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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Did you know?

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

Players’ quotes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tapy Ghai (Ind) – First round 67 (-5)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

66 – Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Did you know?

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

Players’ Quotes

Scott Vincent (Zim)

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

Sihwan Kim (Usa)

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

Li Haotong (Chn)

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

Brooks Koepka (Usa)

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

New Delhi, October 24: After claiming back-to-back victories in the last two weeks, Thailand’s Tirawat Kaewsiribandit will be seeking his hat-trick when he challenges for the US$400,000 Panasonic Open India which starts on Thursday.

Tirawat, who turns 29 today, secured his Asian Tour breakthrough in Pakistan followed by a domestic win in Thailand. The birthday boy is confident he can establish himself as a genuine contender at the Delhi Golf Club this week.

Tirawat will spearhead the talented 126-man field alongside compatriot Jazz Janewattananond, Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh and local hotshot Ajeetesh Sandhu at the Panasonic Open India, which is celebrating its eighth successive edition on the region’s premier Tour.

Jazz, a two-time Asian Tour winner, enters the week in fine fettle after taking a two-week break from competitive golf. The 22-year-old Thai had contended for the title before settling for a tied-30th place result when he last played the Panasonic Open India two years ago.

Siddikur, who holds an impressive track record at the par-72, 6935 yards course, hopes to end his title drought when he competes on his favourite hunting ground this week.

Placed 97th on the money list, Siddikur needs a strong showing to boost his rankings and hopefully break into top-60 by the end of the season to keep his Asian Tour card for 2019.

Sandhu, who came in joint runner-up last year, is looking to go one rung better in his chase for a second Asian Tour win at the popular event, which marks the Tour’s third stop in India this season.

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

(From left) Siddikur Rahman, Ajeetesh Sandhu and Jazz Janewattananond

Did you know?

• Tirawat Kaewsiribandit overcame a three-shot deficit to claim his first Asian Tour win at the UMA CNS Open Golf Championship in Pakistan two weeks ago. Prior to his breakthrough, he had made only six cuts in 18 starts.
• Tirawat finished inside top-60 on the Order of Merit after securing four top-10s in 2017, thereby keeping his card for the first time in his career. He first came close to winning his maiden AT title at the 2017 Indonesia Open before settling for second.
• Tirawat is a one-time winner on the ADT. He also overcame a back injury to win that ADT title last year.
• Should Tirawat win again this week, he will become the second player following South African Justin Harding to win consecutive titles on the Asian Tour this season.

• Jazz Janewattananond is the highest-ranked player in the field this week. He sits in 14th place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.
• In his last attempt at the Panasonic Open India two years ago, Jazz had trailed by two shots heading into the third and final round but a disappointing 79 saw him slip to a tied-30th place finish. The tournament was shortened to 54 holes due to inclement weather that year and Mukesh Kumar was the winner.
• The 22-year-old Jazz returns to the Delhi Golf Club as a two-time Asian Tour winner this time. He broke through in Bangladesh in January 2017 and claimed his second title on home soil earlier in June. The talented Thai went on to make his Major debut at The Open at Carnoustie in July.
• Siddikur holds an impeccable track record at the Delhi Golf Club. He won his second Asian Tour title in 2013, finished inside top-10 in four of his five attempts at the Panasonic Open India and has secured six top-10s in other Asian Tour events there.
• Siddikur enjoyed his career-best season in 2013 when he came in fourth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. He has not finished outside top-60 on the money list in his last eight consecutive seasons on Tour since 2010.
• The 33-year-old Siddikur wrote a slice of history in 2010 when he became the first player from Bangladesh to win on the Asian Tour at the Brunei Open.
• Ajeetesh Sandhu enjoyed a superb season in 2017 where he claimed his maiden Asian Tour win at the Yeangder TPC in Chinese Taipei. He followed up with a play-off win on the Japan Challenge Tour the week after.
• His good form continued in the following weeks at the Macao Open and the Pansonic Open India where he finished joint runner-up. Also enjoyed a tied-eighth place finish at the season-ending Indonesian Masters to finish in 21st position on the final 2017 Order of Merit.
• Sandhu sits in a current 34th place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, thanks to two top-10 finishes in Japan and Korea.

