2016 and came in tied-eighth at the Royal Cup last December.
• The 22-year-old Danthai secured his Asian Tour breakthrough at the World Classic Championship in Singapore in 2015.
• Paul Peterson claimed his breakthrough win on the Asian Tour at the Myanmar Open earlier in January.
• The left-handed Peterson came in tied-third at the Queen’s Cup in 2016 before going on to win his first European Tour title at the Czech Masters two months later.
• The 29-year-old Peterson sits in eighth place on the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.

Players’ quotes:

Poom Saksansin (Tha) – First Round 63 (-8)

I hit very good approach shots today. My mid-irons and short irons were very good. I got a bit of luck with my putting as well. The highlight of my round today was on the 12th hole. I almost made an eagle there but my putt lipped out.

I am very happy with the way I played today. I wasn’t thinking much. I just stuck to my game plan and kept the momentum going. The game’s feeling much better now. I am feeling more confident after finishing second at the Thailand Open earlier.

I guess my mental game has improved a lot and that’s why I am playing good again. This is a course that I practise a lot on so I am very familiar with it. It’s a very short course. You need to drive the ball well and hit good iron shots to play well here. This is the lowest score that I have ever shot on this course.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) – First Round 64 (-7)

I got off to a good start. Everything was pretty smooth for me out there. I was just hitting a lot of fairways and a lot of greens, made some putts and missed some. It was overall a pretty good round. 

I was playing with no pressure. I guess that helps. It’s still early in the week. I am not thinking much. It’s going to be a hot week here. I was just trying to save my energy. It was pretty windy when we start so it was a little tough.

Siddikur Rahman (Ban) – First Round 65 (-6)

I haven’t had a bogey-free round for a long time. I had an excellent day out there. My putting was really good and that’s the reason why I can put up such a low score today. Everything went well today except for the 18th hole where I hit a bad drive.

But I made a great up and down from the bunker for birdie there. It was about 25 yards from the bunker but I made that. My back was really sore yesterday. I went for treatment at the physio yesterday after my practice round and also this morning before my round.

It was much better today. It felt totally different out there. I was able to swing my best today and it was great. I made most of my birdies from within 10 to 15 feet today. I started from the 10th hole today and got off to a great start with two straight birdies. 

It feels good coming to play at the Queen’s Cup, although it’s being held at a different venue this year. I have had some good results at the Queen’s Cup before so I just feel a lot of positive vibes coming to play this tournament.

This course suits my game too as it’s not too long. I like this golf course. I am feeling very excited now and I am looking forward to the rest of the season. The season hasn’t been that good so far. It’s been on and off.

My game is there but I just can’t show in my results. But having said that, there are still many more tournaments to go so I am not too worried about my performance. This is a really short course. You need to putt well. Everyone is going to hit it close out there.

Danthai Boonma (Tha) – First Round 65 (-6)

I had a really good start today. I made the birdie putt from about seven feet on the first and that got my momentum going. I think I was a bit lucky with my eagle on the second hole. I hit the green in two and sank the eagle putt from about 20 feet!

I felt good after the strong start. I played really well after that. I putted very well. My tee shots were good too. I like this golf course. I finished inside top-10 the last two times we played here. Although we’re playing a different back nine this week, I still feel very comfortable out there.

Paul Peterson (Usa) – First Round 65 (-6)

It was nice not to drop a shot today. I switched back to my old driver and I am really happy with it. It was the same one I used when I won Myanmar earlier. It just got me into a very good rhythm out there and to finish six-under.

I made a nice up and down on the 12th hole and hit some quality shots and made some putts coming in. I had the wind a little bit wrong on the 12th. I was trying to be short on that hole and picked a club that I thought was very short but it just flew the green. 

I chipped it to about three feet and made the putt. It was a very good par save there and it just got my momentum going. My groupmates were hitting some good shots coming down the stretch so we were just feeding off each other.

I hit a really good three-wood in on the seventh hole to about eight feet. It was awesome. I didn’t convert the eagle putt unfortunately but it was good to hit it about 250 yards. I felt like the birdie on ninth kind of jumpstarted the round and I was able to finish off strong.

Scores after round 1 of the Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak being played at the par 71, 6951 Yards Phoenix GC course (am – denotes amateur):

63 – Poom SAKSANSIN (THA).

64 – Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA).

65 – Siddikur RAHMAN (BAN), Danthai BOONMA (THA), Paul PETERSON (USA).

66 – Miguel CARBALLO (ARG), Dino A. GIACOMAZZI (USA), Sihwan KIM (USA), Jbe KRUGER (RSA), Scott VINCENT (ZIM), Natipong SRITHONG (THA).

67 – Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA), Wongsakorn PIKUNSAWAT (THA), Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA), Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA), Kittiporn JAVANAPONG (THA), Wolmer MURILLO (VEN), Ronnachai JAMNONG (THA), Ben CAMPBELL (NZL), Miguel TABUENA (PHI), Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA), Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA), William HARROLD (ENG), Pasavee LERTVILAI (THA).

68 – Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA), Hamza AMIN (PAK), Kammalas NAMUANGRUK (THA), Thepbodin AMARANAN (THA), Javier GALLEGOS (ESP), Naras LUANGPHETCHARAPORN (THA), Raththee SIRITHANAKUNSAK (THA), Paul HARRIS (USA), Sarit SUWANNARUT (THA), Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA), WANG Wei-lun (TPE), Nirun SAE-UENG (THA), Jarin TODD (USA), Gareth PADDISON (NZL), Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND), Casey O’TOOLE (USA), Josh YOUNGER (AUS), Kevin LEE (KOR), Sung LEE (KOR), Tanapat PICHAIKOOL (am, THA).

