New Delhi, April 6: Australia’s Wade Ormsby heaved a huge sigh of relief after he birdied his last hole to take the outright lead with his third round two-over-par 74 at the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India on Saturday.
The Australian compiled a three-day total of eight-under-par 208 to take a one-shot lead over Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing who seemed to be heading towards the final round with a huge advantage until he dropped four shots in his last five holes to sign for a 73 at the Delhi Golf Club.
India’s Shiv Kapur and Thailand’s Boonchu Ruangkit are tied for third place after they signed for a 72 and 73 respectively while another local hopeful Jyoti Randhawa is in fifth place after he carded a 67 at the full-field Asian Tour event.
Ormsby, who has been holding the lead since the first round, started well with an opening birdie but dropped three shots on holes three, four, seven and nine for an outward 39.
The 33-year-old Australian slipped to second place at the turn and trailed Lam by three shots at that stage.
He parred his next seven holes before he found relief on the closing 18^th hole where he made his second birdie of the day.
“It was definitely a sign of relief when I birdied that hole. My putter was frustrating me a bit and it was overall a tough day. I started fantastic but my putter was a bit dry today and I hope to get it going again tomorrow,” said the 33-year-old Australian.
“The pressure’s always mounting, that’s golf. It’s just how you deal with it. I just wasn’t making the putts. But you just got to keep going on this golf course and see where you finish,” added Ormsby.
Meanwhile Lam, who is hoping to end his five-year title drought this week, was in total control right till the 11^th hole where he had enjoyed a four-shot advantage.
He opened with a birdie-bogey-par and charged straight to the top with birdies on holes five, eight and 11.
Lam’s game however fell apart when he bogeyed four of his last five holes to slip one back of Ormsby heading into the final round at the Panasonic Open India.
“I’m not going to dwell on what has happened in the last few holes. More importantly, I’m still in it and I look forward to tomorrow,” said Lam.
“I definitely had some positives that I could take out of today and I need to work on my finishing as it hasn’t been that great. I like the position where I’m in. Even though I missed a few putts coming in, the strokes were solid. It’s probably more a misread than anything else,” added the Singaporean.
Boonchu remained on course to become the oldest winner on the Asian Tour.
Korea’s Choi Sang-ho  holds that record when he won the 2005 Maekyung Open at 50 years and 145 days.
The record would however be broken if Boonchu wins his sixth Asian Tour title on Sunday.
The 56-year-old Thai veteran has already proved that he still had what it takes to stay in the upper echelons of the game by finishing 61^st on the Order of Merit last season to earn full playing rights in 2013.
He finished tied-eighth at the Delhi Golf Club last month and looked set to better that result this week.
“I need to go back and allow my body to recover before I go back and play my last 18 holes. It’ll be nice if an old man like me gets a win tomorrow,” said Boonchu.
“Course conditions have been tough the last three days and whoever wins tomorrow is a definitely a deserving winner,” added the Thai.
Kapur echoed Boonchu’s sentiments as he spearheaded the local charge, keeping alive the nation’s hopes of retaining the Panasonic Open India title on home soil since the event was inaugurated in 2011.
“It’s like the US Open conditions out there. I have never seen conditions like this at the Delhi Golf Club. Not even during practice days. Par seems a good score in these conditions,” said Kapur.
“My local knowledge will give me a one-shot advantage over the others on the final day. No target for the final round as in such windy conditions one has to play every hole on merit,” added the Indian.
The top-three players at the Panasonic Open India will be extended invitations to the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, in Osaka, Japan in September.
The Panasonic Open India will be beamed live throughout four days on the Asian Tour Media’s global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.
Leading scores after round 3 of the Panasonic Open India 2013 being played at the par 72, 6935 Yards Delhi Golf Club course (a- denotes amateur):
208 – Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 67-67-74.
209 – LAM Chih Bing (SIN) 67-69-73.
211 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 71-68-72, Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA) 70-68-73.
212 – Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 73-72-67.
213 – Manav JAINI (IND) 75-70-68, Digvijay SINGH (IND) 71-71-71.
214 – Anura ROHANA (SRI) 71-72-71, Amardip MALIK (IND) 71-71-72.
215 – Shamim KHAN (IND) 73-75-67, Matthew STIEGER (AUS) 71-74-70, Chiragh KUMAR (IND) 70-73-72, S.S.P. CHOWRASIA (IND) 69-69-77.
216 – Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 78-68-70, Shankar DAS (IND) 72-73-71, Jay BAYRON (PHI) 70-72-74, SIDDIKUR  (BAN) 71-71-74.
217 – Mithun PERERA (SRI) 71-77-69, Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 80-68-69, Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 73-73-71, Richard LEE (CAN) 72-68-77.
Selected score
218 – Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) 72-73-73
Ends.
 