Players’ quotes:

Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (Tha)

I feel very confident with my game right now. I was actually battling a slight back injury last week but I’ve fully recovered. I am feeling good so hopefully I can ride on my good form and secure another good result this week.

I am really proud of myself, having won my first Asian Tour win in Pakistan two weeks ago and then winning again on home soil last week. It all came very timely because I turned 29 years old today. It’s a great birthday present for myself.

You need a good game plan around this course. It’s a very tight course and if you miss the fairways, it will be difficult to make par. I will focus on my tee shots this week. If you hit it good, you can get on the green easily.

This course feels like what we have played in Pakistan two weeks ago. Both are pretty narrow. I surprised myself in Pakistan. I never thought I can do it until I did it. Overall, I think my mental game has improved for this year. I have been working on my fitness as well so I guess that helps.

Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha)

The last time I played here was two years ago. I remembered playing very well on the first three days and was playing in the final group with Mukesh Kumar before he went on to win the tournament. I didn’t play well on the final day but I know I can play well on this course.

I think only a certain type of players can play well on this course. Like S.S.P. Chawrasia and Mithun Perera who always play well here. I just have to try and play well again. I took a two-week break before coming here so I’m feeling refreshed.

I was practicing in Hua Hin with Scott Vincent, who is playing in the WGC-HSBC Champions this week. There are only a few more events to play for the remainder of the season so I am hoping to make the most out of it. I will try and play my best and hopefully end the season on a high.

Siddikur Rahman (Ban)

I have a very consistent record here. I really like this golf course. It’s one of my favourite venue on Tour and obviously my records here show that. I have been coming to play here since I was an amateur. I also won here as an amateur back in 2004.

It’s slightly similar to my home course Kurmitola Golf Club, just that my home course has less bushes. The greens are not looking so good this year but the fairways and the roughs are in great shape.

The season has been disappointing so far but I am not worried. I am just focusing on what I need to do. I hope to give it my best again this week. This week is important for me. I have been struggling a bit with my back injury. It’s been about four to five years now. It comes and goes.

Like in Hong Kong last year, I needed to play well there to keep my card but I had to withdraw from the third round due to my back pain. This kind of things happen. It’s just not curing properly and it shows the most when I am playing in cold weather.

But having said that, the weather here is perfect now and I am feeling good with my game. I mostly use a driver on this course, unlike the other players.

Ajeetesh Sandhu of India

Ajeetesh Sandhu (Ind)

It’s always a nice feeling to be playing at home. I have played here so many times now so it’s almost like a home course not just for me but in fact, for all of us on the Asian Tour. It’s nice to be back.

I finished tied for second last year so obviously a lot of good memories out here. It’s a tough test every time you come back here so you got to stand up for it and looking forward to this week.

I have played a few events in Japan and in Europe this season. It’s a great learning experience for me. A lot of new courses, new conditions and it was fun. I’m looking to end the season on a high coming back to play on the Asian Tour these two months.

The key to play well here is always to hit it good off the tee. If you can do that, you get the opportunities to go for the pins. You need to be very patient as well. It’s always important to stay patient on this course.

Shanghai, October 23: India’s Shubhankar Sharma is determined to become the second Asian player to win the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions when the US$10 million event starts at the Sheshan International Golf Club on Thursday.

Sharma’s best finish at a WGC event was in Mexico early in the year where he led for two rounds before settling for an eventual tied-ninth place.

The Indian believes he is close to rediscovering the form that led him to two wins on the Asian Tour and is capable of following the footsteps of Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, who lifted the coveted Old Tom Morris Cup in 2016.

Gaganjeet Bhullar of India

Compatriot Gaganjeet Bhullar, who has also enjoyed a standout season so far, is ready to stamp his mark at the Shanghai showpiece.

Bhullar is the only Indian to have won nine times on the Asian Tour and is feeling confident ahead of the exciting contest which will also feature five of the world’s top six golfers in the elite 78-man field.

Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat will have another opportunity to create an impression on the world stage, having enjoyed two top-five finishes in his previous two WGC events in Mexico and the United States this year.

Ranked 41st in the world, Kiradech is the first Thai to earn a PGA TOUR card and is hopeful of playing to his true potential when the year’s final WGC event gets underway.

Did you know?

• This is Sharma’s first appearance at the WGC-HSBC Champions. He is a two-time Asian Tour winner and currently leads the Habitat for Humanity Standings with a season’s haul of US$695,994.
• Sharma will fly the Indian flag together with Gaganjeet Bhullar this week.
• 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 finished tied-ninth at the World Golf Championships in Mexico, where he led in the second and third rounds.
• He shared the third round lead in Malaysia a fortnight ago but had to settle for tied-10th place following a 72 in the final round.
• Sharma played in all four Major championships this year, following the footsteps of Jeev Milkha Singh in 2007 and Anirban Lahiri in 2015 and 2016. He is the youngest Indian to do so. His fine performances this year did not go unnoticed as he was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award from the President of India last month.
• Bhullar is the only Indian to win nine times on the Asian Tour following his victory in Fiji in August.
• 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 win in China.
• Kiradech Aphibarnrat is the first Thai to earn a PGA TOUR card.
• His season has been highlighted by a couple of impressive top-five finishes at the WGC-Mexico Championship and WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.
• The 2013 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion has also enjoyed two other top-15s at the Memorial Tournament and U.S. Open.
• Earlier this year Kiradech won his third Asian Tour title at the 2018 ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth.
• The Asian Tour will be well represented by 14 members at the WGC-HSBC Champions and they include India’s Shubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar, Korea’s Sanghyun Park, Zimbabwean Scott Vincent, South Africa’s Justin Harding, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Americans Sihwan Kim and Catlin, Australia’s Jason Norris, Japan’s Yuta Ikeda, England’s Matt Wallace as well as China’s Xiao Bowen, Liang Wenchong and Liu Yanwei.
• At 21, China’s Liu Yanwei is the youngest competitor while England’s Ian Poulter is the oldest at 42.

Players’ Quotes

Shubhankar Sharma (Ind)

I’m playing this event for the first time and I’m really happy to be here. It’s obviously going to be a very exciting week as only the best players in the world will be here and I’m part of them. I’m really looking forward to competing this week. I’ve been lucky to be able to play in all the big tournaments this year so I would say I’m more comfortable playing against these guys than I was at the start of the year. I know I have the game to be among the best in the world. I had a few chances this year and I would like to draw on those experiences and play well. I had problems both in Mexico and Malaysia and they all came on the last day. I didn’t get off to the best of starts and then I got back into contention in the middle of the round and then dropped silly shots again in the end. I try to think back and see how I can avoid those mistakes especially when I’m in those positions again. I have a decent year so far and I just want to keep playing well and give my best shot.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha)

I just want to play my own game this week. I’ve my coach with me this week and hopefully, I can bring out my ‘A’ game. I want to finish inside the top-30 in the world ranking at the end of the year and I don’t see why I cannot do it if I can find my ‘A’ game. I hope that things will go my way this week. I know this course well and I really like the conditions. It all comes down to putting and if things go according to plan, I can hole more putts and control my ball around this golf course.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind)

This is my fourth appearance and third time playing on this golf course. It’s a great feeling and I’ve great memories. It is a great accomplishment for anyone who qualifies to be in the field this week. World Golf Championships, Majors, these are the tournaments that we work hard to be in. It has been a pretty good season so far and the goal is to finish off the season in style. I have a lot of consistent finishes and the goal is to get better at what I’m doing every day. I’m very privileged and humbled to be part of the elite field this week.

Ends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Did you know?

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

Players’ quotes:

Shiv Kapur (Ind)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Viraj Madappa (Ind)

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

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

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

Kshitij Naveed Kaul (Ind)

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

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

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

Mardan Mamat (Sgp)

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

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

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

Ends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ends.

