Rayong, Thailand, January 11: Young talent Sangpil Yoon of Korea edged closer to regaining his Tour card after posting a second round two-under-par 69 on Thursday to stay one shot off the pace at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand.

The 19-year-old Korean, who opened with a 68 at the Rayong Green Valley Country Club, stumbled with a triple-bogey on the second hole at the St. Andrews 2000 but recovered strongly with five birdies on his way home for a two-day total of five-under-par 137.

Yoon made the grade in his first attempt at the Asian Tour Qualifying School last year but failed to retain his card after finishing 131st on the 2017 Order of Merit. He hopes to play his way back onto the region’s premier Tour by breaking into top-35 and ties after the intense 90-hole battle this week.

Minkyu Kim, also of Korea, fired seven birdies against two bogeys for a 66 at the St. Andrews 2000 to grab the clubhouse lead on 136. The opening round of the Qualifying School Final Stage was earlier disrupted by a lengthy rain suspension on Wednesday which resulted in a total of 123 players returning to complete their rounds on Thursday morning.

With close to five hours of play lost and the day being called off at 6.00pm local time due to fading light, a total of 118 players will return at 7.00am on Friday to complete their second rounds with the third round slated to start not earlier than 10.00am.

Thai veteran and former five-time Asian Tour winner Thammanoon Sriroj rolled back the years by carding a commendable 66 to match the two-day efforts of Yoon while compatriot Sorachut Hansapiban returned with a 71 to stay a further shot back in 138.

The Final Stage of the Qualifying School, which features 243 players from over 30 different countries, will be played over five rounds (90 holes) across two courses. The leading 140 players and ties after 36 holes will make it into the next two rounds. The cut is projected to be at three-over-par 145.

After 72 holes, the field will be cut to the leading 70 players and ties who will then proceed to the fifth and final round held only at the Rayong Green Valley Country Club. At the conclusion of 90 holes, the top 35 players and ties will be ranked accordingly for the 2018 season.

Did you know?

• Sangpil Yoon came through the First Stage of the Qualifying School last week after finishing tied-31st to merely make the cut-off mark at the St. Andrews 2000.
• Yoon topped the class at the first stage of the 2017 Asian Tour Qualifying School held at the Windsor Park Golf Club in Bangkok last January. He then went on to finish tied-19th at the Final Stage last year to secure his Asian Tour card for the 2017 season.
• Yoon is one of the 37 Korean players vying for playing rights on the Asian Tour at the Qualifying School Final Stage this week.
• Thammanoon Sriroj, 48, turned professional in 1991 and is now a father of two. He has won five times on the Asian Tour but not since 2004. In 2015, he won his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) in Chinese Taipei.
• Thammanoon marked his card with an eagle and five birdies against a double-bogey for a solid 66 at the Rayong Green Valley Country Club.
• Thammanoon comes from a family of golfers, with five brothers being professional golfers as well. 
• Thammanoon grew up near a golf course in Chonburi and started playing the game in his early teens.
• Sorachut Hansapiban is hoping to be third time lucky, after missing the grade at the Qualifying School in his last two attempts in 2016 and 2017.
• The 27-year-old Sorachut has been plying his trade on the ADT since 2016 and has come close to winning on several occasions.

Players’ quotes:

Sangpil Yoon (Kor) – Second round 69 (-2) – St. Andrews 2000, Total 137 (-5)

I didn’t start well today. I made a triple-bogey on the second hole but I told myself not to let it affect my game. I was confident of making more birdies coming back. I got back to one-over-par after the front nine and my father told me I can make more on the back nine.

I felt confident over there and managed to pick up three more birdies on my way home. I got lucky with the par on my last hole. I chipped it in from about 10 feet at the right edge of the green. It was a good finish.

I played only 10 holes at the Rayong Green yesterday because of the suspension. I returned early this morning to complete the remaining eight holes where I made three birdies and made one bogey. It has been a long day, having played 26 holes today but I felt good with how I played.

I only had one hour to rest before heading out again. I didn’t start the second round well but I am happy with how I bounced back from it. The fairways are very wide at Rayong Green Valley but the greens are small.

Whereas at the St. Andrews 2000, the fairways are narrow and the greens are big. The two courses are very different so you need to have a good strategy out there.

Thammanoon Sriroj (Tha) – Second round 66 (-5) – Rayong Green Valley CC, Total 137 (-5)

My tee shots and iron-play were very good today. I think that was the key to my 66. I hit one shot out of bounds today but other than that, I think I managed to hit all the fairways.

The playing conditions are better today compared to yesterday where we had the rain delay. I think the Rayong Green Valley Country Club is slightly easier compared to the St. Andrews course which has very tight fairways.

I eagled the 10th hole after chipping it in from about 40 feet. That was the highlight for me today. My game has been good so I thought I come and try out here this week. We have a very strong field. There are a lot of good and young players out here.

I will just play my own game and see what happens.

Sorachut Hansapiban (Tha) – Second round 71 (even par) – St. Andrews 2000, Total 138 (-4)

I didn’t finish well today. I dropped two shots in my last three holes. But overall, I am still happy with where I stand. I came back this morning to finish my first round and sign for a 67.

I putted really well. I sank long putts on hole one, two and seven and chipped in from about 20 yards for birdie on hole eight. That gave me some confidence heading into the second round today.

This is my third time attempting the Qualifying School. I hope my past experiences will help me achieve a good score this week.

Andrew Martin (Aus) – Second round 72 (+1) – St. Andrews 2000, Total 139 (-3)

I came back this morning to complete my first round and sign for a 67 which was good. This afternoon wasn’t bright. I was happy probably to get into the clubhouse with a 73. It’s been a long day. It has been pretty good so far. Three more rounds to go. I am hoping for some good golf to come.

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), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist (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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Beijing, April 27: A resilient Matt Wallace of England signed for a battling two-under-par 70 to seize a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the prestigious Volvo China Open on Friday.

The 28-year-old Wallace, who opened his campaign with a 65, moved atop the leaderboard after closing with a brilliant birdie, thanks to his caddy’s advice to pace himself on the par-five 18th hole, at the Topwin Golf and Country Club.

Matt Wallace of England

Wallace traded one birdie against a bogey before soaring with an eagle on the par-five eighth hole for the third consecutive day to turn in 34. He reeled in six straight pars before dropping a shot on 17 which he would eventually gain it back on the last. 

Kim, who enjoyed top-10 finishes in his last two starts on Tour, continued his fine form to sign for a 66, grabbing a share of second place with Australia’s Jason Scrivener and Nacho Elvira of Spain in the CN¥20,000,000 (approx. US$3,178,000) event.

Soomin Lee of Korea reckoned the feel-good factor from his breakthrough win in the Middle Kingdom two years ago has stood in his favour as he put himself in the title mix after carding a 69. He sits two shots off the pace in fifth on 137 alongside three other players.

A total of 69 players made the halfway cut set at one-under-par 143 at the 24th edition of the Volvo China Open, tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and the China Golf Association.

Overnight leader Daxing Jin of China slipped to tied-22nd position following a disappointing 76. He is amongst the six local players, including Haotong Li and Ashun Wu, to progress into the weekend rounds in their National Open.

Did you know?

• Matt Wallace eagled the par-five eighth hole for the third straight day at the Volvo China Open. He has eagled the same hole during the pro-am tournament on Wednesday.
• Wallace found 10 out of 14 fairways and missed only two greens in regulation. He averaged 296.5yards off the tee and needed 28 putts around the greens.
• Wallace claimed his first Asian Tour title and second European Tour win in India last month. Since that victory, the world number 107 has endured two consecutive missed cuts on the European Tour.
• Wallace sits in a current second place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings, which is led by Shubhankar Sharma of India.
• Wallace won six times on the Alps Tour in 2016 to lift the Merit crown that year.
• Experienced Irish caddy Dave McNeilly, who has previously caddied for Major winners Nick Faldo and Padraig Harrington, is on the bag for Wallace this week.
• Sihwan Kim is playing in his second season on the Asian Tour. He came through the Qualifying School after finishing tied-eighth in the final stage last January.
• The 29-year-old Kim retained his playing rights on the region’s premier Tour for 2018 after ending the season in 55th place on the Order of Merit, thanks to three top-10 results.
• Kim hit only eight (out of 14) fairways but found 14 greens in regulation in his commendable round of 66. He navigated his way around the greens with 28 putts.
• Prior to his campaign this week, Kim claimed his best finish on the Asian Tour when he came in third at the Hero Indian Open last month. He went on to finish tied-fourth in Japan last week. He sits in sixth place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings.
• Soomin Lee, 24, turned professional in 2014. Came through the 2015 Qualifying School in 2015 and enjoyed a superb rookie season, thanks to two top-five results.
• Lee endured the disappointment after throwing away his lead at the 2016 Maybank Championship where he eventually settled for a tied-second place finish. He bounced back by winning the Shenzhen International on the European Tour two months later.
• Lee notched two other top-10s in Myanmar and Bangladesh to finish a career-high eighth place on the 2016 Order of Merit.