About the Panasonic Open India 2013
The Panasonic Open India, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), will return for its third edition from April 4 to April 7. Local hero Digvijay Singh will defend the title at the US$300,000 event held at the Delhi Golf Club. The Asian Tour event will be title sponsored by Panasonic India Pte Ltd and supported by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism and the Government of India. The Tournament will be played once again at the Host Venue Delhi Golf Club.  Other sponsors include. Homestead (Platinum Sponsor) Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla (Official Hotel), Bentbrass (Official Apparel), Srixon (Official Ball), 4moles.com (Digital Media sponsor), GolfPlus Monthly (Magazine sponsor) and Inetol Headwear.
The tournament is organized and promoted by the Asian Tour. Get the latest news and tournament information on www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com and www.4moles.com. You can also follow us on www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf and www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
About Panasonic India
Panasonic makes available in India its wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances like LCD & Plasma TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, cameras, camcorders, car audio systems, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, automatic cookers, vacuum cleaners and the like. The Company has a workforce of about 12,650 in India and estimated to do a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore in FY 2012. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand in India, please visit http://panasonic.co.in.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf
 

New Delhi, March 6: Team Asia dominated the Hero Skills Challenge, the annual prelude to the main action at the Hero Indian Open, when they defeated a star-studded Rest of the World 3-1 on Tuesday.

In the spirit of the game, Team Asia led by Shiv Kapur, Anirban Lahiri, S.S.P. Chawrasia and Korea’s Jeunghun Wang graciously donated their winning cheques which they received from Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Managing Director and CEO of Hero MotoCorp. 

Asia clinched the deal by winning the first three of the four skills challenge against Thomas Bjorn’s team of PGA Tour star Emiliano Grillo, Andrew Johnston and Chris Wood.

The Hero Skills Challenge was contested in four categories – long putt, most accurate off the tee, hit the bike and blast from the bunker. Team Asia won three of the challenges except for the longest putt.

Ends.

 

Kieran Pratt of Australia.

 Wade Ormsby (Aus) – First round 67 (-5)
I played well. Anytime you can shoot under-par on this golf course, I’ll be pretty happy. This course suits my game. Given the size of the fairways, I can’t hit it too far so I’ve to try to hit as many fairways as I can so I always look forward to coming here so that I can get a chance to move up to the top. I started my season in the Avantha Masters and didn’t do as well as I would like to but I’ve been playing well since.  I guess it’ll be sooner or later before I make my breakthrough.
Kieran Pratt (Aus) – First round 67 (-5)
This is my best round ever at Delhi Golf Club and obviously I’m happy. Everything worked for me today. I holed a lot of putts and hit several good shots. I played the par fives pretty well and I guess that was the key today. I’ve been building a lot of confidence with my ball-striking and that’s pretty important around the Delhi Golf Club. The way I’ve played since the start of the season was not to my liking. It has been a while since my last win and you get that itch where you want to win again. I’ve always been like that and I’ve always wanted to win golf tournaments and hopefully it’ll be this week again.
Lam Chih Bing (Sin)  – First round 67 (-5)
It wasn’t easy out there. It was the most windy round that I’ve ever played in at Delhi Golf Club. The winds were swirling and I got lucky quite a few times today. This is my best score at Delhi Golf Club. I’ve been coming here for so many years and I’ve played so many tournaments out here, so much so that I’ve now learnt how to manage my way around this golf course very well. Losing my Tour card last season was disappointing but I hope to make it up this season with performances like this.
S.S.P.Chowrasia (Ind) – First round 69 (-3)
I am happy with the way things are, though I could have had a better score today. I played quite well and had some long putts, like the 25-footer on the fourth. I started with a birdie from 10 feet on first. I had six birdies overall, but also gave away three bogeys. On the eighth, the ball was stuck on the slope of the bunker and on the 10^th hole, I three-putted. On the 16th, I went off to the right and had to get back to fairway with a lay-up. The conditions were not all that easy. There was wind on almost all holes and one had to be careful off the tee. The greens were excellent, though I three-putted once. It has been a fair season, though the last two weeks were not so great. But I have been making cuts and I need to consolidate. But I feel I am on the right direction.