Karachi, Pakistan, October 14: Tirawat Kaewsiribandit of Thailand put together a flawless display of golf as he carded a final-round three-under-par 69 to win the US$300,000 UMA CNS Open Golf Championship on Sunday.

The 28-year-old Tirawat enjoyed a bogey-free round that was highlighted by birdies on the third, eighth and 11th. He signed for a 12-under-par 276 total to win his maiden Asian Tour title by one shot at the historic Karachi Golf Club.

Tirawat turned his season around in victorious fashion after being plagued by a lower back injury in the majority of the year.

Compatriots Jakraphan Premsirigorn and Namchok Tantipokhakul share second place after carding 72 and 73 respectively.

Jakraphan got off to a good start with a birdie and with neck-and-neck with eventual winner, Tirawat. However, a double bogey on 13th seemed to have unravelled his round, but he recovered with a birdie on 16th. Another birdie on 18th would have forced a play-off, but he could only manage a par.

Namchok, the 54-hole leader, made an uncharacteristic double bogey on hole sixth, but he managed to focus on his game and kept pace with his flight mates. He got back into contention with a birdie on 13th, but could not find that extra gear in the remainder of his round.

Muhammad Munir of Pakistan

Muhammad Munir of Pakistan got the crowd cheering when he scored four consecutive birdies after the turn. He got himself into contention at that juncture, but he made a bogey on 15th and had to settle for fourth eventually.

Liu Yanwei of China took advantage of a hot putter to rally to a tied-fifth finish, which is his best result yet in 2018. He got his round going early in the day as he made four consecutive birdies from holes two to five. The 21-year-old took only 25 putts on Sunday.

Did you know:

• Tirawat Kaewsiribandit earned a Tour card in 2017 via Qualifying School and went on to finish 36th on the Order of Merit.
• Before the UMA CNS Open Golf Championship, he competed in 18 tournaments and had only made the cut six times.
• Tirawat was placed as high as 309th on the OWGR. He rose to that position after finishing tied-10th at the 2017 Resorts World Manila Masters.
• He is the fourth Thai to win on Tour this year, and the 12th first-time winner in 2018.
• Jakraphan Premsirigorn played mostly on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) in his career. Out of 48 events he competed in, he finished in the top-10 13 times and won once.
• He rose to a career-high 619th on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) was 619th after winning the PGM MNRB Sarawak Masters
• Jakraphan first showed signs of his recovery after a wrist injury at the 2018 Taifong Open, an ADT event, in mid-August. He finished tied-19th there.
• Namchok Tantipokhakul played in 153 Asian Tour events since 2007.
• Muhammad Munir finished tied-fourth at the 2006 Pakistan Open, which was held at the Karachi Golf Club.
• He also enjoyed a tied-eighth finish at the 2008 Hero Indian Open.
• Munir represented Pakistan at the World Cup in 2009. He had Mohammad Shabir as his teammate.
• This is Liu Yanwei’s best result on the Asian Tour since the 2017 Asian Golf Championship, where he was placed third.

Players’ quotes

Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (Tha) – fourth round 69 (-3), total 276 (-12)

I’m really happy about my victory, the first on the Asian Tour. I’ve been having problems with my lower back for the majority of this year. But, I started to train up my strength and condition and it was obviously worked for me. I am playing without injury and without pain, and that has made me enjoy my golf a lot more.

I do feel the pressure going into the final few holes as the leader. However, playing alongside my countrymen has helped me relax a little bit, as we can all speak the same language. I said that I am aiming to win the tournament, and now I’ve done it.

I have never thought about winning the tournament until the last putt. Anything can happen and it could have resulted in a play-off.

Now that I’ve won, I’ll enter the tournaments remaining in the year with more confidence.

Jakraphan Premsirigorn (Tha) – fourth round 72 (even), total 277 (-11)

I recovered from my double bogey with a birdie on the 16th, and coming into 18th, all I was aiming for was to put the ball onto the green. Although, I started the final hole badly by driving way right. Then my approach went into the bunker.

But overall, I’m pleased with my progress. This is the first tournament that I played well. Before this, I missed six consecutive cuts. After finishing tied-second, I’m more confident now and I’ll be aiming to retain my card with a top-60 finish.

