Mardan is reinvigorated and aiming for a win at the UMA CNS Open Golf Championship
Karachi, Pakistan, October 10: Mardan Mamat of Singapore will be bringing his renewed sense of confidence to the US$300,000 UMA CNS Open Golf Championship which starts tomorrow.
Mardan is happy with the current state of his game after he made a successful foray into the European Senior Tour this year.
Coupled with a pair of good results in the last two events in Chinese Taipei, the 50-year-old Mardan feels that he is ready for an excellent finish, if not a win at the Karachi Golf Club.
Mardan, Singapore’s most decorated professional golf player, is also proud to see his young compatriots Gregory Foo and Abdul Hadi joining the play-for-pay ranks. The duo will be playing in the UMA CNS Open Golf Championship on an invite.
Foo has never played in Pakistan and he will be competing with a fresh mindset along with a new status.
Conversely, Hamza Amin of Pakistan has competed frequently at the Karachi Golf Club and he will be using his intimate knowledge of the golf course to his advantage.
Tirawat Kaewsiribandit of Thailand
Thailand has a strong contingent of golfers at the tournament, spearheaded by the likes of Suradit Yongcharoenchai and Tirawat Kaewsiribandit.
Suradit will enter the tournament as the highest-ranked player both on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings and the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). With his card for the 2019 season, virtually secured, the 19-year-old will be gunning for victory.
Did you know:
- Mardan Mamat has won five times on the Asian Tour and is currently placed fifth on the career money list on a US$2,610,865 total.
- He won the 2004 Indian Open and became the first golfer from Singapore to win an Asian Tour title.
- Mardan enjoyed his best season on the Asian Tour in 2016. He made US$263,110 that year and finished a career-high eighth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
- Gregory Foo turned professional after competing on the 2018 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship last week. He finished tied-ninth at that tournament.
- He offered a glimpse of his class by finishing impressively in tied-16th at the 2018 SMBC Singapore Open as an amateur
- Hamza Amin earned his first Asian Tour card in 2014 after making the mark at the Qualifying School. However, he failed to retain his playing status that year.
- He was placed tied-sixth at the PGM MNRB Championship, an event on the Asian Development Tour, last month.
- Suradit Yongcharoenchai is placed 546th on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and 47th on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.
- He narrowly missed out on winning his maiden Asian Tour this year at the TAKE Solutions Masters, where he finished tied-second.
- Tirawat Kaewsiribandit enjoyed a successful 2017. He posted four top-10s and was placed 36th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
- He won an event on the Asian Development Tour in 2017, at the Betagro All Thailand Championship.
Players’ quotes:
Mardan Mamat (Sgp)
Firstly, it’s nice to be back here after such a long time! I played this course in 2006 and it is pretty much the same, although the trees have grown taller. The hospitality has been great and the people have tried their best to make our stay here comfortable.
My goal is to get back into the winner’s circle. I need to grind and get a win.
My game is getting better. I went to Europe to play some senior tournaments and I got my confidence back. I’m happy about the way I’ve been putting, particularly over the last two weeks. The signs are looking good.
The course is not a long hitter’s course. It is my kind of course, the type where you need to keep the ball in play. If you do so, you can get birdie chances. You need to putt well to score and I haven’t done that. But as I’ve said, it’s getting better and I’m sure my “feel” will come back.
It’s about time (having new Singapore professionals playing on Tour). These two guys (Gregory Foo and Abdul Hadi) have played amateur golf for the last few years. So, they know what it takes to play in tournaments under pressure. My advice for them is to stay patient, work hard and the results will surely come your way.
Gregory Foo (Sgp)
What a difference a week makes! I was just an amateur last week and now I’m a professional. I feel like I’m playing well and I am looking forward to a good start as a professional.
It’s a whole new experience. I’m happy to be here and I’ll be embracing my time in Pakistan whatever happens this week.
As an amateur, you usually travel as a team and things are taken care off for you. But as a pro, you have to be independent and handle the planning as well as the logistics. It’s a totally different lifestyle. I feel that mentally, I’ve been preparing for it and I’m glad that it is finally official.
I’m lucky to have a lot of Singapore players here in Pakistan. Mardan has taken me under his wing and he has been very nice and helpful.
The layout of the course is tight and narrow. It has character. There’s a premium on keeping the ball in the fairway for sure. Getting through the first two days will be a good start, then I’ll try to finish as high as possible. A win will be a bonus.
Hamza Amin (Pak)
It’s been too long since the Asian Tour last had a tournament in Pakistan. The whole country is excited. For once, cricket won’t be the focus.
It feels good to be flying the flag for Pakistan. This is not my home club as I stay in Islamabad but I’ve played enough golf here to have a good shot of playing well this week.
I’m just going to treat this just like any other event. I know the golf course well and I’ve played here for six years and I’m going to give it my best.
I’ve been unlucky this year, missing a lot of cuts by one shot. My confidence is there. I won a tournament in Austria this year and I look forward to a good week.
Suradit Yongcharoenchai (Tha)
I decided to come to Pakistan at the last minute. I really fancy my chances here.