Mexico City, March 5: Thai star Kiradech Aphibarnrat and young Indian talent Shubhankar Sharma earned plaudits for their battling display at the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship which was won by American Phil Mickelson on Sunday. 

Kiradech, who claimed his third Asian Tour title in Australia last month, continued his fine form by claiming his career’s best result in a WGC tournament when he finished tied fifth after closing with a commendable six-under-par 65 at the Club de Golf Chapultepec. His four-day total of 13-under-par 271 was three shots shy of joining the play-off with Justin Thomas and Mickelson, who won on the first extra hole.  

Sharma, the youngest player in the elite field, earned a new legion of fans after holding the second and third round lead. Despite slipping to a share of ninth place following a 74 on the final day, Sharma can still hold his head high after finishing on 274.

Big-hitting Kiradech, Asia’s number one in 2013, matched the best result by a Thai player in a World Golf Championship event set previously by veteran Thongchai Jaidee at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in 2010.

“I was very proud with the way I’m playing and finish top-five in the World Golf Championships is always the best. On Saturday, I didn’t hole a putt, it just kicked me out of position. I played great golf today but still a little bit behind, a little bit too far,” said the 28-year-old Kiradech.

Starting the day six shots off the pace, Kiradech made his charge with six birdies in his opening 14 holes before dropping a lone bogey of the day on 16. He then birdied the 18th hole from 10 feet for his high finish, which moved him to a career-high 36th place on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

“I am really proud with the result. Top-five, it is a goal. But if you look back, I’m still not playing my best golf, my ‘A’ game, which on Saturday is supposed to be  moving day but I just stepped back and didn’t move at all. Obviously, I am really happy with the result,” added Kiradech.

The 21-year-old Sharma, who has won twice on the Asian Tour and the European Tour since last December, stood tall after capping a memorable WGC-debut, where he had led the star-studded field by two shots after day two and three.

“A little bit disappointed, I was leading and I think I couldn’t finish it off. But that’s what the game is about. And what I learned, especially playing with Phil, I’ll cherish it forever,” said Sharma, whose solid showing in Mexico pushed him from 75th to 66th position on the OWGR.

Sharma believes he will learn greatly from the experience of playing alongside Mickelson. “If you would have asked me four months ago that I would be playing with Phil at a WGC event on the last day, I would have just laughed,” said Sharma, who also leads the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings. 

“Just playing with him has been fantastic. He’s obviously a great man, showed me a few great shots. He’s not afraid to go out there and get it out there and hit it at the pin, and he took some crazy clubs off the tee but that’s what Phil is all about. I’ll never forget it. Especially on 16 where he made birdie, it was the loudest roar I ever heard in my life. It was fantastic,” Sharma added.

At the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open, three-time Asian Tour champion Terry Pilkadaris of Australia rolled back the years by capping a solid runner-up finish and earned a prize purse of US$85,489. The result moved him to seventh place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings.

American duo Paul Peterson and Berry Henson, who both finished tied-11th in New Zealand, remained in third and fourth position respectively on the Habitat for Humanity Standings. Sharma continues to lead on US$500,000 while Kiradech trails in second place with US$251,173.

Asian Tour rookie Kurt Kitayama of the United States continued his fine form since coming through the Qualifying School in January where he finished tied-third. He closed with a 65 to finish in a share of fourth place in his second start on Tour in New Zealand.

The 25-year-old Kitayama, who won his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title  two weeks after securing his Asian Tour card, jumped from 84th to 21st on the Habitat for Humanity Standings. The top-five result also earned him a coveted spot in the Hero Indian Open this week.

“I’ve been playing really well. I’m pleased my result in New Zealand as it has given me a spot in India this week. I’m looking forward to playing well again. I’m enjoying my time in Asia. I get to travel the world a little bit and it’s a whole new experience for me,” said Kitayama.