Namchok Tantipokhakul (Tha) – fourth round 73 (+1), total 277 (-11)  

I’m happy with a tied-second finish. But again, I’ve missed too many fairways and my putting has been great as well.

I didn’t start well in my front nine, but I managed to focus on my game. The focus has always been to hit the greens. Things didn’t work out for me, but I can’t be too upset with my finish. I’m feeling a lot better physically, and I’ll be approaching the rest of the year with more confidence.

Muhammad Munir (Pak) – fourth round 68 (-4), total 278 (-10)

I played good golf today. It has been really great to be able to play alongside Asian Tour players. The atmosphere of the tournament has been very good and it felt great to be able to play in this tournament. I’m very happy, especially my final round.

My driving and putting were very good. After the turn, I scored four birdies in a row and that felt great.

I am up for the competition and I will try my best to qualify for the Asian Tour next year.

Matloob Ahmed (Pak) – fourth round 68 (-4), total 280 (-8)

I had a good tournament. I am very happy for Pakistani golfers and that we have an Asian Tour event here. I didn’t putt well for my first three rounds but today has been much better. I finished top-10, so I’m really happy about that.

A lot of players from the Asian Tour are my good. I played in the last two Pakistan Open tournaments, in 2006 and 2007. Recently, I’ve been playing in Pakistan because of lack of sponsorship opportunities. But after this top-10 finish, I’ll be putting together some plans to play in Thailand. I’ll also be trying for the Asian Tour Qualifying School that’s happening the end of this year.

Liu Yanwei (Chn) – fourth round 67 (-5), total 280 (-8)

This is my best finish on the Asian Tour in 2018. This will surely get things going. I felt good on the course. Actually, I haven’t felt this good for a long time. After playing it pretty rough when I was in time, it was great to have a good finish here.

I didn’t do as many stupid things as I did before. My putter felt great. I was putting OK over the first three rounds, but it was exceptionally good today. It has been a very positive tournament and I hope that this will kickstart my season.

Scores after round 4 of the UMA CNS Open Golf Championship being played at the par 72, 7032 Yards Karachi GC course (am – denotes amateur):
276 – Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 71-69-67-69.
277 – Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA) 69-68-68-72, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 67-70-67-73.
278 – Muhammad MUNIR (PAK) 69-69-72-68.
280 – LIU Yanwei (CHN) 74-69-70-67, Matloob AHMED (PAK) 72-70-70-68, Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 69-68-72-71.
281 – Gaurav Pratap SINGH (IND) 73-74-67-67, Paul HARRIS (USA) 73-72-67-69, James Ryan LAM (PHI) 68-73-70-70, Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 72-69-69-71.
282 – Muhammad SHABBIR (PAK) 68-73-71-70, Matt KILLEN (ENG) 70-74-68-70, Siddikur RAHMAN (BAN) 71-70-70-71.
283 – Niall TURNER (IRL) 72-74-70-67, Muhammad NAEEM (PAK) 71-72-68-72.

Ends.

Kuala Lumpur, October 14: Marc Leishman secured a stunning victory at the CIMB Classic to become the first Australian and non-American to win the US$7 million tournament on Sunday.

The 34-year-old Leishman posted a final round seven-under-par 65 to claim his fourth PGA TOUR title and broke the stranglehold of the Americans, who have triumphed in the last eight editions.

With a winning total of 26-under-par 262, the Australian dominated the event with a five-shot victory over Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo (66), Chesson Hadley (66) and first round leader Bronson Burgoon (68). His winning score also equalled the low four-day total set by Justin Thomas in 2015.

There was heartbreak for joint overnight leader Shubhankar Sharma, who was aiming to become only the second Indian to win on the PGA TOUR. He settled for tied-10th place following a 72 in his debut at the event

Leishman was hot at the get-go, making four straight birdies on the second hole before adding further birdies on holes nine and 10. He dropped a shot on 13 but his lead was never threatened as he marked his card with further birdies on 16 and 18.

With the victory, Leishman earned a cool prize purse of US$1.26 million.