Players’ quotes:

Matt Wallace (Eng) –  Second Round 70 (-2), Total 135 (-9)

It was tough all day, the wind picked up in the afternoon. Scoring was low this morning so I didn’t really know what the score would have to be to stay up there. I was two-under after eight holes and was just thinking we can get a couple more birdies on the back nine. But the wind just picked up and I could not get it close enough.There were a couple of shots where I thought the wind would help but it did not. As shown on the 16th hole I hit a great shot in and it was just miles short and left myself a five-footer for par.I lean on my caddy quite a lot, he has been there, seen it and done it. I listen to him since he has so much experience. Sometimes he makes mistakes but he’s brilliant overall. And down the last hole, he showed his class. We made bogey on the hole before and he gave me the best advice going into the last.My caddy, Dave, told me there was no point in trying too hard to get a birdie since we are already in a good position. So, I just kept my tempo going into the last hole. Hit a great drive, a good second shot and hit it to four-feet from 50 yards and made the putt.There were a lot of guys on eight-under-par this morning and I tried to push on and widen the gap but the weather didn’t really allow me to score. Hopefully the weather will be kind. I am playing nice golf so to be ahead with the tough conditions today is a nice feeling and I am going to bring that over to the weekend.(On the eagle on the eighth hole) That is my third eagle on the same hole this week because I did it in the Pro-Am as well. Hit a great drive, and a perfect 4-iron from 234 yards. Pin was back right and had a massive right-to-left putt from about 20-feet and it got in the back door.

Sihwan Kim (Usa) – Second Round 66 (-6), Total 136 (-8)

It was a pretty good round. It was quite windy out there, especially on my back nine, so to finish bogey-free feels pretty good. My irons were good today. I was a little bit shaky off the tee today but the course is wide enough for me to get my iron shots onto the greens.My distance control was spot on. With this wind, it’s definitely playing quite different from yesterday. Some of the tee shots and approach shots, you have to adjust with the wind and some holes, it plays a lot shorter and some are playing longer.All in all, I am very happy with where I stand now heading into the weekend. Having the bogey-free round today helps my confidence quite a bit. I will play my best for the next few days.

Sihwan Kim of the United States

Nacho Elvira (Esp) – Second Round 67 (-5), Total 136 (-8)

I got off to a very good start with four birdies in a row in the first six holes and then overall it was solid from tee to green and I made a few putts. I think the putting stood out, I put a lot of work into my putting and I’m starting to roll them really well – my speed is much better than the beginning of the season so as a consequence of making better putts, I’m getting better scores.I’m in a good position obviously, going into the weekend, and I’m happy with how I’m striking the ball and the way I’m behaving on the golf course so I’ll try to stay calm and positive and see what the weekend has in store.

Jason Scrivener (Aus) – Second Round 69 (-3), Total 136 (-8)

It was very frustrating. I could feel I was kind of leaking away towards the end, I’m pretty exhausting after being awake since 2am. But there are no excuses, it’s just not the best way to finish a round.I feel like I have progressed slowly over the last couple of years, and I feel like I’m close to winning out here. I’ve just got to put myself in these positions more often.It’s hard work and mentally, being persistent, working hard and doing the right things and hopefully I’ll get that win soon.Everyone has to travel but usually the Australians have to do a little more than anyone. We’re kind of used to it though and it’s just part of the job.There are so many different holes on this course, certain ones that are quite tricky and other ones where you have to play quite conservative. Then there are ones where you can attack so it’s got a pretty good mix of holes and the course suits my eye.I hit a nice shot into five, and it didn’t get any claps around the green, but I got up there and it was in the hole. So it’s a tough crowd to please! It was a nice two though.

Soomin Lee (Kor) – Second Round 69 (-3), Total 137 (-7)

It’s not a bad round today. I gave myself a lot of chances. I kept my concentration going and made quite a few putts out there. I got really lucky on the 10th. I had trouble with my tee shot but was able to make birdie there. That was the turning point for me.This course is similar to the golf courses that I see back home in Korea so it kind of feels familiar. The fairways are pretty wide here and it’s not too long. I think I will focus more on my putting as that will be the key to score this week. Also going to work on my wedges and short-irons which will help too.

Soomin Lee of Korea

Scores after round 2 of the Volvo China Open being played at the par 72, 7261 Yards Topwin GcC course (am – denotes amateur):

135 – Matt WALLACE (ENG) 65-70.

136 – Nacho ELVIRA (ESP) 69-67, Jason SCRIVENER (AUS) 67-69, Sihwan KIM (USA) 70-66.

137 – Jorge CAMPILLO (ESP) 69-68, Soomin LEE (KOR) 68-69, Julien GUERRIER (FRA) 68-69, Adrian OTAEGUI (ESP) 68-69.

138 – Nino BERTASIO (ITA) 65-73, Jason NORRIS (AUS) 74-64, Jeunghun WANG (KOR) 72-66, Alexander BJORK (SWE) 66-72, Jordan SMITH (ENG) 69-69, Scott JAMIESON (SCO) 67-71.

139 – Joost LUITEN (NED) 70-69, Ricardo GOUVEIA (POR) 71-68, Paul DUNNE (IRL) 71-68, Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 69-70, Richard T LEE (CAN) 71-68, Pablo LARRAZABAL (ESP) 70-69, Sam HORSFIELD (ENG) 69-70.

140 – Xuewen LUO (CHN) 72-68, Ashley CHESTERS (ENG) 72-68, Matteo MANASSERO (ITA) 72-68, Gavin GREEN (MAS) 73-67, Alvaro QUIROS (ESP) 69-71, James MORRISON (ENG) 70-70, Hongfu WU (CHN) 73-67, Julian SURI (USA) 71-69, Haotong LI (CHN) 70-70, Andrea PAVAN (ITA) 68-72, Daxing JIN (CHN) 64-76, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 68-72, Scott VINCENT (ZIM) 66-74.

141 – Mikko ILONEN (FIN) 71-70, Arjun ATWAL (IND) 69-72, Romain WATTEL (FRA) 72-69, Yuta IKEDA (JPN) 69-72, Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 69-72, Thorbjorn OLESEN (DEN) 74-67, Ashun WU (CHN) 70-71, Lasse JENSEN (DEN) 73-68, Andrew DODT (AUS) 69-72, Clement SORDET (FRA) 71-70, Marcus KINHULT (SWE) 68-73, Tapio PULKKANEN (FIN) 70-71, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 73-68, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 73-68, Jinho CHOI (KOR) 69-72.

142 – Chris HANSON (ENG) 71-71, Ryan FOX (NZL) 70-72, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 70-72, Khalin H JOSHI (IND) 71-71, Alexander LEVY (FRA) 69-73, Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 71-71, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 74-68, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 68-74.

143 – Adilson DA SILVA (BRA) 70-73, Lucas BJERREGAARD (DEN) 70-73, Marcus FRASER (AUS) 72-71, Keith HORNE (RSA) 69-74, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 73-70, Yanwei LIU (CHN) 70-73, David LIPSKY (USA) 68-75, Joakim LAGERGREN (SWE) 73-70, Aaron RAI (ENG) 73-70, Edoardo MOLINARI (ITA) 72-71, Marcel SIEM (GER) 75-68, Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 71-72.

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.

Shah Alam, Malaysia, January 9: China’s rising star Li Haotong believes the stage is set for him to take on Team Europe when the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM gets underway on Friday.

The world number 59 announced his arrival on the world stage with a scintillating final round 63 which saw him finish third at The Open last year. 

The Chinese, who endeared himself to the local fans by winning his National Open in 2016, is eager to further prove his worth when he tees up for his first team match play event at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.

Li’s credentials have not gone unnoticed by Team Asia’s Vice-Captain Zhang Lianwei.

Zhang, a six-time Asian Tour winner and legend in his own right, has been impressed by the young Chinese and believes he can continue to make his mark.

China’s elder statesman also believes that despite the diverse culture and background Team Asia has, they are united in their common goal of bringing glory to the continent when the event starts.

The EurAsia Cup will feature 24 matches, with day one showcasing six Fourball matches, followed by six Foursomes matches and 12 Singles matches on the third day.

Did you know?