The Asian Tour travels to the US$1.75 million Hero Indian Open this week. The prestigious event will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour and will be played at the DLF Golf and Country Club.

Ends.

Habitat for Humanity Standings – Top-20

Pos Player Order of Merit (US$)

1. Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) $500,000

2. Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) $251,173

3. Paul PETERSON (USA) $196,771

4. Berry HENSON (USA) $131,983

5. Shaun NORRIS (RSA) $112,200

6. Hideto TANIHARA (JPN) $95,612

7. Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) $93,435

8. Khalin JOSHI (IND) $92,880

9. Prom MEESAWAT (THA) $80,516

10. Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) $75,359

11. Danthai BOONMA (THA) $67,400

12. Jarin TODD (USA) $66,795

13. Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND)            $48,391

14. Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) $46,161

15. Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) $44,818

16. Shiv KAPUR (IND) $44,650

17. Scott VINCENT (ZIM) $42,636

18. Arjun ATWAL (IND) $40,041

19. Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) $39,596

20. David LIPSKY (USA) $38,857

About Asian Tour

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

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New Delhi, April 5: Australia’s Wade Ormsby cranked up the pressure on the chasing pack when he posted another five-under-par 67 to extend his advantage to two after the second round of the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India on Friday.
Ormsby’s two-day total of 10-under-par 134 meant that Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing, who had earlier taken the morning lead, slipped to second place after he carded a 69 at the Delhi Golf Club.
India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia continued to stay in touch with the leaders after he matched his opening day efforts of a 69 to take third place alongside Thai veteran Boonchu Ruangkit, who could become the oldest winner on the Asian Tour if he wins.
Known for his love for fast cars and motorsports, the 33-year-old Australian showed the same insatiable appetite for speed when he got off the blocks quickly with two birdies in his opening three holes.
He birdied the eighth hole but dropped his only shot of the round on the par-four nine before reaching the turn in 34.
Ormsby then made three more birdies on holes 13, 16 and 18 to put himself in a good position for his maiden breakthrough on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its 10^th season this year.
“Yes, I love motorsports and racing. But that just sucks up your money while golf gives you that, so I’ll stay with golf anytime,” laughed Ormsby.
“There were lots of cross winds and it was tricky to try and keep them in the fairways. I just have to keep doing what I’ve been doing. My short game was fantastic today and hopefully that continues,” added the Australian.
Meanwhile Lam knows he has to stay focused to grind out a victory despite competing on numerous occasions at the Delhi Golf Club.
“You can know the course very well but you still have to perform,” said Lam.
“I’m very happy to be where I’m. It certainly wasn’t easy out there today I felt I played solid. It was a disappointing finish but three-under for today is a very good score,” added the Singaporean.
Starting on the back-nine 10^th, the 36-year-old Singaporean looked set to be cruising home but stumbled home with two bogeys on his closing eighth and ninth holes.
“I kind of misjudged my second shot on the eighth hole. I was in the rough and I misjudged the wind which just took it left and I couldn’t get it up and down,” said Lam.
“Ninth hole was just a really tough pin. I was two yards out from getting into a really good position but ended up in the bunker. I had a really tough time trying to get it up and down again,” lamented Lam.
Chowrasia kept up his chase for his third Asian Tour win after carding another 69 under swirling wind conditions.
The Indian did not start off convincingly as he bogeyed his par-three 12^th, but he responded with birdies on holes 14 and 15.
After turning in 32, Chowrasia parred the next four holes before making further birdies on holes five and eight.
“I played fairly well and two successive three-under rounds is alright in these conditions as they are more difficult than normal,” said the 34-year-old.
“I was also happy with a couple of good par saves on sixth and ninth. That kind of a save also gives you confidence. It was quite windy and with the directions and speed changing, it became very challenging and tough at times,” added Chowrasia.
The weekend cut was set at five-over par with 68 players making the cut.
The top-three players at the Panasonic Open India will be extended invitations to the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, in Osaka, Japan in September.
The Panasonic Open India will be beamed live throughout four days on the Asian Tour Media’s global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.
Scores after round 2 of the Panasonic Open India 2013 being played at the par 72, 6935 Yards Delhi Golf Club course (a- denotes amateur):
134 – Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 67-67.
136 – LAM Chih Bing (SIN) 67-69.
138 – S.S.P. CHOWRASIA (IND) 69-69, Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA) 70-68.
139 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 71-68.
140 – Richard LEE (CAN) 72-68.
142 – Digvijay SINGH (IND) 71-71, S Chikarangappa (IND) 72-70, SIDDIKUR  (BAN) 71-71, Jay BAYRON (PHI) 70-72, Amardip MALIK (IND) 71-71.
143 – GULFAM  (IND) 71-72, Anura ROHANA (SRI) 71-72, Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 71-72, Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 71-72, Chiragh KUMAR (IND) 70-73.
144 – Sanjay KUMAR (IND) 70-74, Harendra P. GUPTA (IND) 72-72, Adam GROOM (AUS) 70-74, Kieran PRATT (AUS) 67-77, David LUTTERUS (AUS) 71-73.
145 – HSU Chia-jen (TPE) 73-72, Manav JAINI (IND) 75-70, Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 73-72, Abhijit CHADHA (IND) 78-67, Rajesh RAWAT (IND) 73-72, Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND) 71-74, Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) 72-73, Matthew STIEGER (AUS) 71-74, Lionel WEBER (FRA) 70-75, Shankar DAS (IND) 72-73, Angad CHEEMA (IND) 70-75.
146 – Anthony CHOAT (AUS) 75-71, Elias BERTHEUSSEN (NOR) 75-71, Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 78-68, Carlos PIGEM (ESP) 76-70, Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 73-73, Panuwat MUENLEK (THA) 71-75, KOH Deng Shan (SIN) 71-75.
Selected scores
151 – Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 76-75
160 – Oliver WILSON (ENG) 78-82.
Ends.
 