Thomas, searching for a third CIMB Classic victory, made a final day charge with a 64 but had to settle for a share of fifth place with Major winner Louis Oosthuizen, Ancer Abraham, Charles Howell III and Gary Woodland.

Did you know?

• Leishman is the first Australian and non-American to win the CIMB Classic in nine editions.
• He betters his fifth place finish at the CIMB Classic last year. He wins the event in his seventh appearance in the tournament.
• Leishman was consistent the entire week, dropping only four bogeys while shooting 28 birdies and one eagle.
• He totalled 25 putts today, his second lowest of the week. He needed only 24 putts in the second round. He only made one three-putt the entire week.
• This is Leishman’s fourth PGA Tour title since winning the 2012 Travelers Championship, 2017 Arnold Palmer Invitational and BMW Championship.
• His 26-under-par 262 is the second lowest 72-hole total of his career. His lowest total 261 came in his victory at the 2017 BMW Championship.
• He also receives invitations to the 2019 Sentry Tournament of Champions, a winners-only event in January, along with two major championships (Masters Tournament and PGA Championship) and THE PLAYERS Championship.
• Sharma shot his highest score of the week with a final round 72.
• He shot two bogeys and one birdie in six holes before holing four straight birdies from the seventh hole. His momentum stopped when he hit his tee shot into the water on the par-three 11th hole which resulted in a bogey.
• He extends his lead on the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings. He currently has a lead of US$134,094 over Korea’s Sanghyun Park.

Player interviews:

Marc Leishman (Aus) – Final Round 65 (-7), Total 262 (-26)

I feel unbelievable right now. On Tuesday I got here and I thought I was going to have to call Callaway and get them to leave some more golf balls in my locker, I was hitting my driver a bit sideways. Sorted that out and this is the result. I want to thank Callaway, I want to thank all my other sponsors for giving me what I need and the tools certainly worked this week.

The golf course was amazing. Yesterday started off great and struggled on the back nine, but I think that helped me today. I knew that even though I got off to a good start, I still needed to grind because there’s some tough holes out there. Managed to hit some good shots and this is the result. It’s great to get back in the winner’s circle, excited to be back in Malaysia and leaving with this.

It was a very tough time that we went through about three and a half years ago, but certainly made us stronger as people, made us appreciate just the everyday things, appreciate our kids more, appreciate friends, family, everything.

I won’t say it made golf less important, but it made me realize that golf’s not life or death.

We’ve been through that and that’s not fun. Yes, I want to win trophies and lucky enough today to be leaving with one, which my kids will be very happy about, by the way, but if I wasn’t to walk away the winner today, that’s all right, too. As long as I give it my best shot, that’s what it’s all about.

Shubhankar’s a great lad. I am sure he learned a lot from these past two days and that’s what it’s all about. Sometimes you learn more from the tournaments that you don’t win. I think this is one of the wins where I did learn a lot and that’s not always the case. I’m sure he’ll learn and he’s going to go on to big things.

Shubhankar Sharma (Ind) – Final Round 72 (E), Total 269 (-19)

My start was not as good, but I came back really strong. I made four birdies in a row and I was really happy with the way I was playing and I knew I had a chance. We had to wait, there was some wait on the 11th hole and I was in between clubs so I was trying to hit a soft rescue and that was probably one of the worst swings of the day and that ended up in the water. After that it was just a trend of hitting bad shots. Even the next hole after that I hit it in the bunker, I had a relatively easy shot and I duffed it and couldn’t make up and down. Even on the next hole I was in the fairway, hit a good second shot to the left. So that 11th hole I think killed the momentum for me. A par there would have gone a long way and I probably could have made more birdies after that.

Great experience. Very, very good to have two top-10s on the PGA TOUR, so that’s a good way of looking at it. Also, it pushes me to keep playing well. I feel like I have it in me to win out there on the PGA TOUR and I’ve given myself two opportunities. Game is in a decent place now. The next two weeks are also big events, so anything is possible in this game. So I’ll just try and keep at it and let’s see what the next two weeks brings.