• This is Li Haotong’s first appearance in the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM. He is the second player after Wu Ashun (2016) from China to represent Team Asia in the biennial event.
• Team Asia will rely on Li to put points on the board while China’s Zhang Lianwei will put his experience to good use as a Vice-Captain to team captain Arjun Atwal.
• Li is among six debutants in Team Asia who will play in the EurAsia Cup.
• He is the second youngest player in Team Asia at the age of 21. Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand is the youngest at 18.
• He is a regular on the European Tour where he holds one victory at the 2016 Volvo China Open.
• Li also represented China in the 2016 Olympics and World Cup of Golf where he finished in a credible tied second place with playing partner Wu Ashun. 
• In 2017, Li finished third on the European Tour’s The Rocco Forte Open. His highlight of the year was shooting a final round 63 at The Open where his third place result was his best ever finish in a Major.
• Zhang is a five-time Asian Tour champion and one-time European Tour winner. He is recognized as one of China’s golfing pioneers where he paved the way for other professionals to follow in his footsteps.
• He has played in four professional team match-play events including the Alfred Dunhill Cup in 1998, 1999 and 2000. He also played in the Royal Trophy in 2006.

Players’ Quotes:

Li Haotong

We have a big chance. If we all play to our strengths, we can beat them. Why not? The greens are firm here and you have to play smart golf. We need to keep the ball on the fairway and the team definitely has the right players to do that. We have a good chance of keeping the scores low. I’m definitely very excited to be playing in my first EurAsia Cup and I’m already beginning to enjoy my time here especially with the comradery in the team room

Zhang Lianwei

I’m here as vice-captain for Team Asia, and I’m very impressed with the line-up.  We have some good firepower, which is obviously strengthened by some of our more experienced players like Kiradech (Aphibarnrat) and Anirban (Lahiri), who have certainly impressed on the world stage. There’s also a very good mix of players with the younger ones like Haotong who is definitely shown he can win on the world stage.  I’m very confident of Team Asia doing well this week. Asia is so diverse, obviously coming from different backgrounds and cultures. But we have one common goal which is to gel together as a team and put the points on the board for Team Asia.

Ends.

About DRB-HICOM

DRB-HICOM Berhad (“DRB-HICOM”) is one of Malaysia’s leading conglomerates with core businesses in the Automotive, Services & Education, as well as Property sectors. With more than 90 active companies in its stable and over 59,000 employees group-wide, DRB-HICOM’s aim is to continue adding value and propelling the nation’s development. In the Automotive sector, DRB-HICOM is involved in the manufacturing, assembly and distribution of passenger and commercial vehicles, including the national motorcycle. In Services & Education, DRB-HICOM is involved in various businesses, including concession and financial-related services. In Property, DRB-HICOM is involved in residential and commercial developments.

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), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist (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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About the European Tour

The European Tour celebrates men’s professional golf on a global stage. In 2017, the European Tour International Schedule features a minimum of 47 tournaments in 26 countries, including eight Rolex Series events, all part of the Race to Dubai.Celebrating the global connectivity of the European Tour and Dubai, the Race to Dubai is a season-long competition to crown the European Tour’s Number One player, an honour which in 2016 went to Sweden’s Henrik Stenson for the second time, and which since 2009 has also been achieved three times by Rory McIlroy, as well as by Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Luke Donald. Formerly known as the Order of Merit, points are accumulated based on prize money won, with the top 10 ranked players at the end of the season sharing a $5million Race to Dubai bonus pool.Since its formation in 1972, the European Tour has witnessed 26 Members celebrate a total of 52 Major Championship titles between them, enjoyed ten Members attaining the pinnacle of World Number One and has celebrated its diversity as players from 36 different countries have won on the Tour.The European Tour also manages the Challenge Tour, which featured 28 tournaments in 22 countries in 2016, and the Senior Tour, which featured 13 tournaments in nine countries in 2016. It is also the Managing Partner of Ryder Cup Europe, the body which, alongside the PGA of America, administers golf’s greatest team contest, The Ryder Cup.The European Tour broadcasts live coverage of its tournaments to more than 490 million homes in more than 150 countries every week, generating in excess of 2,200 global broadcast hours for each event. It also enjoys the support of many of the world’s leading business brands with Rolex, BMW, Emirates and Titleist as Official Partners.

About MMC Corporation Berhad

MMC Corporation Berhad (MMC) is a leading utilities and infrastructure group with diversified businesses under three divisions, namely ports & logistics, energy & utilities and engineering & construction.Its key businesses under the Ports and Logistics division include the operations of Port of Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd, Johor Port Berhad, Northport (Malaysia) Bhd, Penang Port Sdn Bhd, Kontena Nasional Berhad and JP Logistics. Internationally, MMC has an associate stake in Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company Limited, a container port terminal within the Jeddah Islamic Port, Saudi Arabia.Under the Energy & Utilities division, MMC is the single largest shareholder of both Malakoff Corporation Berhad and Gas Malaysia Berhad.MMC’s Engineering & Construction division has further established itself in the sector with a leading role as the Project Delivery Partner (PDP) and underground works package contractor for the 51km Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) project (Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line) and Line 2 project (Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya Line). Prior to this, MMC has successfully completed the 329km Ipoh-Padang Besar Electrified Double Tracking Project as well as the innovative Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) motorway, the first-of-its-kind dual-purpose tunnel in the world. MMC continues to make inroads in the construction industry, securing key civil and infrastructure projects in the country namely Langat Centralised Sewerage Treatment Plant, Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant, civil and infrastructure works for RAPID Pengerang Cogeneration Plant. Additionally, MMC has a 20% effective interest in Borneo Highway PDP Sdn Bhd (BHP) which has been appointed as PDP for the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Project.In other businesses, MMC owns Aliran Ihsan Resources Berhad, a water treatment plant operator and Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd, the operator of Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru; a major aviation hub and the main air transportation gateway to Iskandar Malaysia. Additionally, MMC’s Group Property arm manages close to 6,000 acres of industrial developments in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor and Kulim, Kedah, namely Senai Airport City, Tanjung Bin Petrochemical & Maritime Industrial Centre (TBPMIC) and Northern Technocity in Kulim. The Senai Airport City, TBPMIC and NTC (NTC) developments come under the ambit of Group Property’s three operating companies – Senai Airport City Sdn Bhd, Seaport Worldwide Sdn Bhd and Northern Technocity Sdn Bhd respectively.

Beijing, April 26: Homegrown talent Daxing Jin raised the local cheers when he signed for a flawless eight-under-par 64 to lead by one shot in the opening round of the prestigious Volvo China Open on Thursday.

The 25-year-old Jin, who is making his fifth appearance in his National Open this week, is thrilled to return with a bogey-free round highlighted by six birdies and an eagle at the Beijing Topwin Golf and Country Club.

Japanese hotshot Hideto Tanihara stole the limelight by driving home a new Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum, thanks to an ace on the par-three 16th hole in the CN¥20,000,000 (approx. US$3,178,000) event, which is the oldest professional golf tournament in the country.

Matt Wallace of England, who claimed his breakthrough win in India last month, carded a solid 65 to share second place with Nino Bertasio of Italy while in-form Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe stayed two shots off the pace in tied-fourth alongside Alexander Bjork of Sweden.

The 24th edition of the Volvo China Open is tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and the China Golf Association. It is staged for the third successive year at the Topwin Golf and Country Club.

Did you know?

• Daxing Jin is making his fifth appearance in the Volvo China Open. He has never made the halfway cut in his National Open.
• Jin turned professional at the end of 2011. His golfing idol is Rory McIlroy.
• Jin missed only one green in regulation in his commendable round of 64.
• Jin’s father, Sanlu, is a teaching professional golfer.
• Jin claimed his first professional title on his local circuit in 2014.
• Hideto Tanihara sank the ace from 197 yards with an eight-iron to mark his career’s third hole-in-one.
• Tanihara signed for an opening 72 to sit in tied-74th place.
• Matt Wallace claimed his first Asian Tour win and second European Tour win at the co-sanctioned Hero Indian Open last month.
• Starting from 10, Wallace fired five birdies against a bogey to turn in 32. He traded another birdie against a bogey on his way home but managed to close out his round in style with an eagle-birdie from eighth.
• Wallace won the Alps Tour Order of Merit in 2016 after winning six times that year.
• Scott Vincent finished tied-fourth in Japan last week. It was his second top-10 result this season. He sits in 13th place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings.
• Vincent has his wife Kelsey on the bag this week. Kelsey also caddied for him in Japan last week.
• Vincent signaled his arrival in Asia when he came through the Asian Tour Qualifying School in 2016. He was named the Rookie of the Year after finishing in 28th position that year. He finished 17th on the money list in 2017 to retain his card for 2018.
• Vincent is the only Zimbabwean player on the Asian Tour.