About the Panasonic Open India 2013
The Panasonic Open India, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), will return for its third edition from April 4 to April 7. Local hero Digvijay Singh will defend the title at the US$300,000 event held at the Delhi Golf Club. The Asian Tour event will be title sponsored by Panasonic India Pte Ltd and supported by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism and the Government of India. The Tournament will be played once again at the Host Venue Delhi Golf Club.  Other sponsors include. Homestead (Platinum Sponsor) Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla (Official Hotel), Bentbrass (Official Apparel), Srixon (Official Ball), 4moles.com (Digital Media sponsor), GolfPlus Monthly (Magazine sponsor) and Inetol Headwear. The tournament is organized and promoted by the Asian Tour. Get the latest news and tournament information on www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com and www.4moles.com. You can also follow us on www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf and www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
About Panasonic India
Panasonic makes available in India its wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances like LCD & Plasma TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, cameras, camcorders, car audio systems, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, automatic cookers, vacuum cleaners and the like. The Company has a workforce of about 12,650 in India and estimated to do a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore in FY 2012. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand in India, please visit http://panasonic.co.in.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf.

New Delhi, April 4: Australia’s Wade Ormsby and Kieran Pratt stole the morning limelight when they signed for matching five-under-par 67s to take the first round clubhouse lead at the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India on Thursday.
Pratt’s last victory on the region’s premier Tour came in Myanmar last year and he is hoping that his second victory will come his way again at the Delhi Golf Club this week.
“I’ve been building a lot of confidence with my ball-striking and that’s pretty important around Delhi Golf Club.  It has been a while since my last win and you get that itch where you want to win again,” said Pratt.
Starting on the back-nine 10th, the Australian got his campaign underway with three birdies on holes 11, 14 and 18.
An eagle-three on the par-five first then propelled him to the top of the leaderboard where he held on to the lead before closing with a flawless 67.
“This is my best round ever at Delhi Golf Club and obviously I’m happy. Everything worked for me today. I holed a lot of putts and hit several good shots. I played the par-five pretty well and I guess that was the key today,” said Pratt.
While Pratt is chasing his second win, Ormsby is eyeing his breakthrough on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its 10th season this year.
Ormsby birdied the par-three 12th before marking his card with more red numbers on the 14th and 18th holes.
After making the turn in 34, he continued his birdie run on the first and sixth holes.
“I played well. Anytime you can shoot under-par on this golf course, I’ll be pretty happy. This course suits my game. Given my size, I can’t hit it too far so I’ve to try to hit as many fairways as I can,” said Ormsby.
The top-three players at the Panasonic Open India will be extended invitations to the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, in Osaka, Japan in September.
The Panasonic Open India will be beamed live throughout four days on the Asian Tour Media’s global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.
Ends.
About the Panasonic Open India 2013
The Panasonic Open India, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), will return for its third edition from April 4 to April 7. Local hero Digvijay Singh will defend the title at the US$300,000 event held at the Delhi Golf Club. The Asian Tour event will be title sponsored by Panasonic India Pte Ltd and supported by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism and the Government of India. The Tournament will be played once again at the Host Venue Delhi Golf Club.  Other sponsors include. Homestead (Platinum Sponsor) Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla (Official Hotel), Bentbrass (Official Apparel), Srixon (Official Ball), 4moles.com (Digital Media sponsor), GolfPlus Monthly (Magazine sponsor) and Inetol Headwear.
The tournament is organized and promoted by the Asian Tour. Get the latest news and tournament information on www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.comand www.4moles.com. You can also follow us on www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf and www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
About Panasonic India
Panasonic makes available in India its wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances like LCD & Plasma TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, cameras, camcorders, car audio systems, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, automatic cookers, vacuum cleaners and the like. The Company has a workforce of about 12,650 in India and estimated to do a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore in FY 2012. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand in India, please visithttp://panasonic.co.in.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com,www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour andwww.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

New Delhi, April 4: Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing hopes his opening round performance will spark a career revival after he carded a five-under-par 67 to grab a share of the first round lead with Australia’s Wade Ormsby and Kieran Pratt at the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India on Thursday.