Scores after round 4 of the CIMB Classic being played at the par 72, 7005 Yards TPC Kuala Lumpur course (am – denotes amateur):

262 – Marc Leishman (AUS) 68-62-67-65.

267 – Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 66-68-67-66, Chesson Hadley (USA) 67-68-66-66, Bronson Burgoon (USA) 63-69-67-68.

268 – Justin Thomas (USA) 66-69-69-64, Abraham Ancer (MEX) 67-68-68-65, Charles Howell III (USA) 69-67-65-67, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 66-68-65-69, Gary Woodland (USA) 69-61-67-71.

269 – Kevin Chappell (USA) 66-67-71-65, Siwoo Kim (KOR) 67-71-66-65, Shubhankar Sharma (IND) 67-64-66-72.

270 – Kyle Stanley (USA) 72-68-66-64, Byeonghun An (KOR) 66-70-68-66, Paul Casey (ENG) 66-65-71-68, J.B. Holmes (USA) 67-67-67-69, Stewart Cink (USA) 68-70-63-69, Austin Cook (USA) 64-68-68-70.

271 – Keegan Bradley (USA) 70-67-68-66, Kevin Na (USA) 68-67-67-69, Nick Watney (USA) 66-67-68-70.

272 – Keith Mitchell (USA) 70-65-71-66, John Catlin (USA) 73-65-67-67, Cameron Smith (AUS) 69-69-66-68.

273 – Xander Schauffele (USA) 69-71-65-68.

274 – Joel Dahmen (USA) 66-68-69-71.

275 – Kevin Tway (USA) 70-67-71-67, Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 69-70-71-65, Scott Piercy (USA) 65-67-71-72.

276 – C.T. Pan (TPE) 65-73-70-68, Thomas Pieters (BEL) 70-69-71-66, Beau Hossler (USA) 72-65-66-73.

Karachi, Pakistan, October 13: Namchok Tantipokhakul is in a prime form to win his maiden Asian Tour title after carding a five-under-par 67 to go one shot clear of the field at the UMA CNS Open Golf Championship on Saturday.

After a lukewarm start, the 31-year-old Namchok turned on the afterburners on his inward nine as he made an eagle at the 11th followed by three consecutive birdies before signing for a 12-under-par 204 total at the Karachi Golf Club.

Compatriot Jakraphan Premsirigorn is in lone second place after signing for a 68. He traded five birdies against a lone bogey on the challenging par-four ninth. The Qualifying School graduate feels that he has fully recovered from a wrist injury that has inhibited his progress this year and he’ll be aiming to win this US$300,000 event.

Tirawat Kaewsiribandit of Thailand

Like Namchok, Tirawat Kaewsiribandit of Thailand seized his chances on his back nine. He made four consecutive birdies from holes 11 to 14 which elevated his confidence immensely. He made another birdie on 18th and eventually carded a 67 to finish the day in third place.

Pawin Inghapradit and Suradit Yongcharoenchai carded 71 and 72 respectively to grab a share of fourth place, consolidating Thailand’s dominance at the UMA CNS Open Golf Championship.

Settee Prakongvech (69) and Pakistan’s Muhammad Munir (72) are a shot further behind in tied-sixth.

Did you know:

• Namchok Tantipokhakul enjoyed his best season on the Asian Tour in 2013. He posted two top-10s and was placed 33rd on the Order of Merit with a US$109,725 total.
• He has been prolific on the Asian Development Tour. Out of 21 events he played in, Namchok posted seven top-10s including two victories.
• Namchok came closest to winning an Asian Tour title at the 2010 Black Mountain Masters, where he finished second.
• Jakraphan Premsirigorn finally secured his Asian Tour card for the first time this year in his fifth attempt at the Qualifying School. He had missed out in his previous attempts in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
• He injured his wrist right after earning his card, which explains his absence from tournaments earlier in the year.
• Tirawat Kaewsiribandit enjoyed a successful 2017 season, as he earned US$118,481 and was placed a career-high 36th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit
• He was placed second at the 2017 Indonesia Open, his highest finish on the Asian Tour so far.
• Suradit Yongcharoenchai’s nickname is “Art”.
• He posted three top-10s in 2017 and was placed 43rd on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, securing his Tour card for this year.
• Pawin Inghapradit won the 2015 Singha Panasonic Hua Hin Open, a tournament on the ASEAN PGA Tour, by beating his more illustrious countrymen Prayad Marksaeng and Prom Meesawat in a play-off.

Namchok Tantipokhakul (Tha) – third round 67 (-5), total 204 (-12)

The highlights of my round happened on my back nine for sure. On 11th, I drove to the left of the fairway followed by a lucky hybrid shot that landed within a few feet of the hole. On the 12th and 13th, I sunk birdies from quite a distance on the green. Finally on 14th, I hit a nice approach and putted in from about three to four feet.

For sure, getting those good holes in felt really good. I’m going to play using the same strategy tomorrow as it has worked for me so far, which is to focus on finding the greens. I have continued to miss the fairways in the third round, but if I can find the greens then it’ll be alright.

Jakraphan Premsirigorn (Tha) – third round 68 (-4), total 205 (-11)

I am feeling really excited going into tomorrow’s round. Nobody knows what will happen, but for sure, I’ll focus on playing my game and hope that things will go my way.

And after three good rounds, it seems that my wrist has recovered fully. The tough par-four 15th was quite satisfying. I made a par-save which was important for me to keep pace with Namchok (the leader).

Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (Tha) – third round 67 (-5), total 207 (-9)

I didn’t hit too many fairways today, so I figured that I will settle for pars. But when I made the turn and the first birdie came in at the 11th, I became more confident and I made three more birdies. In particular, my putting was pretty good on the back nine. Ending with a birdie on 18th is great as well.

I’m heading into tomorrow feeling very optimistic about my chances. I’ll be aiming to hit fairways, greens and make good putts. Most definitely, I’ll try to win this tournament.

Pawin Inghapradit (Tha) – third round 71 (-1), total 209 (-7)

I can’t find seem to find the fairways today. I hit none in my first nine. Hence, it was difficult for me to make birdie chances. Over the back nine, I changed my game plan and aimed for pars, as I didn’t felt steady today.

It is still a good position going into Sunday. Come tomorrow, I’ll continue to concentrate and focus on my game. Hopefully, I will achieve my objective of winning the tournament.

Suradit Yongcharoenchai (Tha) – third round 72 (even-par), total 209 (-7)

I didn’t putt too well today. Made a bogey on the sixth but bounced back with a birdie. Unfortunately, I made another bogey on the following hole. I thought I’ve turned my day around when I made birdies on the 10th, 11th and 13th but I was unlucky on 15th, where I double bogeyed.

There, I thought I hit a good drive but it took an unfortunate bounce into the trees. The ball then went into the water and I ended up with a double bogey.

I feel that I’m in a decent position going into Sunday.

Settee Prakongvech (Tha) – Third round 69 (-3), total 210 (-6)

I thought played well today. Even though I didn’t drive very well, my putting saved my round. I missed a short, three-feet putt on the fourth hole, which was quite disappointing. But I made a long putt for birdie from the edge on the eight hole, and that was satisfying.

Overall, the game is good. I didn’t hit good shots but I have a good game plan, which resulted in a good score.

Scores after round 3 of the UMA CNS Open Golf Championship being played at the par 72, 7032 Yards Karachi GC course (am – denotes amateur):
204 – Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 67-70-67.
205 – Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA) 69-68-68.
207 – Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 71-69-67.
209 – Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 68-70-71, Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 69-68-72.
210 – Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 72-69-69, Muhammad MUNIR (PAK) 69-69-72.
211 – Muhammad NAEEM (PAK) 71-72-68, James Ryan LAM (PHI) 68-73-70, Suttijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 71-70-70, Siddikur RAHMAN (BAN) 71-70-70, Mitchell SLORACH (SIN) 72-69-70.
212 – Paul HARRIS (USA) 73-72-67, Matt KILLEN (ENG) 70-74-68, Matloob AHMED (PAK) 72-70-70, Muhammad SHABBIR (PAK) 68-73-71.