I don’t feel any pressure even though I’m the highest-ranked player in the field. I’m looking forward to competing, play my own game and hopefully have some fun this week.
The golf course is in a very good condition. The fairways and greens are well maintained. If I putt well here, I should stand a great chance. This course isn’t too long. So as long as I keep my ball in play and I putt well, I should be in contention come Sunday.
I have done well enough this year to keep my card, so now I’m looking for a win.
Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (Tha)
I’m feeling great about my recent form. I’m happy to be here and focused on playing well here. I’m really confident as I posted some decent results over the last four weeks.
I will be trying to win this week. Actually, the tournament is up for grabs. This is a new golf course for most of us and we don’t have prior knowledge. The course is narrow and the conditions are dry, so I’ll try to maximise my chances of staying on the fairways by teeing off with a three-iron.
Kuala Lumpur, October 10: Indian star Gaganjeet Bhullar is confident he can contend at the US$7 million CIMB Classic which starts on Thursday.
The 30-year-old is enjoying a superb season on the Asian Tour where he won his ninth title in August and currently sits in fifth place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings.
Making his fourth appearance at the CIMB Classic, Bhullar believes his form is peaking at the right time as he prepares to challenge for honours at the TPC Kuala Lumpur, West Course.
Bhullar will be among four Indians this week which includes former Asian Tour number one Anirban Lahiri, who finished tied third in the showpiece in 2016, Shubhankar Sharma and Rahil Gangjee.
Sanghyun Park of Korea, ranked second on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, will also feature in the event alongside defending champion Pat Perez and two-time CIMB Classic champion Justin Thomas.
Bhullar admits he was in awe of the PGA Tour players when he played in the 2012, 2013 and 2016 editions but he feels his game has improved tremendously ahead of the ninth staging of the CIMB Classic.
Lahiri, the 2015 Asian Tour number one, raced against time to travel to Malaysia from the United States after receiving news on Monday that he had qualified for the event after Andrew Landry had withdrawn.
John Catlin, the first player to win three times on the Asian Tour in 2018, will play in his first PGA TOUR event. The American, who rose from the Asian Development Tour (ADT) ranks will enter the tournament with high confidence after winning on Sunday in Chinese Taipei.
Malaysia’s Ben Leong said he was lucky to be part of the elite field after Gavin Green withdrew from the tournament. As the second highest ranked Malaysian in the world, Leong was next in line to qualify for the event.
Did you know?
- Bhullar is the only Indian to win nine times on the Asian Tour following his victory in Fiji in August.
- He played in three editions of the CIMB Classic with his best result in tied 10th place in the 2012 showpiece, albeit on a different golf course.
- This will be Bhullar’s fourth appearance in the CIMB Classic since 2016.
- In his nine Asian Tour victories, Bhullar has won in Indonesia (three times), Thailand, Chinese Taipei (twice), Macao, Korea and Fiji. He has yet to taste success in Malaysia.
- With 50% of the earnings counted on the Asian Tour this week, Bhullar can narrow Shubhankar Sharma’s lead on the Habitat for Humanity Standings where he trails by US$210,619
- Lahiri came close to winning the CIMB Classic in 2016. He led by four shots heading into the final round but a 72 dashed his title hopes as he settled for tied third place. He was also tied 10th in last year’s edition.
- He had a nervous wait to qualify for the CIMB Classic as he was the first alternate in the elite field before finally getting into the tournament on Monday.
- Catlin earned his Asian Tour card after finishing third on the Asian Development Tour Order of Merit last year. This is his first PGA Tour event after a successful season on the Asian Tour where he won three titles.
- Leong is playing in his second CIMB Classic. He played in the event in 2015 where he finished in a share of 64th place.
Player quotes:
Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind)
I know this is definitely my favorite tournament of the year. We all look forward to playing this tournament. It’s a great opportunity for us and really excited, really happy to be back here. The golf course is in a great shape. I mean, this year it’s got a really strong field, so it’s going to be really, really stiff competition.
I’ve been playing quite consistent and quite well this year. The victory in Fiji gave me a lot of confidence. Yes, my best result at the CIMB Classic was at Mines Golf & Country Club, but I think the best is yet to come. I’ve played on this golf course quite a few times and anything is possible.
As a player I’ve really matured over the period of years. This is my fourth attempt, so every time I come here I get to learn so many new things. I would say I’m a better player this time, better chance at it and looking at it, I’m feeling really confident.
Thanks for making me old. But yes, it is kind of a strong feeling I would say. I’m feeling more like mature golfer and a lot of the familiar faces this week. I’ve played with them here in 2012, ’13, ’16, so feeling really confident to be back.
Ben Leong of Malaysia
Anirban Lahiri (Ind)
I’m quite relieved actually. I made my plans in the offseason assuming that I would play, so I kind of expected myself to be playing so it came as a bit of a surprise.
It was funny actually. I played a round with Brendan Grace back in Florida the weekend before Napa, so like 10 days ago. Brendan’s the one who told me like (inaudible.) What are you talking about? I hadn’t even looked because it’s always gone down past 100, comfortably past 100. Like what do you mean? He was like, no, no. He was looking for himself because he’s first alternate for Korea. He said, I was looking for myself and I’m alternate for Korea and I was looking at the CIMB list and I saw you’re not in.
That’s when I checked. I said but it’s already too late because they usually go about four weeks before the event.
I didn’t bother asking for an invite because I didn’t think I would need it. If you make it to the second Playoff event, you’re pretty much guaranteed to play here. Apparently not.
Yesterday I got here and I went straight to Rahil Gangjee’s room and we were sitting and chatting for like two, three hours just catching up and that’s fun. I miss that obviously. So that’s what it’s like coming here. Even now I’m just walking around, I know so many familiar faces, just catching up and saying hello. It’s become like a yearly affair where I kind of catch up with everyone. Obviously when we have the Eurasia Cup, that’s the other time that you usually come to KL.
John Catlin (Usa)
I mean, this is where I wanted to be since I was 12 years old. Surprisingly, it feels more like home than I ever thought it would. I thought I would show up and you would be nervous, you wouldn’t really quite know how you feel. It just feels like another week on a really, really good golf course with very, very accomplished players.
The first two years, the Asian Tour was kind of a struggle, but I think for me it kind of had to be that way. It’s always had to kind of be a little bit difficult, right? It makes me work harder.
I remember the first time I played with Gavin (Green) when he came to New Mexico, I was just in awe of how good he was. I was like, well, I’d better get better, this guy’s just going to surpass me and I won’t play another tournament as long as I’m here.
Similar to showing up on the Asian Tour, you play with these guys, like man, these are great players. I have to play well just to make the cut. Kind of an eye-opening experience. I think that’s what kind of sparked my hard work. Then showing up here, this has been probably the easiest transition so far. I’m just like, all right, it’s another week. Making it more difficult makes it that much sweeter, like I earned this.
Karachi, Pakistan, October 9: Liu Yanwei of China is enjoying the hospitality in Pakistan, but he will be all business when the UMA CNS Open Championship tees off on Thursday.
The 21-year-old Liu has enjoyed a fairly consistent run of form this season, as he made the cut at nine out of 14 events in 2018. His goal is to finish the year within the top-60 of the Habitat for Humanity Standings and he will be looking to put in a breakout performance at the Karachi Golf Club.
Liu started to peak around a similar period in 2017 that was highlighted by a lone third finish in China in November. He is feeling confident about his game and he’ll be one to watch at the upcoming US$300,000 event.
Marcus Both of Australia, Ireland’s Niall Turner and India’s Chiragh Kumar are also looking to kick-start their respective seasons at the UMA CNS Open Golf Championship, the Asian Tour’s first event in Pakistan since 2007.
Marcus Both of Australia
Both, who won his third Asian Tour title in 2014, has done commendably well in two tournaments in neighbouring India two months ago. He feels that the set up of the golf course at Karachi Golf Club suits his game and he is confident about his chances.
Turner has made a successful recovery from a back injury, evident from this top-10 finish in Chinese Taipei. He hopes to bring his forward momentum into Karachi.
Kumar, a one-time Asian Tour winner, has struggled this season but he remains positive and motivated in the lead up to the tournament this week.
Did you know:
- Liu Yanwei secured a career-high third place finish at the Asian Golf Championship in Xiamen last year
- This week marks Liu’s second visit to Pakistan. Last year, he competed at an Asian Development Tour tournament in Lahore and was placed tied-17th.
- He was prolific on the Asian Development Tour in 2017, finishing in the top-10 five times last year.
- Marcus Both won his maiden Asian Tour title back in 2003, at the Sanya Open
- His victory in the Philippines in 2014 was particularly sweet as he thought of quitting the game after losing his Tour card for the first time in 11 seasons.
- Niall Turner made his Asian Tour debut in 2011 and claimed three top-20s in his first nine months on Tour
- He missed the cut five times in his last eight starts on the Asian Tour, but he will be buoyed by his tied-sixth finish at the Yeangder TPC last week.
- Chiragh Kumar made his career breakthrough at the 2015 Panasonic Open India.
- He performed solidly in tournaments held in South Asia last year and secured his Tour card for this season after finishing in 41st place on the 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit.
Player’s Quotes:
Liu Yanwei (Chn)
It’s great to see an Asian Tour event in Pakistan. It’s always great to have new events on the schedule. The more events we have, the better it is.
I played an ADT (Asian Development Tour) event at Lahore last year. The people were very welcoming and I felt that they really enjoyed having us in their country. From what I have seen this week so far, the experience has been a similar one. I felt that I’ve been well taken care of.
This year, I played good in patches but I could have played better. There are a few more events left. The goal is top-60 and I’m working towards that.
It doesn’t matter what the tournament is or where it is held. It’s the same at every tournament; I’m going to play well, play my game and beat myself. If you play your own game and you play well, the good results will come and that’s I’m aiming to do every week.
I struggled with my putts over the last two weeks. Hopefully, I can get it back this week. Other than that, everything is OK. Let’s see how it goes.
Marcus Both (Aus)
It’s been a while since the Asian Tour last had a tournament here, but I can remember so much about it. I can still recall back in 2006, my roommate Chris Rodgers graduated from Q School, won a tournament the following week here in Pakistan and enjoyed the benefits that came with it. I also remember the course being really strategic, which is right up my alley. Karachi Golf Club’s course is old-style and it’s great to see it featured on our schedule.
You need to position your ball well. You have a bit of room off the beaten track but it’s better to hit the ball off the grass than the sandy wasteland ‘stuff’. This course looks open but if you hit it in there, it is not as user-friendly as hitting it off the fairway. The rest of my game is in pretty good shape.
I’ve played better than my scores suggested, which is frustrating. My results haven’t been up to scratch and I’m well aware of it. I’m working hard to rectify that. There are still a good number of events until the end of the year and hopefully, we can get things kick-started here.
Niall Turner (Ire)
I turned it around last week in Chinese Taipei. I didn’t play great in the first round, but I picked it up in the second round and carried it through to the weekend. It’s never easy to come back from an injury. Hopefully, last week will be the start of good things to come.
This is my first time in Pakistan. So far, it’s been great. The hospitality has been fantastic and everyone seems so happy to have us here. The hotel is nice and the week has been great so far.
I’ve played well last week, so I hope to be able to carry over the form into this week, put in four good rounds and a high finish.
My all-round game has been consistent currently. Everything is pretty solid. I need to have to high finishes this year; a win hopefully. Those are my goals for this season.
Chiragh Kumar (Ind)
It’s fantastic that the Asian Tour has come back to Pakistan after a long spell. I really hope that the tournament is here to stay. I have a geographical affinity to the country, being from India. We know so many people here and the hospitality is great. I’m excited to be here.
I don’t remember the golf course at all as I last played on it in 2007. But, I’m looking forward to going out there and playing on it.
I’ve been performing far below my expectations this year. It has been tough and I don’t know where things have gone wrong. But I’m hoping for a good finish and get my confidence up. There are still a good number of tournaments left. I want to make a charge to keep my card. That’s what I’m looking for.
I’m not working on anything specific. I hope that my game clicks this week. I don’t know what to expect from myself this week. I go into every tournament feeling confident. I want to do well, and hopefully, the tide turns.
Ends.
Kuala Lumpur, October 9: Shubhankar Sharma has set his sights on winning the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings as he prepares for his debut at the US$7 million CIMB Classic which starts on Thursday.
The Indian star has led on the Habitat for Humanity Standings since winning in Malaysia in February but he has Sanghyun Park of Korea, who has won twice on the Asian Tour, breathing down his neck.
With Park also in the elite field this week and a mere US$54,278 separating the duo, Sharma knows he must put in a solid performance at the TPC Kuala Lumpur, a course where he has never played on before.
They will be joined by the leading available 10 players on the Habitat for Humanity Standings which include Gaganjeet Bhullar, a nine-time Asian Tour winner, Justin Harding of South Africa and last week’s champion John Catlin of the United States.
The 22-year-old Sharma hopes to take a step closer towards becoming the Asian Tour’s number one golfer as half of the earnings won at the CIMB Classic will be counted on the Habitat for Humanity Standings.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat, the 2013 Asian Tour number one, will play in his first PGA Tour event at the CIMB Classic after becoming the first Thai to earn a PGA Tour card. He will look to improve on his tied third place finish in the showpiece in 2013.
Malaysia’s Leunkwang Kim will also make his dream debut in the event after winning the CIMB National Championship. Kim, who is close friends with reigning Order of Merit champion Gavin Green, will play in his career’s biggest tournament after sharpening his game on the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
Did you know?
- This is Sharma’s first appearance in the CIMB Classic. He qualified for the lucrative event thanks largely to his victory in Malaysia in February.
- Sharma, a two-time Asian Tour winner, currently leads the Habitat for Humanity Standings with a season’s haul of US$608,494.
- He is among four Indians – Gaganjeet Bhullar, Rahil Gangjee and Anirban Lahiri – in the elite field this week. This is the highest number of Indians playing in the tournament since its inception in 2011.
- Sharma won his first Asian Tour title at the Joburg Open in South Africa last December and went on to claim his second victory two months later in Malaysia.
- He also finished tied ninth at the World Golf Championships in Mexico where he led in the second and third rounds.
- Sharma is also the youngest Indian to play in all four Major championships this year, following the footsteps of Jeev Milkha Singh in 2007 and Anirban Lahiri in 2015 and 2016. His fine performances this year did not go unnoticed as he was awarded with the prestigious Arjuna Award from the President of India last month.
- Kiradech will be playing in his first PGA Tour event at the CIMB Classic as a PGA Tour member. He is the first Thai player to earn a PGA Tour card.
- This is his third appearance in the CIMB Classic. He previously played in the 2011 and 2013 editions where he finished tied 20th and tied third respectively. The result in 2013 also helped him lift the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
- Kiradech has fond memories at the TPC Kuala Lumpur where he won the Malaysian Open in 2013. However, the course recently went through renovation but the Thai is still confident of his chances.
- Earlier this year he won his third Asian Tour title at the 2018 ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth and finished tied fifth at the WGC – Mexico Championship and WGC – Dell Technologies Match Play.
Player quotes:
Shubhankar Sharma (Ind)
I’ve seen this event on television for so many years, and obviously Anirban (Lahiri) won the Malaysian Open here a few years ago so I’ve seen this golf course a lot on television and today was my first look at it. I’m really happy that I’m part of this event and looking forward to it.
I haven’t really thought about anything or set any goals. Winning the Order of Merit is something I want to achieve by December and playing well here goes a long way to achieve that. That will be number one goal for now.
Obviously we all know golf is a game that you can’t really have your best every week. What
I feel like in my short career, this is my sixth year as a pro, but what I learned is that it’s only when you are not playing well that you learn more about yourself. You have things that you would not really look at when you’re playing well, but when you’re playing bad, you tend to look at the finer things. I think I’ve done that in the past month.
Right now I feel like my game is in a good position. I have my coach here this week and even he’s really happy with the way I’m hitting it, and I hit it pretty good today as well. I think it’s just about getting in one good round and when that happens I think I’ll get confidence back and I’ll be back at it again.
Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha)
It is fantastic to start my first PGA TOUR event in Malaysia as a member in Malaysia, in Asia because it feels like home, especially the weather, the people around and the crowd is fantastic. My goal is just to be in the top-60 in the FedExCup points, that’s the goal for me, and keep the card as long as I can, same as my good friend Anirban (Lahiri).
Last few weeks I’ve been take three weeks off, it was my first time in seven years where I stayed at home more than 20 days, which is good. It’s difficult to get away from the golf club. I didn’t practice much but I was still working on the range.
I’ve been working with the same coach, same swing thought, try and play well, striking the ball and keep my confidence high. Hopefully the title is coming soon. The golf course is in good shape. The green is fantastic and this is the first time I see the ball rolling on the greens which is a good sign.
Leunkwang Kim (Mas)
Well, it feels amazing to have my first win finally after seven years, so it’s really nice to get a spot in the CIMB Classic. I’m really going to enjoy the week. Well, I think it will be different because when I was here few years ago and I was fortunate my best friend (Gavin Green) playing. So now I’m the one holding the golf club and playing.
I’m just going to enjoy every shot, being in the moment and playing in a PGA TOUR event. Gavin gave me a lot of advice throughout my career even when I was in contention two weeks ago. We were texting every day, so he gave me a few good advice when I was leading. He told me to play like it’s the first day again, to start fresh and shoot my best. So I’m going to do that this week here as well.
Linkou, Chinese Taipei, October 7: John Catlin of the United States became the first player to win three times this season on the Asian Tour when he signed off with a flawless seven-under-par 65 to win the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship on Sunday.
American Sihwan Kim was tussling with Catlin for the outright lead right until the 16th hole where a costly bogey pegged him back to second place which he would eventually finish at the US$500,000 event.
The local hopes of welcoming another home winner were dashed as Chinese Taipei’s Hung Chien-yao could not surmount the late charge needed and ended his week in third place at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club.
India’s Viraj Madappa enjoyed a welcome return to form by finishing fourth after missing three cuts since his maiden breakthrough at home in in August.
Catlin, who held a share of the lead since the second round, had a decisive birdie on 16 to thank for giving him a two-shot cushion heading into his final two holes.
That advantage provided him with much relief as two straight pars on 17 and 18 saw him close with a winning total of 15-under-par 273 and sealed his place as the newest winner of the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship.
Did you know?
- John Catlin is the first player to win three titles on the Asian Tour for the 2018 season.
- Thaworn remains the only player to have won four times in a single season in 2005.
- Catlin’s previous victories were achieved at this year’s Asia-Pacific Classic and the Sarawak Championship.
- He has a very impressive form this season. Prior to his latest victory, Catlin missed only one cut in 14 Asian Tour appearances.
- Catlin moved to Hua Hin, Thailand from California in 2016 and trains at the Springfield Golf and Country Club.
- Sihwan Kim has already enjoyed five top-five finishes this season. They include his second place result at this week’s Yeangder Tournament Players Championship.
- Kim is a graduate of the 2017 Asian Tour Qualifying School. Straight after securing his card, he went on to claim two straight top-10 finishes at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open and Bashundhara Bangladesh Open.
- He secured a tied-sixth finish at the season-ending Indonesian Masters to finish in 55th place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings and retain his card for 2018.
- Hung Chien-yao holds the honour of carding the week’s first hole-in-one recorded during the first round. His ace was achieved using an eight-iron from 177 yards on the 17th hole.
- Hung finished tied-10th in his last Yeangder TPC appearance in 2016 and his best result this season was a tied-20th finish at the Sarawak Championship in July.
- Hung has yet to win on the Asian Tour but has one Asian Development Tour (ADT) title which he won on home soil in 2013.
- Viraj Madappa became the youngest Indian player to win on the Asian Tour after lifting the 2018 TAKE Solutions Masters trophy in August.
- He won at the age of 20 years and nine months, breaking the previous record set by Gaganjeet Bhullar, who was 21 years and three months old when he won his first Asian Tour title at the 2009 Indonesia President Invitational.
Players’ Quotes
John Catlin (Usa) Fourth round 65 (-7), Total 273 (-15)
This win means a lot to me. All the pressure of trying to qualify for CIMB next week and not knowing where I was standing. And to be able to stand up to that is just awesome. That’s why you work so hard for. That’s why you put in all those hours in preparation for rounds like today. I told myself to hit the fairways and the birdie putt on 16 was huge. It was massive having a two-shot lead going into the last two holes. Because if you only got one-shot lead, anything can happen on the 18th hole. I made a lot of really good putts and that’s what’s you got to especially when someone is chasing you. If you told me I was going to play in a PGA Tour event six months ago, I would be like, it’s not going to happen. But now that I’ve got in, it’s amazing and I’m so excited to there.
Sihwan Kim (Usa) Fourth round 66 (-6), Total 275 (-13)
It was a good week. I didn’t win but second place is still good. It’s just a shame I three-putted twice today and that made the difference. I just got to be sharper with my putting and I didn’t do that. Next week’s a big tournament and I want to do well there. It’s my first time playing there, playing with the big boys. I have a lot of experience playing all over the world and I hope to use that and play well next week.
Hung Chien-yao (Tpe) Fourth round 68 (-4), Total 276 (-12)
I lost to a worthy winner. John Catlin deserves this victory. I had the chance to fight for the title but unfortunately that bogey on 13 messed up everything. I had birdie chances on 14, 15 and 17 but I just could not convert my chances. But anyway, this is still my best result and I’m happy it has allowed me to keep for card for next season.
Viraj Madappa (Ind) Fourth round 68 (-4), Total 277 (-11)
I was a little disappointed I didn’t get off to a good start today but I gave myself lots of opportunities in the middle of the round. But I’m still happy with the way I’m playing. It was tough mentally but I’m glad I stuck to my game plan and managed to stay focused. I feel like my game is there physically but got to work on my mental strength which was lacking the last few weeks. If my mental strength is strong, I can work my way up the leaderboard.
Karachi, Pakistan, October 5: Pannakorn Uthaipas of Thailand will be aiming to turn his season around at the US$300,000 UMA CNS Open Golf Championship that tees off next week.
Pannakorn enjoyed a successful 2017, posting four top-10s and a victory on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) en route to winning the ADT Order of Merit title.
The transition to the Asian Tour has been a difficult one for the 28-year-old so far, but he is rediscovering his game and hopes to get back to winning ways at the historic Karachi Golf Club.
I’m going for a victory,” said Pannakorn, on his goal for the UMA CNS Open Golf Championship.
He added: “I’m really excited about next week. This is my second tournament in Pakistan. Last year, I was in Lahore for an ADT event. The country is safe, the people I’ve met were nice and the hotel was beautiful. I’m sure my experience will be similar or even better when I’m in Karachi.”
The UMA CNS Open Golf Championship is the first Asian Tour tournament in Pakistan in 11 years and Singapore’s Koh Deng Shan is grateful for the opportunity to play there.
Koh Deng Shan of Singapore
“It is always great to go back to a place where we haven’t been for some time. I’m glad that Pakistan is hosting an Asian Tour event and I hope that the country will continue to do that,” said Koh, who posted a career-best tied-16th finish on the Asian Tour in Zhengzhou this year.
“I’ve never been to Pakistan. I’ve only seen some pictures and it looks like a very scenic place. Getting my first Asian Tour win there will be fantastic!”
The 132-man field at the UMA CNS Open Golf Championship will be made up of 80 Asian Tour professionals, 30 local professionals and 22 invitees.
The tournament has been staged on the local circuit since 1995 and with its entry into Asia’s premier golf circuit this year, the event will receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.
Ends.
Linkou, Chinese Taipei, October 3: Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond is determined to get back to his winning ways at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC) which starts on Thursday.
The 22-year-old came up short after being in contention last week but is confident of redeeming himself and stake his claim for a place in Malaysia next week when the US$500,000 event gets underway.
Chinese Taipei’s Lu Wei-chih, who remains the only local to have won the Yeangder TPC in 2011, will be hoping to put a dent in Jazz’s title ambitions as the thought of bringing home the trophy is firmly etched on his mind.
Lu believes the course familiarity of the Linkou International Golf and Country Club will be advantageous for the local players and could prove decisive in reclaiming the Yeangder TPC, which is celebrating its ninth edition this week.
India’s Viraj Madappa is looking forward to post a stellar result away from home despite having missed three consecutive cuts since his maiden Asian Tour victory in August.
Encouraged by his breakthrough at home two months ago, Madappa is still feeling confident of going head-to-head against the best players on the Asian Tour.
Did you know?
- Jazz Janewattananond claimed his second Asian Tour victory at the Queen’s Cup on home soil in June.
- The 22-year-old Thai went on to make his Major debut at The Open at Carnoustie.
- Despite being placed 15th on the current Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, Jazz still has a good chance of qualifying for next week’s CIMB Classic if he can break into top-10 with a good result this week.
- Lu Wei-chih is a four-time Asian Tour winner. His fourth win at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters in 2016 was also his first in four years since he underwent a surgery to remove a brain tumour.
- When he won the Yeangder TPC in 2011, he battled back from a five-shot deficit. It was his last win after being diagnosed with a tumour in his brain.
- He never thought he could play golf again after his surgery but was encouraged by his family and friends to continue playing.
- Viraj Madappa became the youngest Indian player to win on the Asian Tour after lifting the 2018 TAKE Solutions Masters trophy in August.
- He won at the age of 20 years and nine months, breaking the previous record set by Gaganjeet Bhullar, who was 21 years and three months old when he won his first Asian Tour title at the 2009 Indonesia President Invitational.
- Madappa is also the youngest winner on the Asian Tour this season.
- Madappa, who turned professional in 2017, made the grade in his first attempt at the Asian Tour Qualifying School in January. He is the first rookie to win on the Asian Tour this season.
Players’ Quotes
Jazz Janewattananond (Tha)
I really got it up there last week especially the first three days. I was still looking good on the front-nine on the last day but then it all fell apart on the last nine holes. But this week is a redemption week for me as I know it can be redeemed. You can say it’s a top-10 finish and a good week but I feel I can play so much better than that. I like this golf course. I was in the final group two years ago and I know how to play this golf course. I have a good track record here and I’ll use that to my advantage.
Lu Wei-chih (Tpe)
This event obviously brings back lots of good memories as I repaid the faith in my sponsor by winning this event in 2011. It’s nice knowing I’m the only local winner for this event since it was established and obviously I hope we can wrestle the trophy back to get it on home soil this week. I’ve played at Linkou so many times and I’m very familiar with this golf course. It all comes down to your mental state of mind and form when the tournament gets underway.
Viraj Madappa (Ind)
I’ve been getting into a lot more tournaments with better field. It has been exciting playing with all these some of these top professionals from Asia. It allows me to see where my game stands. I haven’t been playing as well as I have the last couple of weeks but I’m still excited and confident about my game. I feel like I’ve learnt a lot this whole year despite all these missed cuts. But I still feel I’ve the game to finish really high this week. This course really rewards good ball striking, the greens are tricky to read and it will be anyone’s game this week. I’m really close to a couple of guys like Rahil and S.S.P. I’ve got close to Shiv and other Indians like Gaganjeet who have really helped me throughout the year. They have helped me with my mental state and they have played a big part in helping me feel comfortable on Tour.
Ends.
Linkou, Chinese Taipei, October 2: The Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC) will be the ultimate test for Asian Tour’s leading players when it gets underway at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club on Thursday.
The US$500,000 event, which is the second leg of the Asian Tour stop in Chinese Taipei, is the final event before qualification closes for the lucrative events in Malaysia next week and China at the end of the month.
With much at stake and everything to play for on all fronts, India’s Shubhankar Sharma, who currently leads the Habitat for Humanity Standings, is ready put up a performance befitting of his status as one of Asia’s shining stars.
Sharma’s confidence stems from a spectacular season which has seen him win his second Asian Tour title in Malaysia in February and posting several sterling results globally.
Being conferred the prestigious Arjuna award by the President of India last week was indeed the icing on the cake for the 22-year-old.
South Africa’s Justin Harding, who is the highest ranked player on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) this week, is also seeking another grandstand finish after a breakout year on the Asian Tour.
Harding has already secured two wins and two top-five finishes in only six starts on the Asian Tour and believes he can do even better if he continues to play true to form.
American Berry Henson, who moved into contention for a place in Malaysia after finishing tied-second last week, is ready to pick up where he left off.
The one-time Asian Tour winner is pleased with his return to form and is hopeful of winning his first title since 2011.
Did you know?
- The top 10 and top four players (not otherwise exempt) on the Habitat for Humanity standings will qualify for the US$7 million CIMB Classic and US$10 million WGC-HSBC Champions staged in Malaysia and China respectively.
- The Yeangder TPC is the final event for players to try and boost their rankings on the Habitat for Humanity Standings.
- Shubhankar Sharma, a two-time Asian Tour winner, currently leads the Habitat for Humanity Standings with a season’s haul of US$608,493.55
- Sharma won his first Asian Tour title at the Joburg Open last December and went on to claim his second victory two months later at the Maybank Championship.
- Those results played an instrumental role in helping him break into the top-100 on the OWGR for the first time in his career.
- Sharma continued his remarkable rise at the World Golf Championships in Mexico where he came in top-10 in his first attempt and has played in all four Majors this year.
- He finished in tied-21st place at the Yeangder TPC last year.
- Justin Harding is playing in only his seventh start on the Asian Tour this season. He has claimed two victories and a runner-up finish so far.
- Harding broke into top-10 on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings following his second-place result in Japan and moved to his current sixth place after finishing tied-fourth last week.
- Harding won his first Asian Tour title in his first start on Tour this season at the BANK BRI Indonesia Open in July. He later claimed a six-shot victory at the Royal Cup to become the first player since 2011 to win back-to-back titles on the region’s premier Tour.
- Harding is the highest-ranked player in the field in 93rd place on the latest OWGR.
- Berry Henson, a one-time Asian Tour winner, made an amazing return from a career-threatening wrist injury by notching three consecutive top-10 finishes earlier in the season.
- The American claimed his breakthrough in his rookie year on the Asian Tour in 2011. He posted best result this season with his joint runner-up finish last week.
Players’ Quotes
Shubhankar Sharma (Ind)
I’m very happy to be back in Asia and also because all of my friends are here. It has been a very long year for me especially with all the traveling. But now that I’m back, I get to spend time with my family and friends and it just brings back old memories which I’m very happy for. It was a very big honour to receive the Arjuna Award from the President. Just to be presented with the award and to be mentioned in the same breath as the other top athletes in India is something I’ll always remember. It has been a whirlwind season for me. I played all four Majors, most of the WGCs and so it has been a dream year for me. There’s lots of learning and new experiences and I’m really happy I got the chance to do all of this. I’ve never played the CIMB before and it should be very exciting. I’ve watched it on TV before and my second win obviously came in Malaysia, so I’m looking forward to returning there and putting up another good show. I had a bigger lead before but the players are playing better and everyone’s getting closer. I know I’ve got to play well and I’ve to finish strong in the last few events and I’m going to give my best.
Justin Harding (Rsa)
It has been a nice year, casually moving up and up as I continue to put together some nice results. I guess I can say I’ve been going places. I’m looking forward to this week. I’m playing here for the first time and I’m obviously trying to build on my good form and get another good result here. I didn’t really expect this when I played my first event out here. I can’t really explain it. It’s a matter of taking each round as it comes and give myself a chance come Sunday. It’s just a matter of trying to minimise mistakes throughout the year. You have your weeks when you make a couple more than most. It’s always tricky as I’m coming to most places where I’ve never been to before and I’m seeing lots of courses for the first time. But that maybe plays in my favour as I don’t have any bad memories of any of them. I’ve never anticipated my season to be this good and my schedule looking forward to very nice. It’s exciting and I’m looking forward to CIMB as I’m going to see a couple of my mates there. It’s now a matter of grinding it out and working on what needs to be worked this week to prepare for CIMB and HSBC if it all goes well.
Berry Henson (Usa)
The goal is to win this week. The perks will come if you play well. I was quite far out going into last week but I was able to put myself into position by playing well. The fact that I had a chance was really all I wanted to give myself. My game is sharp. I’ve played well here in the past so if I go out and play my game, everything will take care of itself.
Ends.
Sentosa, Singapore, October 1: You would typically associate Brazil with footballers, formula one drivers and volleyball players, but evident from Adilson Da Silva’s winning feat at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters, the country can produce champion golfers as well.
The 46-year-old Da Silva, who started playing on Tour since 2011, finally made a breakthrough at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club on Sunday.
In doing so, he has written his name into the record books by becoming the first Brazilian to win a tournament on Asia’s premier circuit since the Tour’s inauguration in 2004.
“This victory means so much to me,” summarised Da Silva, who always has a special place for Asia in his heart.
“I really like playing in Asia and it’s so special to win here. The atmosphere and the sponsors here are great! Mr George Wong, Chairman of the Mercuries Group, has been here the whole week, talking to players every now and then. You don’t see that anywhere else and I think it’s just wonderful to see,” he added.
Da Silva was in a bit of rut in the first half of 2018, missing six consecutive cuts at the start of the season. He finally turned his game around a fortnight ago at the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup, where he finished tied-ninth.
The Brazilian joins an international cast on this year’s list of champions. To date, golfers from 11 nationalities have won on the Asian Tour in 2018, highlighting the Tour’s global influence and appeal.
Following his victory in Chinese Taipei, Da Silva shot up 49 places to 16th on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings. He is now in the running to qualify for the US$7million CIMB Classic.
Shubhankar Sharma of India
India’s Shubhankar Sharma remains at the pinnacle of the Habitat for Humanity Standings with his total earnings of US$$608,494, but in-form golfers such as Korean Sanghyun Park, Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent and South African Justin Harding are closing down on the leader.
The top-10 and top-four players (not otherwise exempt) on the Habitat for Humanity Standings will qualify for the US$7million CIMB Classic and US$10 million WGC-HSBC Champions staged in Malaysia and China respectively.
The cut-off date for both events will be upon the conclusion of the US$500,000 Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Chinese Taipei, which will be happening this week.
Top-20 players on the Habitat for Humanity Standings
Pos Player Order of Merit (US$)
1 Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) $608,494
2 Sanghyun PARK (KOR) $550,612
3 Matt WALLACE (ENG) $446,660
4 Scott VINCENT (ZIM) $414,518
5 Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) $397,877
6 Justin HARDING (RSA) $376,348
7 Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) $372,481
8 Yuta IKEDA (JPN) $338,671
9 Rahil GANGJEE (IND) $296,889
10 Sihwan KIM (USA) $279,624
11 Minchel CHOI (KOR) $278,991
12 John CATLIN (USA) $257,572
13 Berry HENSON (USA) $245,311
14 Paul PETERSON (USA) $241,149
15 Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) $239,502
16 Adilson DA SILVA (BRA) $217,040
17 Shaun NORRIS (RSA) $194,803
18 Prom MEESAWAT (THA) $171,789
19 Danthai BOONMA (THA) $170,590
20 Kurt KITAYAMA (USA) $164,305
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