S.S.P. Chowrasia brought the local cheers when he emerged as the leading Indian with a 69 to take fourth place while Thailand’s Boonchu Ruangkit, a five-time Asian Tour winner, is among the seven players tied for fifth place on 70 at the Delhi Golf Club.
After suffering the disappointment of losing his Asian Tour card last season when he finished 72^nd on the Order of Merit, Lam is determined to regain his place among the region’s elite.
“Losing my Tour card last season was disappointing but I hope to make it up this season with performances like this,” said Lam.
Kieran Pratt of Australia
Playing on country’s exemption status this season, Lam rediscovered his form that led him to his lone Asian Tour victory in 2008.
“It wasn’t easy out there. It was the most windy round that I’ve ever played in at Delhi Golf Club. The winds were swirling and I got lucky quite a few times today. This is my best score at Delhi Golf Club,” said Lam, who traded six birdies against one bogey.
“I’ve been coming here for so many years and I’ve played so many tournaments out here, so much so that I’ve now learnt how to manage my way around this golf course very well,” added the Singaporean.
Meanwhile Pratt is hoping his second victory will come his way again after last victory in Myanmar last year.
“I’ve been building a lot of confidence with my ball-striking and that’s pretty important around Delhi Golf Club.  It has been a while since my last win and you get that itch where you want to win again,” said Pratt.
Starting on the back-nine 10^th, the Australian got his campaign underway with three birdies on holes 11, 14 and 18.
An eagle-three on the par-five first then propelled him to the top of the leaderboard where he held on to the lead before closing with a flawless 67.
“Everything worked for me today. I holed a lot of putts and hit several good shots. I played the par-five pretty well and I guess that was the key today,” said Pratt.
While Lam and Pratt are chasing their second win, Ormsby is eyeing his breakthrough on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its 10^th season this year.
Ormsby birdied the par-three 12^th before marking his card with more red numbers on the 14^th and 18^th holes.
After making the turn in 34, he continued his birdie run on the first and sixth holes.
“I played well. Anytime you can shoot under-par on this golf course, I’ll be pretty happy. This course suits my game. Given my size, I can’t hit it too far so I’ve to try to hit as many fairways as I can,” said Ormsby.
Chowrasia is aiming to reproduce his winning form at the same venue where he earned his career breakthrough in 2008.
The two-time Asian Tour winner held off a fierce challenge from an elite field to win the Indian Masters then and is looking for a same response this week.
“I am happy with the way things are, though I could have had a better score today. I played quite well and had some long putts, like the 25-footer on the fourth,” said Chowrasia.
“The conditions were not all that easy. There was wind on almost all holes and one has to be careful off the tee. The greens were excellent, though I three-putted once. I feel I’m on the right direction,” added the Indian.
The top-three players at the Panasonic Open India will be extended invitations to the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, in Osaka, Japan in September.
The Panasonic Open India will be beamed live throughout four days on the Asian Tour Media’s global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.
67 – Wade ORMSBY (AUS), Kieran PRATT (AUS), LAM Chih Bing (SIN).
69 – S.S.P. CHOWRASIA (IND).
70 – Adam GROOM (AUS), Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA), Jay BAYRON (PHI), Chiragh KUMAR (IND), Lionel WEBER (FRA), Angad CHEEMA (IND), Sanjay KUMAR (IND).
71 – Vinod KUMAR (IND), Anura ROHANA (SRI), Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND), Sam BRAZEL (AUS), Gerry NORQUIST (USA), Anirban LAHIRI (IND), Amardip MALIK (IND), SIDDIKUR  (BAN), Mithun PERERA (SRI), Matthew STIEGER (AUS), Panuwat MUENLEK (THA), David LUTTERUS (AUS), KOH Deng Shan (SIN), Digvijay SINGH (IND), Shiv KAPUR (IND), Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA), GULFAM  (IND).
Selected scores
72 – Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND),
78 – Oliver WILSON (ENG)
Ends.
About the Panasonic Open India 2013
The Panasonic Open India, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), will return for its third edition from April 4 to April 7. Local hero Digvijay Singh will defend the title at the US$300,000 event held at the Delhi Golf Club. The Asian Tour event will be title sponsored by Panasonic India Pte Ltd and supported by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism and the Government of India. The Tournament will be played once again at the Host Venue Delhi Golf Club.  Other sponsors include. Homestead (Platinum Sponsor) Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla (Official Hotel), Bentbrass (Official Apparel), Srixon (Official Ball), 4moles.com (Digital Media sponsor), GolfPlus Monthly (Magazine sponsor) and Inetol Headwear.
The tournament is organized and promoted by the Asian Tour. Get the latest news and tournament information on www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com and www.4moles.com. You can also follow us on www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf and www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
About Panasonic India
Panasonic makes available in India its wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances like LCD & Plasma TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, cameras, camcorders, car audio systems, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, automatic cookers, vacuum cleaners and the like. The Company has a workforce of about 12,650 in India and estimated to do a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore in FY 2012. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand in India, please visit http://panasonic.co.in.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