69 – Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA), LIU Yanwei (CHN), Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA), Javi COLOMO (ESP), Rashid KHAN (IND), Viraj MADAPPA (IND), Atiruj WINAICHAROENCHAI (THA), John Michael O’TOOLE (USA), Tawan PHONGPHUN (THA), Hein SITHU (MYN), Pannakorn UTHAIPAS (THA), Malcolm KOKOCINSKI (SWE), Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA), Khalin JOSHI (IND), Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA), Piya SWANGARUNPORN (THA), Chaiphat KOONMARK (THA).

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.

Karachi, Pakistan, June 28: Pakistan’s leading shipping agency United Marine Agencies (UMA) will be the title sponsor of the CNS Open Golf Championship when it debuts on the Asian Tour at the Karachi Golf Club from October 11 to 14. The tournament, re-christened the UMA CNS Open Golf Championship, has been staged on the local circuit […]

Karachi, Pakistan, June 28: Pakistan’s leading shipping agency United Marine Agencies (UMA) will be the title sponsor of the CNS Open Golf Championship when it debuts on the Asian Tour at the Karachi Golf Club from October 11 to 14.

The tournament, re-christened the UMA CNS Open Golf Championship, has been staged on the local circuit since 1995. With its entry into Asia’s premier golf circuit this year, the US$300,000 event will receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.

UMA, one of Pakistan’s top five shipping agencies, provides shipping, cargo and marine-related services in the country as well as the region. The company has always been deeply involved in sports. It was the main sponsor of the 49th CISM World Military Sailing Championship and a major contributor for the infrastructural enhancements at the Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium, to name a few.

UMA Chief Executive Officer Sohail Shams said: “It gives us great honour and pleasure to be the title sponsor of the CNS Open Golf Championship. We aim to sensitise the society, especially the business community, about the benefits of sports and we are thrilled to be able to do it via one of Pakistan’s most important golf tournaments.”

Asian Tour Chief Executive Officer Josh Burack said: “On behalf of the Asian Tour, I’d like to thank Mr Shams and the UMA for their support and commitment to the UMA CNS Open Golf Championship. Their title sponsorship is a very positive step towards the development of golf in Pakistan, as well as the region.”

Ends.

June 25: England’s Matt Wallace fired a seven-under-par 65 in the final round of the BMW International Open to win by one shot at Golf Club Gut Laerchenhof. The 28-year-old Wallace, who started the round at the 10th tee and two shots off the lead, made a charge with five birdies in his first seven holes […]

June 25: England’s Matt Wallace fired a seven-under-par 65 in the final round of the BMW International Open to win by one shot at Golf Club Gut Laerchenhof.

The 28-year-old Wallace, who started the round at the 10th tee and two shots off the lead, made a charge with five birdies in his first seven holes to make the turn at 31. He went on to make birdies on holes one and three to seal his victory on a 10-under-par 278 total.

Three players took tied-second including Denmark’s Thorbjorn Oleson who signed for a record-breaking 61 which was the lowest round in the event’s history.

“I made two long putts on holes 10 and 11 and hit some great shots which gave me the confidence to think that I could actually get there. I played the front nine really nicely but still missed a lot of putts,” said Wallace.

Wallace took home his first victory of the season at the Hero Indian Open in March. He also recorded a tied-third finish at the Volvo China Open in April. He said that his excellent performances in Asia had given him the confidence he needs to perform on the European Tour.

“I work very hard and I believe I can do it, I want to go further and keep building on this. I want to keep building on this. Obviously, this gives me a lot of confidence to go on and play well and hopefully do this in the bigger events from now on. It is brilliant to win here in Germany and this is such a great event with a great field,” added Wallace.

Former Asian Tour number one Scott Hend, who was leading after the second round, settled for a tied-seventh place after trading five birdies against a disappointing double bogey on hole 10 and a bogey on his last hole for a final round 70.

American David Lipsky finished at tied-18th on a 285 total following a 71 while Malaysia’s Gavin Green took 73rd place after carding a 76.

Over in the United States, India’s Anirban Lahiri carded a one-under-par 69 to take tied-ninth place at the Travelers Championship held at TPC River Highlands.

Lahiri, a seven-time Asian Tour winner, struggled in the final round when he traded five birdies against two bogeys and one double bogey to drop six spots.

Ends.

 

 

Pattaya, June 25: A total of 86 players teed off under sunny skies at the Qualifying tournament on Monday, vying for one of the seven spots on offer for the 2018 Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak which starts on Thursday. Local amateur Atiruj Winaicharoenchai emerged top of the field after signing for a superb six-under-par […]

Pattaya, June 25: A total of 86 players teed off under sunny skies at the Qualifying tournament on Monday, vying for one of the seven spots on offer for the 2018 Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak which starts on Thursday.

Local amateur Atiruj Winaicharoenchai emerged top of the field after signing for a superb six-under-par 65 at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club. The 18-year-old plans to make his professional debut at the US$300,000 event, where he has previously finished tied-33rd in 2015.

Teerapat Punglamyai, also of Thailand, came in two shots back to share second place with American Cory Oride while Wolmer Murillo of Venezuela and Brett Munson of the United States were tied in fourth-place on matching 68s alongside Thai duo Sajawat Sriprasit and Nirun Sae-ueng.

The cut-line was set at three-under-par 68 with the leading seven players securing spots at the prestigious tournament, which is celebrating its 10th consecutive edition on the Asian Tour this week.

2018 Queen’s Cup presented by Bangchak – Monday qualifier (Results)

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