Players’ quotes:

Daxing Jin (Chn) – First round 64 (-8)

I played really well today. I’m really happy with my form and I have to say I would give myself 100 marks for today’s round. I hardly give myself 100 marks when I play in tournaments but today was really good I thought. My strategy today was just to hit the greens in the regulation and I did that for 17 of the 18 holes, and the one I missed I managed a par, so that was great. My putting was good too. I made three long putts out there. I am really pleased. I don’t want to give myself too much pressure. It’s still very early. I will continue to do what I have been doing for the next three rounds. I will just keep targeting fairways and greens out there and then give myself chances for birdies. On the eighth hole, I was about ten yards from the pin with my second shot and I saw Scott (Jamieson) make eagle from a similar position so I had confidence that I might chip it in. I read the line from Scott’s shot and holed it. It wasn’t very windy out there today and it was a pretty smooth round for me. I was targeting two or three-under today but I did better than that. I am really happy. I will aim to make the cut first but I don’t want to think about it right now. I don’t think there’s much advantage playing in the morning. I think the conditions are pretty much similar out there. I’ve been relaxed coming into this week because I don’t have too much expectation but I’ll just keep playing one stroke at a time, one day at a time and see how it goes for me.

Matt Wallace (Eng) – First Round 65 (-7)

I made a couple of bogeys which were from a couple of swing errors but overall, I am swinging it great. I have been trying to shorten my swing for a while and that’s been my main swing thought coming into this week which helped massively. I have never really managed to do it till last week when I found something and it’s a weird feeling. I feel like I am swinging it halfway but I am actually striking it better and not losing any distanceMy ball was slightly in the rough and I just hit a nice fade into the green with my three-iron and it turned out perfectly. Had a right-to-left putt from seven- feet and rolled it into the hole for eagle on the eighth. I had a bogey on the fourth hole so it was a nice comeback. Birdied the last hole as well, just played it left-to-right the entire hole and the green slopes left-to-right. Hit my nine-iron into the green and had about six-feet for birdie. I had a great group today and it was nice to catch up with Alexander Bjork and Julian Suri who I haven’t seen in a while. He was making a couple of birdies and I was making some too and we were rubbing off each other which was good. This is my first full year on tour, I really like the country and I love the golf course and the weather was perfect today. I drove it well today which was key, setting it up nicely on the fairway so I can get it close on the green.

Scott Vincent (Zim) – First Round 66 (-6)

I hit a great drive with a solid five-iron into the middle of the green and rolled a straight putt in for eagle on the eighth hole. I didn’t feel that great before last week but managed to figure things out and get things moving in the right direction in time for this week. There wasn’t a lot of wind and I took advantage of the morning conditions to get as many birdies as I could. Still a long way to go and I don’t want to get ahead of myself and I hope to keep things going. My wife’s been an excellent caddy and she’s doing such a great job and I wouldn’t have anyone else on the bag. I enjoy having her around so I am not letting her go anytime soon.

Scores after round 1 of the Volvo China Open being played at the par 72, 7261 Yards Topwin GcC course (am – denotes amateur):

64 – JIN Daxing (CHN).

65 – Matt WALLACE (ENG), Nino BERTASIO (ITA).

66 – Alexander BJORK (SWE), Scott VINCENT (ZIM).

67 – Scott JAMIESON (SCO), Jason SCRIVENER (AUS).

68 – Julien GUERRIER (FRA), Marcus KINHULT (SWE), Andrea PAVAN (ITA), David LIPSKY (USA), Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA), Adrian OTAEGUI (ESP), Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND), Johannes VEERMAN (USA), LIN Yuxin (am, CHN), Soomin LEE (KOR).

69 – Keith HORNE (RSA), Alexander LEVY (FRA), Jordan SMITH (ENG), Jinho CHOI (KOR), Sam HORSFIELD (ENG), Blake SNYDER (USA), Arjun ATWAL (IND), Yuta IKEDA (JPN), Jorge CAMPILLO (ESP), Shubhankar SHARMA (IND), Nacho ELVIRA (ESP), Wade ORMSBY (AUS), Alvaro QUIROS (ESP), Andrew DODT (AUS), Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN), Nicholas FUNG (MAS).

70 – Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN), James MORRISON (ENG), LI Haotong (CHN), Tapio PULKKANEN (FIN), Pablo LARRAZABAL (ESP), LIU Yanwei (CHN), Sam BRAZEL (AUS), Adilson DA SILVA (BRA), Lucas BJERREGAARD (DEN), Joost LUITEN (NED), WU Ashun (CHN), Ryan FOX (NZL), Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA), Sihwan KIM (USA).

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.

Shah Alam, Malaysia, January 5: Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand is prepared to take on a new role when he represents Team Asia at the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM next week.

Team Asia captain Arjun Atwal of India will rely on world number 49 Kiradech to put points on the scoreboard and be a mentor to the younger players when they go up against Thomas Bjorn’s Team Europe at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.

Kiradech, Anirban Lahiri of India and Nicholas Fung of Malaysia will make their third appearance in the EurAsia Cup and they are expected to impart their experience to debutants Gavin Green, Phachara Khongwatmai, Poom Saksansin, Li Haotong, Sunghoon Kang and Yuta Ikeda.

At 29, Kiradech is seen as the ‘senior’ in the team as compared to his teammates Phachara, who will be the youngest ever player to play in the EurAsia Cup at the age of 18 followed by China’s Li (21). Reigning Order of Merit champion Green and Thailand’s Poom who are both 24.

“This is a big event for Asia and I really want to make Asia proud. I will bring all my experience with me and help my team and the new and younger players. There are so many ‘kids’ in the team and I will do my best to guide them and improve our team,” said Kiradech.

Kiradech will also be joined by Kang, a PGA Tour regular, Ikeda, the highest ranked player in Team Asia where he sits in 35th position on the Official World Golf Ranking and Hideto Tanihara, who was part of the 2014 team who secured a dramatic 10-10 draw against Team Europe.

“It is a big change for me. I would like to think that I’m the third generation of Thai golfers after Boonchu Ruangkit and Thongchai Jaidee. Now younger players look up to me and it is so different! They (Boonchu and Thongchai) even Arjun (Atwal) have done so well to inspire so many young golfers to play golf professionally.

“The young players in the team are so good and they will do well. They will just need some guidance from the more experienced players. We have a strong team this year. I have to congratulate Gavin (Green) because he played fantastic golf in 2017. So did the other players,” said the Thai.

Known for his grip-it and rip-it style of golf, Kiradech enjoyed a stellar 2017 season where he won on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) followed by two runner-up results on the European Tour.

He also finished tied fifth at the Asian Tour’s season-ending Indonesian Masters where he played through a back injury and eagled the 72nd hole to finish inside the top-50 in the world and qualify for The Masters in April.

“I haven’t had time to really talk to Arjun yet but he did thank me for improving on my world ranking and qualifying on my own Merit,” he smiled. Arjun is a real gentleman and I think he will really help our team do well in the EurAsia Cup. I hope to do my part as well.”

Team Europe will feature Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Paul Casey, Paul Dunne, Ross Fisher, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Alex Levy, Alex Noren, Thomas Pieters, Henrik Stenson and Bernd Wiesberger.

The EurAsia Cup will feature 24 matches, with day one showcasing six Fourball matches, followed by six Foursomes matches and 12 Singles matches on the third day.

Ticket sales are now open. You can purchase the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM tickets here: https://www.ticketpro.com.my/sports/2231222-Eurasia-Cup-2018.html

Ends.

About DRB-HICOM

DRB-HICOM Berhad (“DRB-HICOM”) is one of Malaysia’s leading conglomerates with core businesses in the Automotive, Services & Education, as well as Property sectors. With more than 90 active companies in its stable and over 59,000 employees group-wide, DRB-HICOM’s aim is to continue adding value and propelling the nation’s development. In the Automotive sector, DRB-HICOM is involved in the manufacturing, assembly and distribution of passenger and commercial vehicles, including the national motorcycle. In Services & Education, DRB-HICOM is involved in various businesses, including concession and financial-related services. In Property, DRB-HICOM is involved in residential and commercial developments.

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), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), FENIX XCell (Official Apparel Supplier), Titleist (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.

Please visit us at:

www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com

www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf

www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf

www.youtube.com/theasiantour

www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

About the European Tour

The European Tour celebrates men’s professional golf on a global stage. In 2017, the European Tour International Schedule features a minimum of 47 tournaments in 26 countries, including eight Rolex Series events, all part of the Race to Dubai.Celebrating the global connectivity of the European Tour and Dubai, the Race to Dubai is a season-long competition to crown the European Tour’s Number One player, an honour which in 2016 went to Sweden’s Henrik Stenson for the second time, and which since 2009 has also been achieved three times by Rory McIlroy, as well as by Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Luke Donald. Formerly known as the Order of Merit, points are accumulated based on prize money won, with the top 10 ranked players at the end of the season sharing a $5million Race to Dubai bonus pool.Since its formation in 1972, the European Tour has witnessed 26 Members celebrate a total of 52 Major Championship titles between them, enjoyed ten Members attaining the pinnacle of World Number One and has celebrated its diversity as players from 36 different countries have won on the Tour.The European Tour also manages the Challenge Tour, which featured 28 tournaments in 22 countries in 2016, and the Senior Tour, which featured 13 tournaments in nine countries in 2016. It is also the Managing Partner of Ryder Cup Europe, the body which, alongside the PGA of America, administers golf’s greatest team contest, The Ryder Cup.The European Tour broadcasts live coverage of its tournaments to more than 490 million homes in more than 150 countries every week, generating in excess of 2,200 global broadcast hours for each event. It also enjoys the support of many of the world’s leading business brands with Rolex, BMW, Emirates and Titleist as Official Partners.

About MMC Corporation Berhad

MMC Corporation Berhad (MMC) is a leading utilities and infrastructure group with diversified businesses under three divisions, namely ports & logistics, energy & utilities and engineering & construction.Its key businesses under the Ports and Logistics division include the operations of Port of Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd, Johor Port Berhad, Northport (Malaysia) Bhd, Penang Port Sdn Bhd, Kontena Nasional Berhad and JP Logistics. Internationally, MMC has an associate stake in Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company Limited, a container port terminal within the Jeddah Islamic Port, Saudi Arabia.Under the Energy & Utilities division, MMC is the single largest shareholder of both Malakoff Corporation Berhad and Gas Malaysia Berhad.MMC’s Engineering & Construction division has further established itself in the sector with a leading role as the Project Delivery Partner (PDP) and underground works package contractor for the 51km Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) project (Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line) and Line 2 project (Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya Line). Prior to this, MMC has successfully completed the 329km Ipoh-Padang Besar Electrified Double Tracking Project as well as the innovative Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) motorway, the first-of-its-kind dual-purpose tunnel in the world.MMC continues to make inroads in the construction industry, securing key civil and infrastructure projects in the country namely Langat Centralised Sewerage Treatment Plant, Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant, civil and infrastructure works for RAPID Pengerang Cogeneration Plant. Additionally, MMC has a 20% effective interest in Borneo Highway PDP Sdn Bhd (BHP) which has been appointed as PDP for the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Project.In other businesses, MMC owns Aliran Ihsan Resources Berhad, a water treatment plant operator and Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd, the operator of Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru; a major aviation hub and the main air transportation gateway to Iskandar Malaysia. Additionally, MMC’s Group Property arm manages close to 6,000 acres of industrial developments in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor and Kulim, Kedah, namely Senai Airport City, Tanjung Bin Petrochemical & Maritime Industrial Centre (TBPMIC) and Northern Technocity in Kulim. The Senai Airport City, TBPMIC and NTC (NTC) developments come under the ambit of Group Property’s three operating companies – Senai Airport City Sdn Bhd, Seaport Worldwide Sdn Bhd and Northern Technocity Sdn Bhd respectively.

Pattaya, Thailand, December 31: Shiv Kapur of India emerged triumphant at the US$500,000 Royal Cup after he closed the tournament with a four-under-par 67 to finish 14-under-par 270. 

Sunday was billed as a duel between Kapur and Thailand’s Prom Meesawat after the pair emerged from the pack after round three. At the start of the final round, Prom was two shots ahead of Kapur, who was four shots ahead of the rest of the field.

However, Prom lost his advantage as early as the second hole of the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club. After pulling to the left, Prom had to settle for a bogey at the par-three hole, while Kapur knocked in a birdie.

Prom’s further bogeys on the fifth and ninth handed Kapur the lead. Although, the 33-year-old Thai managed to shake off his nerves after the turn and it was all square again following consecutive birdies on the 11th and 12th.

Kapur did himself no favours when he bogeyed the 13th and 14th and in the process, handed Prom a two-shot lead again.

Kapur bounced back remarkably with two consecutive birdies of his own and it was deadlocked again. With Prom bogeying the 17th, the door was left open for Shiv to win the Royal Cup, and he did.

Although, Prom nearly forced a playoff as he narrowly missed a birdie putt at the last hole of the tournament. He finished round four with a 70.

Gaganjeet Bhullar of India carded a 66 to cement third place after a late charge. Thai legend Prayad Marksaeng and Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang, who won on the same golf course last year, shared fourth place.

Did you know:

• Shiv Kapur made 19 birdies and five bogeys this week.
• Shiv Kapur is the only golfer to win three Asian Tour tournaments this year. In fact, he is the only golfer to win multiple Asian Tour titles in 2017.
• He won at the Yeangder Heritage, Panasonic Open India and the Royal Cup.
• Prom Meesawat has finished top-10 twice in his last three tournaments. He was ninth at the Asian Golf Championship in China and second at the Royal Cup in Thailand.
• Prior to Sunday, Prom only had one bogey in every single round.
• Gaganjeet Bhullar, India’s number one amateur in 2004 and 2006, claimed a silver medal in the team event at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.
• He has won a tournament in Thailand before, at the 2010 Asian Tour International.
• Prayad Marksaeng is the third winningest player on the Asian Tour with 10 titles.
• He is also the second oldest winner on the Asian Tour. In January this year, he won the SMBC Singapore Open when he was 50 years and 357 days.
• Chan Shih-chang won the 2016 King’s Cup, on the same golf course last year. In the same year, he has also won the 2016 Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup in Japan.

Player Interviews:

Shiv Kapur (Ind) – Fourth Round 67 (-4), Total 270 (-14)

It was a see-saw battle indeed. I had to come out fighting straight out of the blocks. I made two birdies in my first three holes and that reversed Prom’s advantage. It doesn’t always go to plan, but luckily, I started well and he made a bogey on the second hole and before I knew it, I was leading the tournament.

On the ninth, I made a good par, which was pivotal. I had a great putt from off the green on 10th. At that stage, I thought I was in control. I hit a poor drive on the 11th and got away with par. He made good birdies on 11th and 12th and regained the lead.

I felt that I made a bad swing on 13th and that carried over to the next hole. After the two bogeys, I was obviously disappointed as a two-shot lead turned into a two-shot deficit.

Standing on the 15th tee, I told me caddie that we’re not going to go down without a fight. Let’s make a birdie here and see what happens or at least give myself a chance going into the last two holes.

The birdie there (on the 15th) got me back into the tournament. I had a good up and down on the 17th and Prom kind of handed me the tournament as he three putted there. At the 18th, I thought he was a bit unluckily. Prom is a steely competitor and I’m lucky to come out on top.

I think the tournament has a great format. It has a lot of history and I’m glad to join the illustrious list of winners.

A lot of people were taking the week off. In hindsight, sometimes, good things happen. If I had made the EurAsia Cup team, I wouldn’t be here. It’s always great to win three times on Tour during the season. On top of that, it’s a special feeling to have my daughter here on the 18th green celebrating my win.

If 2018 can come anywhere close, I’ll be happy. I’ll be building on my success. After three weeks of rest and relaxation, I’ll be back competing on the Asian Tour.

Prom Meesawat (Tha) – Fourth Round 70 (-1), Total 271 (-13)

It was a good battle with Shiv. He was playing well and I simply made more mistakes. He deserved to win.

It was disappointing for sure. I thought I made the putt for birdie to force a playoff at the 18th. Anyway, it was a good tournament for me. It is always good to end the year with a second-place finish.

For next year, I’ll continue to work hard and try to win a tournament. I’ll take two weeks off before starting on the new season.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) – Fourth Round 66 (-5), Total 273 (-11)

I had a good tournament. I didn’t prepare much as I came straight from my wedding. Today was particularly good. I holed a lot of good putts and gave myself good opportunities. I played well but obviously these guys (Kapur and Prom) played better than me.

It is good playing this golf course again. I had good memories from last year and I’m glad I came back and played well this week.

2017 is one of the years to remember. The Macao Open was special as it was a wire-to-wire victory and my second win there. It’ll be a tournament that is always close to my heart. This week was great, of course.

Chan Shih-chang (Tpe) – Fourth Round 65 (-6), Total 275 (-9)

I felt really good about this tournament. Overall, I didn’t play to my expectations in 2017. When I heard about the opportunity to come back to play at this golf course (where he won the 2016 King’s Cup), I jumped at it. I felt that I only played one bad round, that is round two. I putted badly and made four three-putts.

I felt that my game was on point yesterday but today, I enjoyed a bit of luck like the chip-in eagle at the sixth. I felt like I was on tournament-winning form.

Scores after round 4 of the Royal Cup being played at the par 71, 6764 Yards Phoenix Gold GCC course (am – denotes amateur):

270 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 67-68-68-67.

271 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 68-67-66-70.

273 – Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 67-71-69-66.

275 – Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 72-67-71-65, CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 68-75-67-65.

276 – Khalin JOSHI (IND) 70-68-71-67.

277 – Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 68-71-68-70.

278 – Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 75-67-69-67, Danthai BOONMA (THA) 73-69-68-68, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 69-70-69-70.

279 – Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA) 73-71-68-67, Raththee SIRITHANAKUNSAK (THA) 67-71-70-71, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 68-70-70-71.

280 – Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 69-72-69-70, Ben LEONG (MAS) 70-68-71-71.

281 – Peradol PANYATHANASEDH (THA) 69-75-70-67, Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 71-71-69-70, LU Wei-chih (TPE) 68-69-71-73.

282 – Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 70-71-72-69, Nattawat SUVAJANAKORN (THA) 70-71-71-70, Thanpisit OMSIN (THA) 70-69-72-71.

283 – Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 69-75-71-68, Chanachok DEJPIRATANAMONGKOL (THA) 72-73-69-69, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 67-73-72-71, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 70-70-72-71, Atthaphon SRIBOONKAEW (THA) 73-70-69-71, John CATLIN (USA) 69-72-70-72, Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 70-71-70-72, Pasavee LERTVILAI (THA) 70-72-69-72.

284 – Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 69-73-73-69, Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 69-72-75-68, Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) 71-68-77-68, Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA) 72-72-70-70.

285 – Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA) 72-71-72-70, WANG Wei-lun (TPE) 76-69-69-71, Tawan PHONGPHUN (THA) 72-74-69-70, Suttijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 71-70-72-72.

286 – Piya SWANGARUNPORN (THA) 73-72-70-71, Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 70-78-68-70, Thepbodin AMARANAN (THA) 73-75-71-67.

287 – Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 70-73-72-72, Chaiphat KOONMARK (THA) 71-71-72-73, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 67-74-72-74, Chirat JIRASUWAN (THA) 70-75-73-69, Itthipat BURANATANYARAT (THA) 74-76-68-69, Worrasorn SUWANPANANG (THA) 73-73-74-67, Ratchapol JANTAVARA (THA) 72-69-70-76.

289 – Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 73-72-69-75, Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA) 73-72-72-72, Natipong SRITHONG (THA) 69-75-74-71, Giwhan KIM (KOR) 75-70-73-71.

290 – Panuwat MUENLEK (THA) 73-70-71-76, Nitithorn THIPPONG (THA) 73-67-79-71.

291 – Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 73-73-71-74, Danny CHIA (MAS) 72-71-70-78.

292 – Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA) 73-72-73-74.

293 – Somprad RATTANASUWAN (THA) 71-71-75-76, Chonlatit CHUENBOONNGAM (THA) 75-75-71-72, Meechok PHANTHARAK (THA) 74-70-78-71.

294 – Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 70-73-77-74, Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA) 73-73-81-67.

295 – Pannakorn UTHAIPAS (THA) 72-70-74-79, Somsak KAOPRATUM (THA) 70-78-74-73, Scott HEND (AUS) 71-77-74-73, Kwanchai TANNIN (THA) 71-79-73-72, Naras LUANGPHETCHARAPORN (THA) 77-70-78-70.

296 – Tawit POLTHAI (THA) 75-74-71-76.

297 – Kasidit LEPKURTE (THA) 75-77-72-73.

298 – Udorn DUANGDECHA (THA) 79-72-76-71.

300 – Ronnachai JAMNONG (THA) 78-76-70-76.

301 – Nattapong PUTTA (THA) 74-76-75-76.

306 – Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 77-76-72-81.

307 – Jaturon DUANGPHAICHOOM (THA) 75-86-71-75.

332 – Jomyoot GEETONG (THA) 86-83-84-79.

335 – Pattalit THANOMSING (THA) 80-89-88-78.

Sorachut HANSAPIBAN, Thailand – RT

Nicholas FUNG, Malaysia – RT

Jbe KRUGER, South Africa – DQ

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), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), FENIX XCell (Official Apparel Supplier), Titleist (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.

Please visit us at:

www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com

www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf

www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf

www.youtube.com/theasiantour

www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

April 24: Richard Kaufman catches up with 2016 Asian Tour number 1 Scott Hend as the Australian prepares for the Volvo China Open this week. 

Pattaya, Thailand, December 30: Prom Meesawat of Thailand broke out of the main pack after carding a five-under-par 66 to lead the US$500,000 Royal Cup by two shots. The tournament is currently contested at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.

The burly Thai golfer kept his mistakes to a minimum and scored six birdies. He only had one bogey the entire round at the 15th, but it could have been much worse if not for a terrific bunker shot that landed five yards from the hole.

Shiv Kapur of India carded a birdie at the 18th to keep things interesting going into Sunday. Kapur, who was playing with Prom in the same group, kept within sight of the leader with pivotal birdies at the 12th in addition to the one at the last hole. Kapur finished Saturday with a 10-under-par 203 total, just two shots behind Prom.

Young Thai golfer Poom Saksansin was happy about his round and rightly so. He kept pace with the front two with a steady display, highlighted by four birdies and just one bogey. He finished round three with a 68 for a share of third place with Gaganjeet Bhullar.

Bhullar, on the other hand, had a rather dramatic round three. He made six birdies, but it was slightly negated by two bogeys and an uncharacteristic double bogey at the par-four ninth. After a magnificent start, the Indian golfer ground out his round towards the last few holes and signed for a 69.

The Royal Cup is a no cut event and it will be the final event on the 2017 Asian Tour schedule.

Did you know:

• Prom Meesawat’s nickname is “The Big Dolphin”, because of his physique and that he comes from the coastal town of Huahin.
• He earned US$134,192 on the Asian Tour this year, which put him in 30th position on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
• His favourite female golf professional is Paula Creamer.
• Shiv Kapur’s solid season has been a huge turnaround for him after going through a tough year in 2016 where he lost his European Tour card and had to go through a liver surgery which kept him out of the game for a few months.
• Kapur’s first victory on the Asian Tour was in Thailand.
• Kapur got married in 2016, in Bali.
• Poom Saksansin finished eighth on the 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit. He earned US$331,417 this year.
• Poom qualified for the EurAsia Cup by virtue of being one of the four leading Asian Golfers on the Order of Merit.
• Gaganjeet Bhullar enjoyed a tied-second finish the last time he was in Thailand, at the Thailand Open.
• He earned US$253,803 and finished 15th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Player Interviews:

Prom Meesawat (Tha) – Third Round 66 (-5), Total 201 (-12)

I was playing my own game and Shiv (Kapur) was playing his own game. We have known each other for a long time. Shiv was playing well and didn’t make many mistakes. Even myself, I’m playing well too. I hope that it’ll be good fun tomorrow.

Especially this week, I’m hitting my irons pretty good. I was able to control the distance well. As I’ve mentioned, you’ve got to stay pin high at this course. The green is typically soft on the front nine and hard at the back nine.

I had two tough shots. At the 13th (where he scored a birdie), I had to hit it high from the rough so that the ball can stop on the green. That one worked out well. At the 15th, I left about four to five yards short of the hole from the bunker.

I’m going to stick with my game plan tomorrow. I’ll go shot by shot. Shiv is playing well, I’m playing well. I’ll just go out and enjoy. Having a two-shot advantage is nothing in golf these days. I’m just going to try my best to win.

Shiv Kapur (Ind) – Third Round 68 (-3), Total 203 (-10)

I played great today. He (Prom) didn’t make many mistakes. He left the door opened once or twice, but I didn’t capitalise on it. Every time I made a birdie, he seemed to make a birdie as well. He played a solid back nine and he seemed to pull away a bit.

I told my caddie at the 18th tee, if I can birdie the last and close the gap to two shots, that can give me a better chance for a win. It’s a big difference between being two shots back and three shots back.

The birdie on 12th was the turning point of my round today. If I missed and he made the birdie, as it would widen the gap.

I’m not trying to get into a match play situation. Perhaps, if it’s the last few holes tomorrow and it’s a similar situation as today then maybe, you can look at that.

I’ve known Prom since the junior days and I’ve played with him in the last 15 to 20 years. I have a lot of respect for his game. He’s a fantastic player and he’s not going to hand me the tournament. I’m going to have to go out and work hard for it. With a birdie at the last hole, I have a better chance.

It’ll be a fun battle if I can score some birdies on the front nine and put some pressure on him.

Poom Saksansin (Tha) – Third Round 68 (-3), Total 207 (-6)

Today I had a mistake, but it was a good mistake. I tried to lay up at the fifth hole, but it hooked to the pin and I made a birdie there.

Another good hole was the 10th. I had a good birdie chance, but I missed it. It was simply too difficult. The green was quite sloppy and I didn’t give it enough allowance.

Overall, I’m happy because I played well today. The weather is hot today, but in a good way. The winds are strong and the back nine is firmer than the front nine. The pins are still as tough as ever, but I am looking forward to the challenge.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) – Third Round 69 (-2), Total 207 (-6)

It was a bit of a yo-yo round and there were lots of ups and downs during the day.

I did make six birdies today, but I’ve also made some bad shots which led to bogeys. But otherwise, I drove the ball well like I did the last two rounds, kept the ball in play at pretty much all the holes and I gave myself plenty of birdie opportunities. I made some par saves at the end but otherwise, it was a decent round.

I started the round pretty well with two consecutive birdies. The other highlight was my second shot on the eighth. I was 92 yards from the stick. I took a sand wedge, hit the ball from the rough and it went in.

I’m looking forward to having a good low round on Sunday.

Scores after round 3 of the Royal Cup being played at the par 71, 6764 Yards Phoenix Gold GCC course (am – denotes amateur):

201 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 68-67-66.

203 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 67-68-68.

207 – Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 68-71-68, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 67-71-69.

208 – Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 69-70-69, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 68-70-70, Raththee SIRITHANAKUNSAK (THA) 67-71-70, LU Wei-chih (TPE) 68-69-71.

209 – Ben LEONG (MAS) 70-68-71, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 70-68-71.

210 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 68-75-67, Danthai BOONMA (THA) 73-69-68, Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 69-72-69, Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 72-67-71.

211 – Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 71-71-69, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 75-67-69, Pasavee LERTVILAI (THA) 70-72-69, Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 70-71-70, John CATLIN (USA) 69-72-70, Ratchapol JANTAVARA (THA) 72-69-70, Thanpisit OMSIN (THA) 70-69-72.

212 – Atthaphon SRIBOONKAEW (THA) 73-70-69, Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA) 73-71-68, Nattawat SUVAJANAKORN (THA) 70-71-71, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 70-70-72, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 67-73-72.

213 – Danny CHIA (MAS) 72-71-70, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 67-74-72, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 70-71-72, Suttijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 71-70-72.

214 – Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA) 72-72-70, Panuwat MUENLEK (THA) 73-70-71, Peradol PANYATHANASEDH (THA) 69-75-70, Chaiphat KOONMARK (THA) 71-71-72, Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 73-72-69, Chanachok DEJPIRATANAMONGKOL (THA) 72-73-69, WANG Wei-lun (TPE) 76-69-69.

215 – Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 70-73-72, Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 69-75-71, Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA) 72-71-72, Piya SWANGARUNPORN (THA) 73-72-70, Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 69-73-73, Tawan PHONGPHUN (THA) 72-74-69.

216 – Pannakorn UTHAIPAS (THA) 72-70-74, Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 70-78-68, Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 69-72-75, Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) 71-68-77.

217 – Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA) 73-72-72, Somprad RATTANASUWAN (THA) 71-71-75, Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 73-73-71.

218 – Natipong SRITHONG (THA) 69-75-74, Giwhan KIM (KOR) 75-70-73, Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA) 73-72-73, Chirat JIRASUWAN (THA) 70-75-73, Itthipat BURANATANYARAT (THA) 74-76-68.

219 – Nitithorn THIPPONG (THA) 73-67-79, Thepbodin AMARANAN (THA) 73-75-71.

220 – Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 70-73-77, Worrasorn SUWANPANANG (THA) 73-73-74, Tawit POLTHAI (THA) 75-74-71.

221 – Chonlatit CHUENBOONNGAM (THA) 75-75-71.

222 – Meechok PHANTHARAK (THA) 74-70-78, Somsak KAOPRATUM (THA) 70-78-74, Scott HEND (AUS) 71-77-74.

223 – Kwanchai TANNIN (THA) 71-79-73.

224 – Kasidit LEPKURTE (THA) 75-77-72, Ronnachai JAMNONG (THA) 78-76-70.

225 – Naras LUANGPHETCHARAPORN (THA) 77-70-78, Nattapong PUTTA (THA) 74-76-75, Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 77-76-72.

227 – Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA) 73-73-81, Udorn DUANGDECHA (THA) 79-72-76.

232 – Jaturon DUANGPHAICHOOM (THA) 75-86-71.

253 – Jomyoot GEETONG (THA) 86-83-84.

257 – Pattalit THANOMSING (THA) 80-89-88.

Jbe KRUGER, South Africa – DQ

Nicholas FUNG, Malaysia – RT

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), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), FENIX XCell (Official Apparel Supplier), Titleist (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.

Please visit us at:

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www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf

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www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

Huairou, Beijing, April 24: Thai star Kiradech Aphibarnrat is itching to get back into action at the prestigious Volvo China Open which gets underway at the Beijing Topwin Golf and Country Club on Thursday.

After enjoying a two-week break at home following his second Masters appearance earlier this month, Kiradech is recharged and ready to contend at the CN¥20,000,000 (approx. US$3,178,000) event.

The 28-year-old Thai enters the week as the highest-ranked player in 32nd place on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). He will spearhead the Asian Tour challenge alongside 40 other winners, which includes young Indian talent Shubhankar Sharma, who leads the current Habitat for Humanity Standings.

Haotong Li of China, Shubhankar Sharma of India and Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand at the Great Wall of China

China’s number one Haotong Li, winner of the Volvo China Open in 2016, will also take aim at recapturing the trophy on home soil and become only the second player, following Alexander Levy in 2017, to win the tournament twice.

Micah Shin of the United States, a one-time Asian Tour winner, is hoping to put up a good showing this week for a memorable China debut. Japanese hotshot Yuta Ikeda is also looking to continue his good form when he makes his first appearance in the Volvo China Open this week.

The 24th edition of the Volvo China Open is tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and the China Golf Association. It is staged for the third successive year at the Topwin Golf and Country Club.

Other notable names include reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Gavin Green of Malaysia, Australian Scott Hend, Wenchong Liang of China, Thai star Thongchai Jaidee, as well as India’s Jeev Milkha Singh and Gaganjeet Bhullar.

Did you know?

• Kiradech Aphibarnrat is a three-time winner on the Asian Tour and a four-time champion on the European Tour. He was crowned Asian Tour’s number one in 2013.
• Kiradech is the highest-ranked player in the field this week. He sits in a current 32nd place on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
• Kiradech claimed his third Asian Tour victory in Perth, Australia in February. He went on to secure his third Asian Development Tour title in Brunei the following month.
• Kiradech sits in fourth place on both the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings and the European Tour’s Race To Dubai rankings.
• Haotong Li became the youngest winner of the Volvo China Open when he won the tournament in 2016 at the age of 20.
• Earlier in January, Li claimed his second European Tour title in Dubai after defeating former world number one Rory McIlroy in a playoff. He propelled to 32nd place on the OWGR following that win and became the first ever Chinese player to break into the world’s top 50. He currently sits in 44th place.
• Japanese hotshot Yuta Ikeda will be making his debut appearance at the Volvo China Open this week. The world number 61 represented Team Asia at the EurAsia Cup in Malaysia earlier in January.
• Ikeda, a one-time Asian Tour winner, enjoyed a tied-14th place finish on home soil last week.
• American Micah Shin claimed his breakthrough Asian Tour title in Manila, Philippines last November. That victory came after he called a ruling on himself and was penalized two strokes on the first hole for having 15 clubs in the bag in the final round.
• The 21-year-old Shin, who is based in Davao, Philippines, is visiting China for the very first time this week.

Players’ quotes:

Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha) trying to play the Guzheng

Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha)

It was a great experience visiting the Great Wall of China today. It’s my first time there and I enjoyed myself a lot. It was really impressive.

I haven’t played any tournaments since the Masters tournament earlier this month. The game’s feeling fantastic. Everyone will know after this week (laughs).

It’s always nice to be back in China. I have won here before and my great-grandfather is from China. It will mean a lot to my dad if I can win again in China. The golf courses here are always in fantastic shape. You got to putt well for sure.

Topwin Golf and Country Club is a tough course but it’s in a fantastic shape. The fairways are narrow but I always feel great playing in China.

I have worked really hard for the last eight months so I took a two-week break after The Masters tournament. I didn’t practice at all and was just resting at home, trying to regroup myself and think about my next goal.

My goal at the start of the year was to break into top-30 on the Official World Golf Ranking and then reward myself with a new car and watch. I am happy to have achieved that. I am now aiming to break into top-20. If I can do that, I will buy another two cars!

I feel refreshed for the week and I am ready for the challenge. I look forward to the week and I will try to play some low scores out there.

Haotong Li (Chn)

I enjoyed the trip to the Great Wall of China this morning. It’s really beautiful out there. It’s always very exciting to be back playing at home. Hopefully I can play well this week.

Winning the tournament again will mean a lot for sure, especially playing in front of your home crowd, which includes your friends and family members. It will be a great boost for my career. Only Alex Levy has won the tournament twice. I hope to be the second one.

The course is looking very nice. The greens are quite fast. The game’s feeling good as well. I am looking forward to play this week.

Yuta Ikeda (Jpn)

It’s my first time playing the Volvo China Open. It is exciting because I am visiting a new place. I have never seen or played the golf course but I am looking forward to playing there. The game’s not bad so far this season but unfortunately it hasn’t quite reflected in my results.

I think traveling has made me exhausted and hence, unable to build on my good game and momentum. It was great to be home playing in Japan last week so that has helped me a little bit. I hope to continue that good form into this week.

Micah Shin (Usa)

It feels really different this week because it’s my first time in China. The people don’t speak English here so it’s a little bit difficult to get around. The golf course is really nice. It’s a big tournament so I am looking forward to the week.

Winning in Manila last year has given me a lot of confidence in my game. It gives me new perspectives as well when I play in tournaments now. I haven’t been playing as well recently but I feel like if I were to get into a similar situation like in Manila, I will have a good chance to win again.

Winning that first Asian Tour title was also a big change for me because I get to play in bigger events now which is great. I am always very positive. I haven’t had a good start to the season but I believe when things start to click, I can get up to the top again.

I have been struggling with my ball striking. I haven’t been hitting so good. I am working on it for a while. It’s getting better. I just want to enjoy this week, don’t think so much and just play my game. Course management and putting will be the key this week.

Micah Shin (Usa) is visiting China for the first time this week

About Asian Tour

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

Pattaya, Thailand, December 29: Prom Meesawat of Thailand shot a four-under-par 67 to share first place with Shiv Kapur of India after the second round of the US$500,000 Royal Cup.

The experienced Thai golfer was feeling very positive from the first hole at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country and he had the result to show for it. Prom carded three birdies and an eagle during the round for a seven-under-par 135 total.

The only blemish on his scorecard was a bogey on hole two. Prom put it down to bad luck as the wind picked up just as he hit the ball flush.

Shiv kept mistakes out of his game and carded a bogey-free 68. Similar to round one, he needed a few holes to get his game started. Things went on track for him after consecutive birdies on the sixth and seven.

Lu Wei-chih of Chinese Taipei is two shots behind the leaders in lone third after carding a 69. He scored three birdies and turned in at 33 courtesy of some accurate approach shots. However, things did not go as well over his back nine (holes one to nine) as he made three bogeys. Although, he had an eagle on the sixth.

The entire field stays for the weekend as the Royal Cup is a no cut event. It is also the final event on the 2017 Asian Tour schedule.

Did you know:

• Prom Meesawat is a two-time winner on the Asian Tour. He won the 2006 SK Telecom Open and the 2014 Yeangder TPC.
• He finished 30th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
• Prom enjoyed three top-10 finishes in 2017, the Yeangder TPC, Macao Open and the Asian Golf Championship
• Shiv Kapur won an individual gold medal for golf at the 2002 Asian Games.
• The Indian golfer ended an 11-year wait for the title by winning the 2017 Yeangder Heritage
• Lu Wei-chih had a brain tumour removed in mid-2012. He recovered and went back to competitive golf a year later.
• His victory at the 2016 Mercuries Taiwan Masters completed his comeback in spectacular fashion.
• All four Asian Tour victories that Lu had were in Chinese Taipei.

Player Interviews:

Prom Meesawat (Tha) – Second Round 67 (-4), Total 135 (-7)

It’s another good day for me as I didn’t make a lot of mistakes. The bogey that I had was just unlucky. I hit a good shot and thought about having a birdie chance at the hole, but the wind picked up and the ball flew over the hole.

I played well after the turn, as I birdied the fifth and eagle the sixth.

The sixth is good for long hitters. This time, the wind helped me drove the ball farther down the fairway. I took a 7-iron and it landed over the bunker and rolled onto the green. I then putted in for eagle from 25 feet.

Over at the back nine, it’s tougher and firmer, so you have to control your distance very well.

It’s a tight leaderboard, so everyone’s still got a chance. This course is short. If you can read the green well, you can go low on this golf course. For myself, I’ll just go out and enjoy the weekend.

Shiv Kapur (Ind) – Second Round 68 (-3), Total 135 (-7)

I was bogey-free today. I kept the mistakes off the card. I felt that I had a slow start as I didn’t give myself birdie chances in the first five holes. I ground out a few pars, made a birdie on the sixth and a good birdie on seven. I got going after that.

I thought the conditions were much tougher today. The winds picked up and the greens got firm. The greens were pretty fast as well. Over at the back nine, I was just hanging on and trying to avoid the mistakes.

Overall, if you’re leading the tournament, you can’t be too unhappy. Hopefully, I can handle it better tomorrow and give myself a few more chances. I also hope that the course stays tough because I like it to be tough.

Lu Wei-chih (Tpe) – Second Round 69 (-2), Total 137 (-5)

I started the round feeling really prepared. I hit my second shot well, which gave me birdie opportunities. The greens here are rather sloppy, so it is very important to land in an ideal position. I got into some trouble at some holes at the back nine simply because I failed to do that.

At the sixth where I eagled, I drove to the right side of the fairway, which offered a good line to the green. My second shot was also well hit. My putt needed to go up a slope before flattening out towards the hole. I was surprised to sink that putt, but nevertheless, I was very happy about that.

Over the weekends, like what I’ve done previously, I’ll just focus on my golf swing. I’m making adjustments to make it better.

Scores after round 2 of the Royal Cup being played at the par 71, 6764 Yards Phoenix Gold GCC course (am – denotes amateur):

135 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 68-67, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 67-68.

137 – LU Wei-chih (TPE) 68-69.

138 – Raththee SIRITHANAKUNSAK (THA) 67-71, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 68-70, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 70-68, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 67-71, Ben LEONG (MAS) 70-68.

139 – Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 72-67, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 69-70, Thanpisit OMSIN (THA) 70-69, Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) 71-68, Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 68-71.

140 – Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 69-71, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 67-73, Nitithorn THIPPONG (THA) 73-67, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 70-70.

141 – Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 69-72, Suttijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 71-70, Ratchapol JANTAVARA (THA) 72-69, John CATLIN (USA) 69-72, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 70-71, Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA) 69-72, Nattawat SUVAJANAKORN (THA) 70-71, Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 70-71, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 67-74.

142 – Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 69-73, Danthai BOONMA (THA) 73-69, Somprad RATTANASUWAN (THA) 71-71, Pasavee LERTVILAI (THA) 70-72, Chaiphat KOONMARK (THA) 71-71, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 75-67, Pannakorn UTHAIPAS (THA) 72-70, Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 71-71.

143 – Panuwat MUENLEK (THA) 73-70, Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA) 72-71, Atthaphon SRIBOONKAEW (THA) 73-70, Danny CHIA (MAS) 72-71, Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA) 70-73, CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 68-75, Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 70-73.

144 – Meechok PHANTHARAK (THA) 74-70, Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 69-75, Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA) 72-72, Natipong SRITHONG (THA) 69-75, Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA) 73-71, Peradol PANYATHANASEDH (THA) 69-75.

145 – Giwhan KIM (KOR) 75-70, Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 73-72, Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA) 73-72, Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA) 73-72, Piya SWANGARUNPORN (THA) 73-72, Chanachok DEJPIRATANAMONGKOL (THA) 72-73, Chirat JIRASUWAN (THA) 70-75, WANG Wei-lun (TPE) 76-69.

146 – Tawan PHONGPHUN (THA) 72-74, Worrasorn SUWANPANANG (THA) 73-73, Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA) 73-73, Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) 73-73.

147 – Naras LUANGPHETCHARAPORN (THA) 77-70, Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 72-75.

148 – Somsak KAOPRATUM (THA) 70-78, Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 70-78, Scott HEND (AUS) 71-77, Thepbodin AMARANAN (THA) 73-75.

149 – Tawit POLTHAI (THA) 75-74.

150 – Nattapong PUTTA (THA) 74-76, Itthipat BURANATANYARAT (THA) 74-76, Kwanchai TANNIN (THA) 71-79, Chonlatit CHUENBOONNGAM (THA) 75-75.

151 – Udorn DUANGDECHA (THA) 79-72.

152 – Kasidit LEPKURTE (THA) 75-77.

153 – Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA) 77-76.

154 – Ronnachai JAMNONG (THA) 78-76.

161 – Jaturon DUANGPHAICHOOM (THA) 75-86.

169 – Pattalit THANOMSING (THA) 80-89, Jomyoot GEETONG (THA) 86-83.

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), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), FENIX XCell (Official Apparel Supplier), Titleist (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.

Please visit us at:

www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com

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