New Delhi, India, March 3: Rising Indian star Khalin Joshi plans to adopt a more patient approach when he contends at the US$1.75 million Hero Indian Open next week.

The 25-year-old Joshi, who enjoyed a commendable top-10 finish at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia last month, will keep things simple at the challenging Gary Player designed DLF Golf and Country Club from March 8 to 11.

“Par is going to be your friend. The Gary Player-designed course at DLF Golf and Country Club is a real test of patience and everyone is bound to make some mistakes. Some holes are really challenging and they demand great golf shots,” said Joshi.

The Bengaluru native will be inspired to follow in the footsteps of his close friend Shubhankar Sharma, who sensationally won the Maybank Championship and is currently leading the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings and Race to Dubai.

Joshi is fired up to win his first Asian Tour title at the Hero Indian Open after successfully retaining his Tour card for the 2019 season.

With the pressure off his chest, the young Indian hopes to keep a cool head in the heat of battle at his National Open which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

“I can get a bit carried away after a bad hole, but I’ve learned to deal with my emotions better. I missed the cut in 2016 and 2017, b I’m back with a vengeance! I’ve never felt better going into the tournament and I hope to be in contention come Sunday,” he said.

The 54th edition of the Hero Indian Open will feature an elite 144-man field that includes five Asian Tour Order of Merit winners, more than 40 Asian Tour champions, as well as a bevy of international names.

Top contenders from Asia’s premier circuit such as Australia’s Scott Hend and India’s Anirban Lahiri, Order of Merit winners in 2016 and 2015 respectively, will tee it up alongside Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn of Denmark, crowd favourite Andrew Johnston of England and 2016 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Emiliano Grillo of Argentina.

The last two editions of the Hero Indian Open was won by S.S.P. Chawrasia of India. The six-time Asian Tour winner will be attempting to be the first golfer in the tournament’s 54-year history to lift the trophy three consecutive times.

Ends.

About Asian Tour 

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

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April 3: Scott Hend of Australia broke into top-200 on the Official World Golf Ranking following his victory at the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT, which offered the highest world ranking points in Asia on Sunday.
Hend secured his third Asian Tour title at the inaugural US$750,000 event and moved up 86 ranks to 181st in the world after notching 16 world ranking points for his victory.
Asian Tour rookie Bryce Easton of South Africa, who finished second at the Chiangmai Golf Classic, which was his first ever Asian Tour event, notched 9.60 points and is currently ranked 317th in the world.
Meanwhile Hu Mu of China ranks 475th in the world, 200 spots better than his previous ranking, courtesy of a fourth place result at the Chiangmai Golf Classic.
Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, who holds an unprecedented three Asian Tour Order of Merit titles, is currently the highest ranked Asian Tour member in 59th position followed by Marcus Fraser (64th), Thaworn Wiratchant (81st), K.J. Choi (83rd), Kiradech Aphibarnrat (85th) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (89th).

Singapore, April 1: It may be April’s Fool day but it’s not a joke when Australia’s Scott Hend said that he was feeling at the top of the world and right at home on the Asian Tour following his third victory on the region’s premier Tour last weekend.
The big-hitting Australian dug deep and launched a spectacular comeback by overcoming a six-shot deficit on the final day to win the Chiangmai Golf Classic.
Hend’s victory was worth US$135,000 and it propelled him to third place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit with his season haul of US$207,915.
“This win is fantastic. I played great at Avantha Masters (India) and didn’t finish the job. I missed the cut in Malaysia so to come back and shoot 20-under sort of helps you believe in yourself that you still got the game and can hole the putts,” said the 39-year-old Australian.
With the Asian Tour celebrating its 10th season this year, Hend, who earned his Tour card at Qualifying School in 2006, is indebted to the Tour which has brought his much success.
“The Asian Tour has been a fantastic place for me to be in. This is the Tour in the region and in my eyes it is the only Tour in the region,” said Hend.
“It is a fantastic breeding ground of the young players and the middle aged players such as myself. Everyone wants to come out and forge a good living and play in good tournaments and try to move to the next level. This is a great place to be and a place to play on,” added the Australian.
Having been away since the season-opening event in Myanmar, Hend is now looking forward to a reunion with his family before resuming his search for more glory on the Asian Tour.
“I want to go back to see my two six-year-olds and my wife. I haven’t seen them since January. For the rest of the year hopefully I win another one or two titles on the Asian Tour. I’m trying to qualify for the CIMB and HSBC events so this is a good start for that,” said Hend.
Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who finished tied-fifth at the Chiangmai Golf Classic, continues to stay atop the rankings on US$615,535 while India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar is in second place on US$269, 066.
South African newcomer Bryce Easton, playing in his first Asian Tour event, leaped into seventh place following his runner-up finish in Chiangmai.
The Asian Tour will return to India for the third time in two months for the third edition of the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India this week.
Asian Tour Order of Merit – Top-20
Pos Player Earnings (US$)
1 Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) $616,535.00
2 Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) $269,066.43
3 Scott HEND (AUS) $207,915.00
4 LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) $175,909.00
5 BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) $145,303.50
6 Anirban LAHIRI (IND) $83,849.50
7 Bryce EASTON (RSA) $82,500.00
8 Joonas GRANBERG (FIN) $80,812.83
9 Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA) $70,971.00
10 KIM Gi-whan (KOR) $60,617.50
11 Mithun PERERA (SRI) $59,227.33
12 Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) $58,305.00
13 Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) $57,721.25
14 SIDDIKUR (BAN) $57,510.62
15 Berry HENSON (USA) $56,626.50
16 Prom MEESAWAT (THA) $55,201.86
17 Himmat RAI (IND) $53,300.00
18 Shiv KAPUR (IND) $50,842.86
19 Rashid KHAN (IND) $49,146.00
20 Jbe KRUGER (RSA) $47,605.00
Ends.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf.