Sentosa, Singapore, April 23: The amiable Rahil Gangjee waited 14 years to win his second Asian Tour title at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship and it came at a time when Indian golf is at its peak.

At the age of 39, Gangjee, who is well liked for his bubbly character, sank a clutch birdie on the 72nd hole to return to winnings ways since his breakthrough win in China in 2004.

After his first Asian Tour victory, he watched his friends and other young Indians rise through the ranks but Gangjee remained resolute and finally reaped the rewards of his hard work in Japan.

“It has been 14 years. I’ve been in such situations a few times but obviously have not been able to convert my chances. It has been a very hard 14 years and the thing that surprises even myself is my will to keep going,” said Gangjee.

It is still early in the 2018 season but Gangjee is currently the oldest Asian Tour winner in a year which has been dominated by the young guns, most notably by his compatriot Shubhankar Sharma who is almost half his age.

Despite watching the younger Asian and Indian stars excel in the world of golf, Gangjee’s hunger for success never wavered, thanks largely to the strong support from family and friends.

“Golf is an individual sport and you need friends to help you through the bad times. This win will sink in. When you do not deliver after so many times, you start to doubt yourself and when you finally deliver, it’s a very big thing.

“Everyone will play their part in helping you out, the caddie, the mother, the father, the wife, friends. But more than anything else, you have to want it. And that has kept me going. I have a lot of close friends who have been there for me and have always supported me. Having mates on Tour supporting you is a big thing as golf is a very competitive sport,” he added.

Gangjee grew up with the ambition of becoming a race horse jockey but his father, a tea trader, told him to quit the sport as he felt it was dangerous. The only danger he faced on Sunday was nervousness which he superbly overcame.

“My heart rate was up especially when I got to the (18th) green and I knew I had to get up and down. That’s where my heart started racing and my mind started going all over the place. That was the chance I had to convert and I did,” he smiled.

Shiv Kapur of India, who sealed the Panasonic Swing Ranking to win the top bonus prize of US$70,000 and an exemption into an event on the European Tour this year, was delighted to be part of a successful week for Indian golf.

The Panasonic Swing ranking is based on an aggregate points system earned by players at five selected tournaments and Kapur collected the most points thanks largely to his win at the Panasonic Open India last November.

“It is amazing. Rahil is a close friend and I told him I was feeling the pressure standing on the 18th green. I’m so happy for him. It couldn’t happen to a nicer guy,” said Kapur.

“On a personal note, winning the Panasonic Swing ranking was a big goal for me. Coming into this week, I carried a lot of pressure trying to win the Panasonic Swing and it showed in my result. I’m really proud to be able to win the first ever Panasonic Swing,” he added.

With the victory Gangjee moved to third place on the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings with earnings of US$283,018. Sharma leads the rankings on US$548,125 while Matt Wallace of England, who won the Hero Indian Open, trails in second place on US$291,660.

Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat (US$251,173) and Paul Peterson (US$215,758) of the United States sit in fourth and fifth place respectively.

The Asian Tour will travel to the Middle Kingdom this week for the CN¥20,000,000 (approx. US$3,178,000) Volvo China Open. The event, played at the Beijing Topwin Golf and Country Club, will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and the China Golf Association.

Pos      Player Order of Merit (US$)

1.         Shubhankar SHARMA   (IND)  548,125

2.         Matt WALLACE   (ENG) 291,660

3.         Rahil GANGJEE   (IND) 283,018

4.         Kiradech APHIBARNRAT   (THA) 251,173

5.         Paul PETERSON   (USA) 215,758

6.         Sihwan KIM   (USA) 175,010

7.         Daniel NISBET   (AUS) 150,863

8.         Berry HENSON   (USA) 131,983

9.         Hideto TANIHARA   (JPN) 123,306

10.       Shaun NORRIS   (RSA) 118,284

11.       Khalin JOSHI   (IND) 103,730

12.       Terry PILKADARIS   (AUS) 102,539

13.       Scott VINCENT   (ZIM) 93,508

14.       Prom MEESAWAT   (THA) 89,369

15.       Rattanon WANNASRICHAN   (THA) 85,328

16.       Jazz JANEWATTANANOND   (THA) 84,462

17.       Jarin TODD   (USA) 83,945

18.       Masahiro KAWAMURA   (JPN) 83,243

19.       Danthai BOONMA   (THA) 82,712

20.       Panuphol PITTAYARAT   (THA) 67,131

Ends.

Shah Alam, Malaysia, December 29: Thailand’s Poom Saksansin aims to keep his cool amidst the excitement of the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM, a Ryder Cup-style showdown hosted by Glenmarie Golf and Country Club from January 12 to 14, 2018.

The two-time Asian Tour champion will make his first appearance at the EurAsia Cup after earning his place as one of the four leading Asian players on the Order of Merit. He will be representing a young and dynamic Team Asia and competing against a strong Team Europe.

“I feel very proud to be representing Team Asia. I will try my best to do well at this event,” said Poom, who finished eighth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

The 24-year-old Thai admitted that the magnitude of the event was beginning to sink in and he will rely on his past experience to help him perform at his best. He understands that there are expectations riding high on him from all directions.

“I have played in a local match play event before but it was a long time ago when I was still an amateur. I feel nervous playing in a match play tournament now because I will have someone else as my partner. If I play bad, I am worried that it will make him look bad. I’ll focus on making as many birdies as I can,” said Poom.

Poom’s success as an amateur has laid a solid foundation for him in professional golf. A comparison of his career money, which has more than doubled from 2016 to 2017, reflects his maturity as a touring professional and his hunger to rise up the ranks.

“This has been a good season for me. I will just keep riding on this good form going into the EurAsia Cup. After the Royal Cup, I will not have any time to do anything different, so I will just adopt the same mentality when it comes to my game,” said Poom.

Compatriot Phachara Khongwatmai, Malaysia’s Gavin Green and India’s S.S.P. Chawrasia join Poom as the four leading Asian players on the Order of Merit who qualified for Team Asia.

“Phachara is playing very well now. He finished second last week (at the Indonesian Masters) and I am happy that he is in good form.”

Team Asia will consist of Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, Japan’s Yuta Ikeda and Hideto Tanihara, China’s Li Haotong, India’s Anirban Lahiri, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat as well as Korea’s Byeonghun An and Sunghoon Kang.

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.

April 23: It was another fantastic week for the Asian Tour as Rahil Gangjee ended a 14-year title drought at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship. We take a look back at the happenings on and off the course. 

1. When he was young Rahil Gangjee was asked to choose between several sports including cricket and football but he chose golf because he liked how he would be rewarded with a good personal performance. He also harboured hopes of becoming a race horse jockey but was persuaded by his father not to pursue his ambitions because it was too ‘dangerous’.

2. The Japanese sure love their golf and who can blame them considering the drama at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship. It was one of the best attended events with over 22,000 spectators coming to watch the tournament. Close to 10,000 people came to the course on the final da

3. The 17th gallery hole was modelled after the Waste Management Phoenix Open on the PGA Tour. It was a remarkable experience for fans as they were encouraged to be ‘loud’. The atmosphere isn’t something which is usually seen in Asia.

4. Rahil is one of the most loveable players on the Asian Tour. He is popular among his peers, fans and staff because of his easy-going and bubbly personality.

5. It was a long battle on the Panasonic Swing ranking but Shiv Kapur finally prevailed after finishing tied 53 at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship. He topped the Panasonic Swing ranking with 2922.90 points to win US$70,000 while Rahil Gangjee took home an extra pay cheque of US$50,000 for finishing second in the Panasonic Swing. Rattanon Wannasrichan of Thailand pocketed US$30,000 for third place.

Ends.

Pattaya, Thailand, December 28: Five players carded four-under-par 67 to share the lead after round one of the Royal Cup, which is contested at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in Pattaya, Thailand. 

27 golfers are within three shots of the lead.

Newlywed Gaganjeet Bhullar of India enjoyed a bogey free round, highlighted by birdies on holes six, seven, 10 and 11. The 29-year-old Indian did not have ample time to prepare for the US$500,000 tournament as he arrived in Thailand the previous night. However, he played on the same course last year and after five holes, he adapted to the set up.

Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand was in a similar situation as Bhullar and enjoyed a similar result. The Thai hotshot did not let the wet course conditions affect his swing and rhythm, as he traded five birdies against just one bogey to sign for a 67.

Shiv Kapur of India got jolted into a competitive mindset after his bogey on the 14th, his fifth hole of the round. Kapur, who recently welcomed the birth of his daughter, went on to card four birdies over seven holes before stringing a series of pars to close the round.

Panuphol Pittayarat of Thailand started his tournament in magnificent fashion as he carded two birdies and an eagle to score a 31 at the turn. His back nine though, was relatively less dramatic. He missed out on closing the day with the outright lead after bogeying the 18th.

Compatriot Raththee Sirithanakunsak stood out as the only golfer to score two eagles on Thursday. He did so at two par-five holes, the sixth and 16th. The 28-year-old golfer, who also carded three birdies, would have had a sensational round if not for the bogeys on second, seventh and 17th.

Did you know:

• Gaganjeet Bhullar is the first player to win eight titles on the Asian Tour before turning 30. He has three wire-to-wire victories so far.
• After missing the mark at Qualifying School, Jazz Janewattananond played at the Bashundhara Bangladesh Open in February and won it. He went on to notch five top-10s this year.
• Shiv Kapur bounced back from liver surgery and dengue fever to win two tournaments in 2017, the Yeangder Heritage and Panasonic Open India.
• Panuphol Pittayarat turned professional when he was 14 years old and he won his maiden Asian Tour title this year, at the Indonesia Open.
• The Royal Cup is the last tournament in 2017. It features no cut offers a prize purse of US$500,000.

Player Interview:

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) – First Round 67 (-4) 

I had a good, stable round. I hit the ball really well. I gave myself a lot of birdie opportunities but because I misread the speed of the greens, I missed some of them. Overall, it’s a decent start to the tournament.

I actually played without a practice round as I arrived last night, but because I played here last year, I have a rough idea of what’s going on at the course. It took me a few holes to get used to the speed and the slopes. By hole five, I was a little more confident and comfortable. I’m looking forward to the next three days.

My chip-in on seventh was quite special. I hit a six-iron and I just missed pin high right, on the right edge of the green. It was a tricky, quick chip and I was fortunate enough to hole it.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) – First Round 67 (-4)

I am happy with my first-round score. I had a little time to practice and prepare for the tournament as I flew in last night. The course was quite wet from the rain, but my plan is still to hit the fairways and greens for my birdie chances.

For the next round, I will stick with my game plan. It is always good to play in the tournament that has no cut as it takes pressure off. So, I will try to have fun with my golf and play great.

Shiv Kapur (Ind) – First Round 67 (-4)

I started off striking the ball very well and I’ve left quite a few shots out there. I putted 31 times and shot 67, which means that I’ve done very well when it comes to ball striking.

I made a good par save on the last from the bunker. When you hole a good putt on the last hole, it always leaves a good taste in the mouth.

My bogey on the 14th got me to re-focus and think. I told myself, “you’re playing well, but you have to buckle down.” This is especially so, when you haven’t played for some time and your sharpness isn’t there. I bounced back with a birdie on 15th, which set the tone for the rest of the day.

Panuphol Pittayarat (Tha) – First round 67 (-4)

Today I played well on the front nine with an eagle and two birdies and I scored five-under-par going into the last hole. But, I made a mistake with my bad second shot and ended up with a bogey.

The course is challenging, the pin positions are tough and it is windy sometimes. Last year at the King’s Cup, I missed the cut. This year the tournament has no cut. So, I play with no pressure and I try to enjoy playing golf as well as do my best.

Scores after round 1 of the Royal Cup being played at the par 71, 6764 Yards Phoenix Gold GCC course (am – denotes amateur):

67 – Shiv KAPUR (IND), Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA), Raththee SIRITHANAKUNSAK (THA), Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA), Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND).

68 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA), Poom SAKSANSIN (THA), LU Wei-chih (TPE), Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA), CHAN Shih-chang (TPE).

69 – Poosit SUPUPRAMAI (THA), John CATLIN (USA), Antonio LASCUNA (PHI), Natipong SRITHONG (THA), Peradol PANYATHANASEDH (THA), Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA), Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA), Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA), Jbe KRUGER (RSA).

70 – Chirat JIRASUWAN (THA), Nattawat SUVAJANAKORN (THA), Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND), Pasavee LERTVILAI (THA), Thanpisit OMSIN (THA), Ben LEONG (MAS), Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA), Chapchai NIRAT (THA), Khalin JOSHI (IND), Somsak KAOPRATUM (THA), Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA), Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA), Pijit PETCHKASEM (THA).

71 – Kwanchai TANNIN (THA), Somprad RATTANASUWAN (THA), Chaiphat KOONMARK (THA), Terry PILKADARIS (AUS), Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA), Suttijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA), Sorachut HANSAPIBAN (THA), Scott HEND (AUS).

72 – Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA), Chanachok DEJPIRATANAMONGKOL (THA), Pannakorn UTHAIPAS (THA), Nicholas FUNG (MAS), Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA), Danny CHIA (MAS), Tawan PHONGPHUN (THA), Prayad MARKSAENG (THA), Ratchapol JANTAVARA (THA).

73 – Piya SWANGARUNPORN (THA), Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA), Thepbodin AMARANAN (THA), Nitithorn THIPPONG (THA), Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA), Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA), Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA), Panuwat MUENLEK (THA), Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA), Danthai BOONMA (THA), Worrasorn SUWANPANANG (THA), Atthaphon SRIBOONKAEW (THA), Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA).

74 – Meechok PHANTHARAK (THA), Nattapong PUTTA (THA), Itthipat BURANATANYARAT (THA).

75 – Jaturon DUANGPHAICHOOM (THA), Chonlatit CHUENBOONNGAM (THA), Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA), Giwhan KIM (KOR), Tawit POLTHAI (THA), Kasidit LEPKURTE (THA).

76 – WANG Wei-lun (TPE).

77 – Naras LUANGPHETCHARAPORN (THA), Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA).

78 – Ronnachai JAMNONG (THA).

79 – Udorn DUANGDECHA (THA).

80 – Pattalit THANOMSING (THA).

86 – Jomyoot GEETONG (THA).

Ends.

About Asian Tour

As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), 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

Shah Alam, Malaysia, December 22: After winning the Asian Tour Order of Merit, Malaysian star Gavin Green will turn his attention to the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM where he will represent Team Asia.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a superb 2017 season where he won his first Asian Tour title, was crowned Asia’s number one and subsequently voted as the Players’ Player of the Year.

Following a breakthrough year, the talented Malaysian will be part of a strong Team Asia led by captain Arjun Atwal of India who will go up against Thomas Bjorn’s Team Europe at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club from January 12 to 14.

Green will be among six debutants in the 12-man Team Asia but he believes his team has the talent to cause an upset against Team Europe, who won the last edition of the EurAsia Cup. It was a 10-10 draw in the first showpiece in 2014.

“This will be something very new for me but it will be a great honour to represent Asia. It is a very young team but there are also a lot of young guys with a lot of experience playing in the big Tours and in Majors. It will be a good event for us to learn and maybe kick some butt,” Green smiled.

He will put his faith on captain Atwal to lead the team to victory. “Arjun is a great captain because he has played and won on the PGA Tour. He has put together a very strong team. You have to play solid all year to qualify for the EurAsia Cup so it is a great opportunity for all of us.

“I think we will learn a lot from this against a very strong Team Europe. It is good to see where we stand and it will be even better if we can go up against them. It is a mind game. If we get our minds right, it will be a good fight,” said Green.

The EurAsia Cup will be played at the Glenmarie Gardens course, a venue where Green finished second in 2015 and won on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) last year.

“I’m comfortable on that course because you can blast driver. Getting off to good starts is important. It is very funny in team match play. When you are up, it gives good vibes to the team and it somehow spills over. So we really need to get off to a good start and see where it leads us,” said the Malaysian.

Green will be joined by compatriot Nicholas Fung, Japan’s Yuta Ikeda, Hideto Tanihara, China’s Li Haotong, India’s Anirban Lahiri, S.S.P. Chawrasia, Poom Saksansin of Thailand, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Phachara Khongwatmai, Korea’s Byeonghun An and Sunghoon Kang.

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.

Osaka, Japan, April 22: India’s Rahil Gangjee ended his barren run that stretched over a decade by closing with a three-under-par 68 for a one-shot victory over Korea’s Hyungsung Kim and Junggon Hwang at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship on Sunday.

Gangjee admitted he had self-doubts after not being able to enjoy much success since his last Asian Tour win in China in 2004. However, it was his sheer will power that brought him back into the winner’s circle after enduring years of frustration.

Despite the immense pressure on 18, Gangjee managed to hit his bunker shot out to within 10 feet of the pin.

The 39-year-old would go on to sink that decisive birdie and win his second Asian Tour title with his four-day total of 14-under-par 270 at the JP¥150,000,000 (approx. US$1,370,000) event that is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).

Zimbabwean Scott Vincent continued to knock on the winner’s door when he signed off with a 66 to finish in a share of fourth place that also included Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan and Sihwan Kim of the United States.

Although India’s Shiv Kapur closed with a 75, it was enough to win the Panasonic Swing series where he earned the top bonus prize of US$70,000 and an exemption into an event on the European Tour this year.

Ends.

Did you know?

• Prior to his second Asian Tour win at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship, Rahil Gangjee has not made the cut in all three events he played in. He was forced to retired in Singapore and Myanmar because of a stomach upset.
• Besides a two-year winners’ exemption on the Asian Tour, Gangjee will also earn a two-year exemption on the JGTO
• Gangjee was in 84th place on the Panasonic Swing at the start of the week but would finish second with his win at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship.
• Gangjee’s last win on the Asian Tour came in 2004 in China where he beat a top field that included Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes Phillip Price, Ian Woosnam and Nick Faldo.
• He had several close finishes since then, most notably at the Panasonic Open India in 2014 when he lost in a play-off to S.S.P. Chawrasia.
• Rattanon enjoyed a personal achievement where he made the cut in Japan for the first time in his career.
• He also earned US$30,000 courtesy of his third place finish on the Panasonic Swing.
• Scott Vincent enjoyed his second top-10 finish with his first coming in Myanmar at the start of the year.

Players’ Quotes 

Rahil Gangjee (Ind) Fourth round 68 (-3), Total 270 (-14)

It has been 14 years. I’ve been in such situations a few times now but obviously have not been able to convert my chances until today. It has been a very hard 14 years and the thing that surprises even myself is my will to keep going. Everyone will play their part in helping you out, the caddie, the mother, the father, the wife, friends. But more than anything else, you have to want it. And that has kept me going. My heart rate was up especially when I got to the green and I knew I had to get up and down. That’s where my heart started racing and my mind started going all over the place. That was the chance I had to convert. My third shot out of the bunker was not really a tough shot. But under the pressure it could have been a very tough one. But somehow I was calm. My bunker play is one of the strongest aspects of my game. A lot of people don’t get to see it, but if you ask my caddie, he’ll tell you that’s the best. I have a lot of close friends who have been there for me and have always supported me. Having mates on Tour supporting you is a big thing as golf is a very competitive sport. It is an individual sport and you need friends to help you through the bad times. This win will sink in. When you do not deliver after so many times, you start to doubt yourself And when you finally deliver, it’s a very big thing.

Scott Vincent (Zim), Fourth round 66 (-5), Total 274 (-10)

I played so well today and definitely gave myself a chance. I didn’t realise I was so close to the leaders until I saw the leaderboard when I was at 16. I just played great and hit a lot of good shots. I hit a lot of good putts that couldn’t go in especially towards the end. But all in all, I feel like I’m getting closer and closer to that breakthrough. Hopefully it’s just a matter of time. My wife has been amazing and she keeps telling me to stay patient when I get a little too far ahead or down on myself. She’ll pick me up and point me in the right direction and reminding me to trust myself. Hopefully this is just the beginning of what would be a very good stretch of events for me.

Rattanon Wannasrichan (Tha), Fourth round 67 (-4), Total 274 (-10)

It has been a good week for me as I managed to make the cut for the first time in Japan. I’ve been hitting the ball really well this week but I guess the pressure did get to me a little bit. I hope to improve on my mental strength as I start on this good stretch of events on the Asian Tour.

Ben Leong (Mas) Fourth round 69 (-2), Total 275 (-9)           

The week has been awesome. The game is coming along very well and it’s good to see that in Japan where the atmosphere is very nice. You got good crowds coming out to watch you and they love their golf here. I think I’ve found something in my golf swing which has led to this week’s solid result. You got to hit the ball really well over here and I managed to do that. I’m going to head back to Kota Kinabalu now to see my son and I can’t wait to do that.

Shiv Kapur (Ind) Fourth round 75 (+4), Total 284 (Even)

I carried a lot of pressure coming into this week of trying to win the Panasonic Swing and that kind of showed in my game a little bit. But overall, it was okay. I made the cut in all five events on the Panasonic Swing, finishing in the top-20 in four out of the five events. So I’m very proud of the way I’ve played. To be able to be the first to win the inaugural Panasonic Swing will go down in the history books as a proud achievement for me.

Leading scores after round 4 of the Panasonic Open Golf Championship being played at the par 71, 7343 Yards Ibaraki CC course (am – denotes amateur):

270 – Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 69-65-68-68.

271 – Junggon HWANG (KOR) 71-67-67-66, Hyungsung KIM (KOR) 66-68-67-70.

274 – Sanghee LEE (KOR) 66-73-70-65, Scott VINCENT (ZIM) 73-67-68-66, Shugo IMAHIRA (JPN) 72-68-68-66, Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 66-70-71-67, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 70-67-70-67, Sihwan KIM (USA) 70-67-68-69.

275 – Yuki INAMORI (JPN) 69-69-71-66, Ben LEONG (MAS) 67-67-72-69, Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND) 69-69-68-69, Rikuya HOSHINO (JPN) 64-68-73-70.

276 – Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 69-72-69-66, Toshinori MUTO (JPN) 70-68-70-68, Kyungnam KANG (KOR) 68-73-67-68, Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 70-68-68-70, Yuta IKEDA (JPN) 73-68-65-70, Shingo KATAYAMA (JPN) 64-70-70-72.

277 – Mikumu HORIKAWA (JPN) 72-67-69-69, Koki FURUTA (JPN) 70-71-67-69, Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 67-69-70-71.

 Ends.

Jakarta, December 18: Malaysia’s Gavin Green was named the Asian Tour Players’ Player of the Year to cap off a fantastic 2017 season where he also won the prestigious Order of Merit crown.

Green was recognized by his peers through a voting process for a highly successful season where he won his first Asian Tour title at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters and finished second thrice.

The big-hitting 24-year-old made history by becoming the first Malaysian to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit with earnings of US$585,813. He is also the second youngest player to win the accolade.

Green was delighted to receive the honour after an intense 12 months Order of Merit battle where he came out on top against Asian Tour stars Scott Hend of Australia, David Lipsky of the United States, S.S.P. Chawrasia of India and Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai.

“It is a huge honour to receive the Players’ Player of the Year award which is recognition for all the hardwork I’ve put in this year. This is another feather in the cap in my career and I will continue to work hard and strive for more success,” said Green.

“I want to thank all the Asian Tour players who voted for me. This is a major highlight in my season and it is an acknowledgement which I will remember for many years to come,” added the Malaysian.

To add to his list of achievements for the year, Green also won the driving distance category after averaging 314.08 yards off the tees.

Micah Lauren Shin of the United States was named Rookie of the Year thanks largely to his maiden victory at the Resorts World Manila Masters. He ended the season in 12th place on the Order of Merit with earnings of US$277,781.

SMBC Singapore Open and its host venue Sentosa Golf Club were also awarded with the Best Tournament of the Year award and Best Golf Course award respectively.

The popular Shinhan Donghae Open in Korea received the Best Spectator Engagement award for the second year running as an acknowledgement for its digital initiative and activities catered for fans.

American Paul Peterson topped the stroke average category with an average of 69.48, while Vietnam’s Michael Tran hit the most Greens in Regulation with a 75.21% strike rate.

Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan, who won his first Asian Tour title in his National Open in May, was the hottest putter on tour after averaging 27.46 putts per-round. India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar was the straightest off the tees after finding 79.17% fairways in 2017.

Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman was named the best scrambler after converting 67.6% of his missed greens in regulation to save par this season.

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

Osaka, Japan, April 21: Korea’s Hyungsung Kim denied India’s Rahil Gangjee a share of the day’s honours by sinking a birdie at the last hole to snatch the outright lead with his third round four-under-par 67 at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship on Saturday. 

Kim’s three-day total of 12-under-par 201 gave him a slender shot lead over Gangjee, who returned with a 68 at the Ibaraki Country Club where the JP¥150,000,000 (approx. US$1,370,000) Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) co-sanctioned event is being held.

Flamboyant Shingo Katayama of Japan returned with a 70 to take third place while Korean-American Sihwan Kim still stands an outside chance of winning the Panasonic Swing series when he signed for a 68 to share fourth place with overnight leader Rikuya Hoshino of Japan and Korea’s Junggon Hwang.

India’s Ajeetesh Sandhu also remained in contention for his second Asian Tour win after he carded a 68 which took him to a share of seventh place that also included Yuta Ikeda of Japan and Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena.

Kim started the day tied for second alongside Gangjee and four others. He birdied his second hole before mixing a bogey and birdie on holes five and six respectively. After turning in 34, the Korean made his move with a pair of birdies on 12 and 13 before a closing birdie on 18 saw him take pole position on his own.

Gangjee, who has been winless on the Asian Tour since 2004, fired his first salvo with two opening birdies. He dropped a shot on six but recovered well with another pair of birdies on eight and nine.

The 39-year-old Indian then struggled in his back-nine as he was caught off guard by the swirling winds that proved to be a huge challenge.

While aware of the pressures on the final day, Gangjee is hoping he can continue to stay focused and make his long awaited return to the winner’s circle in more than a decade.

Ends.

Did you know?

• Hyungsung Kim last time win came in 2015 when he won the Top Tokai Classic on the JGTO.
• He has won five times on JGTO and enjoyed his best ranking on their money list in 2013 when he finished second.
• The last time Kim played in the final group was in 2017 at the Top Tokai Classic where he finished tied for third.
• Rahil Gangjee has not made a single cut since the start of the year. He finished in 60th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2017 and finished tied-eighth at the Take Solutions Masters which was his best result.

• Gangjee’s last win on the Asian Tour came in 2004 in China where he beat a top field that included Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes Phillip Price, Ian Woosnam and Nick Faldo.
• He had several close finishes since then, most notably at the Panasonic Open India in 2014 when he lost in a play-off to S.S.P. Chawrasia.
• Sihwan Kim will win the Panasonic Swing series provided he emerges victorious at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship and Shiv Kapur and Rattanon Wannasrichan finish outside the top five and second respectively.
• Ajeetesh Sandhu earned his Asian Tour breakthrough at the 2017 Yeangder TPC in Chinese Taipei.
• He immediately followed up that victory with a play-off win at the Pacific Club Challenge Tournament on the Japan Challenge Tour the week after.
• Ajeetesh finished the 2017 season in 21st place on the Order of Merit and his best result in five starts this season is a tied-21st finish at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open.

Players’ Quotes

Hyungsung Kim (Kor) Third round 67 (-4), Total 201 (-12)

I enjoyed playing with Rahil and Shingo-san. We made lots of long putts. I enjoyed looking at Shingo-san’s play today. At 45, he is still going very strong. I have not won for long time, so my goal is to win this year. My family is here and I am getting their support. I know this course well and I’m prepared for tomorrow. I just want to keep doing what I have done during my off-season training camp in California. I’ll try my best to keep my swing which has worked very well.

Rahil Gangjee (Ind) Third round 68 (-3), Total 202 (-11)

The last six holes were really not up to my expectations but I’ll take this score anything. The winds got up in the back-nine and started swirling on a few holes. That put me in a lot of spots on a few holes. It was definitely a factor. It was fun playing with Shingo as there was a large crowd following us. It’s nice not only to be playing with a superstar over here but to have the crowd cheering you regardless of whether you’re a Japanese or not. I’ll definitely feel a little bit of pressure tomorrow.  It has been a while since I won and I really want to do well. I’ve been putting my head down and practicing more. That has basically made the difference this week.

Sihwan Kim (Usa) Third round 68 (-3), Total 205 (-8)

Obviously you always wanted to be in contention and I’m now four shots behind which is not bad. Hopefully I can make a move tomorrow. I don’t want to think too much about the Panasonic Swing, at least for now. If I can play well, things will take care of itself. I’ve been putting pretty well which has been keeping me up there. I first met Ryo when I was 15 in the States and it’s a like little reunion. There were so many people following us today and it was really fun.

Ajeetesh Sandhu (Ind) Third round 68 (-3), Total 206 (-7)

I was a little disappointed as I three-putted 17 and didn’t birdie 18. I could have been nine-under easily but there’s still one more day to go. I just want to play my own game like what I usually do and there’s 18 more holes to play. I’m looking forward to the challenge tomorrow. I really enjoy playing in Japan as the conditions are absolutely perfect here. I relish the challenges here especially since I’ve also won once on the challenge Tour over here.

Leading Scores after round 3 of the Panasonic Open Golf Championship being played at the par 71, 7343 Yards Ibaraki CC course (am – denotes amateur):

201 – Hyungsung KIM (KOR) 66-68-67.

202 – Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 69-65-68.

204 – Shingo KATAYAMA (JPN) 64-70-70.

205 – Junggon HWANG (KOR) 71-67-67, Sihwan KIM (USA) 70-67-68, Rikuya HOSHINO (JPN) 64-68-73.

206 – Yuta IKEDA (JPN) 73-68-65, Brendan JONES (AUS) 72-67-67, Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 70-68-68, Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND) 69-69-68, Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 67-69-70, Ben LEONG (MAS) 67-67-72, Sanghyun PARK (KOR) 67-67-72.

207 – Arjun ATWAL (IND) 72-69-66, Daijiro IZUMIDA (JPN) 70-69-68, Shaun NORRIS (RSA) 69-70-68, Kenichi KUBOYA (JPN) 66-72-69, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 70-67-70, Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 66-70-71, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 68-68-71.

208 – Koki FURUTA (JPN) 70-71-67, Javi COLOMO (ESP) 70-71-67, Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 72-69-67, Kyungnam KANG (KOR) 68-73-67, S.S.P. CHAWRASIA (IND) 69-72-67, Shugo IMAHIRA (JPN) 72-68-68, Scott VINCENT (ZIM) 73-67-68, Mikumu HORIKAWA (JPN) 72-67-69, Jinichiro KOZUMA (JPN) 66-73-69, Toshinori MUTO (JPN) 70-68-70, Brad KENNEDY (AUS) 66-72-70, Kodai ICHIHARA (JPN) 66-71-71, Ryosuke KINOSHITA (JPN) 65-69-74.

209 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 70-71-68, Juvic PAGUNSAN (PHI) 70-71-68, Konosuke NAKAZATO (JPN) 69-71-69, Koichi KITAMURA (JPN) 68-71-70, Sanghee LEE (KOR) 66-73-70, Yuki INAMORI (JPN) 69-69-71.

Jakarta, December 17:  England’s Justin Rose capped a sensational year by signing off with a final round 10-under-par 62 to win the Indonesian Masters presented by Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), Bank Mandiri, Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) and Telkom Indonesia on Sunday.

The marathon week, where the Indonesian Masters was hit by multiple weather suspensions did not faze the world number six. After completing 10 holes from his third round in the morning, Rose was back at the starting tee in 30 minutes.

The world number six got his round going with a birdie on the third hole before embarking on a stunning run with four birdies and an eagle starting from the par-four fifth at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

Rose’s lead was never threatened when he surged further ahead with three birdies in his next four holes after making the turn in 29. The Olympic gold medalist dropped a shot on 16 but delighted the crowd at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club by closing with a birdie on 18 for a winning total of 29-under-par 259.

It was another second placed finish for Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai at the Indonesian Masters after he signed for a flawless 65 while Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent closed with a 69 to take third place at the Asian Tour season-ending event.

India’s S. Chikkarangappa meanwhile secured his Tour card at the expenses of China’s Liu Yan-wei by taking the last 61st spot on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Did you know?

• Justin Rose is the second Englishmen to win the Indonesian Masters after Lee Westwood.
• Rose is the fifth wire-to-wire winner on the Asian Tour this year
• Rose has never won by eight shots in his career. It is also the largest winning margin on the Asian Tour in 2017.
• The Englishman started and ended the week with a 62, which is the lowest finish by a winner on the Asian Tour this year.
• His winning total of 29-under-par 259 is the lowest 72-hole score on the Asian Tour in 2017.
• Phachara Khongwatmai started 2017 with a tied-second finish in Singapore and would end the year with a similar result.
• Scott Vincent earned his Asian Tour card by finishing sixth at Qualifying School in 2016.
• The Zimbabwean’s best result was a tied-second finish at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters. Scott Vincent finished tied-17th at the Indonesian Masters last year. He has enjoyed three top-five finishes but has yet to win on the Asian Tour.
• The Indonesian Masters was the third leg of the Panasonic Swing, which is an aggregate points race that spans five events – in Thailand, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, and Japan – where Asian Tour players can earn a share of a lucrative bonus pool.
• The Indonesian Masters was the last event of the year on any main Tour worldwide with significant OWGR points.

Players’ Quotes

Justin Rose (Eng) – Final round 62 (-10), Total 259 (-29)

It is my last event of the season, to finish the year on a good note and still have a couple of weeks to enjoy this win over Christmas and New Year is really nice too. It is the lowest winning ever score (-29) and to win by eight shots, all of that are huge positives. The largest winning margin for me in a tournament, to come here with my game in good shape, have the deal with bad weather and jetlag and stay focused on all four rounds, is something that I am really pleased about. I have had a dream week and I have played incredible golf. 21 under par is very god golf. Starting the week with a three-shot lead would have had to shoot 69 to win today so these guys chased me all the way to the finish, this tells you a lot about the strength of the field and all of them put forth great rounds. And a lot of them were stepping up when they needed to and performed well under pressure.

Scott Vincent (Zwe) – Final Round 69 (-3) Total 269 (-19)

It has been an amazing week. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience to play with all these amazing guys and players. I didn’t think I was going to come to this tournament in the first place, it was a last minute decision and I am so happy I did. MY wife asked me every single day last week to come here and she convinced me when I played well in Joburg last week so I am glad that I listened to her. Justin played some of the best golf I have ever seen. I haven’t got a win yet but I am knocking on the door and, I will just keep doing what I am doing and I am sure it will come soon.

Phachara Khongwatmai (Tha) – Final Round 65 (-7), Total 267 (-21)

Before arriving in Indonesia, I wasn’t expecting a second-place finish to be honest. My plan for every tournament is just to play my own game and not to focus on my competitors. Today, I played really well. But Justin Rose simply played better and rightly won the tournament. I’m very happy with my performances in 2017. Hopefully in 2018, my dream of winning a tournament will come true.

S. Chikkarangappa (Ind) – Final round 75 (+3), Total 279 (-9)

I spent two good solid days with Anirban in Ahmedabad before coming to Indonesia and we spoke about keeping positive. That helped a lot because I came out here to enjoy my golf game. That’s what I did on the first three days but I was a bit nervous in the final round because I knew I was on the borderline and I didn’t want it to slip out of my hands. It is very special to keep my Asian Tour card. I was missing cuts after another after a fantastic year. Those things were not working and it was difficult for me to trust what I worked on. I was trying to make my cut. The card was in my mind in almost every event. This season has really made me learned more about my career and what can happen in a golf. I will carry this forward with me and take all these positive with me.

Leading scores after round 4 of the Indonesian Masters being played at the par 72, 7359 Yards Royale Jakarta GC course (am – denotes amateur):

259 – Justin ROSE (ENG) 62-69-66-62.

267 – Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 65-69-68-65.

269 – Scott VINCENT (ZIM) 67-65-68-69.

270 – Yusaku MIYAZATO (JPN) 67-67-67-69.

271 – Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 68-64-70-69.

272 – Younghan SONG (KOR) 67-69-70-66, Sihwan KIM (USA) 68-67-67-70.

274 – Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND) 72-68-67-67, Steve LEWTON (ENG) 67-70-71-66.

275 – Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS) 71-68-66-70.

276 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 68-71-68-69, Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 71-67-67-71.

277 – Danthai BOONMA (THA) 71-70-63-73, Hyunwoo RYU (KOR) 68-71-68-70, Daniel CHOPRA (SWE) 68-71-66-72, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 67-71-72-67.

278 – Bowen XIAO (CHN) 68-73-70-67, Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 72-66-68-72, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 69-68-74-67.

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

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Beijing, April 20: Young Thai talent Jazz Janewattananond will be ready to take on the star-studded field when the prestigious Volvo China Open gets underway at the Beijing Topwin Golf and Country Club next week.

The 22-year-old Thai is eager to showcase his immense talent when he heads to the Middle Kingdom for the CN¥20,000,000 (approx. US$3,178,000) event, tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and the China Golf Association.

Jazz, a one-time Asian Tour winner, will feature in the elite field alongside 40 other Tour champions and seven Order of Merit winners, which includes the likes of Thai stars Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Thongchai Jaidee and Gavin Green of Malaysia.

Indian talent Shubhankar Sharma, who leads the current Habitat for Humanity standings, will also spearhead the Asian Tour challenge in the 24th edition of the Volvo China Open, which is the longest-running professional golf tournament in the country.

Haotong Li, ranked 44th on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), will be looking to underline his growing credentials as China’s number one when he leads the home charge in his National Open, where he won in 2016.

The 22-year-old Li became the first ever Chinese player to break into the world’s top-50 when he won his second European Tour title in Dubai in January. He will aim to recapture the trophy on home soil after Alexander Levy of France claimed the title for a record second time last year.

Jazz, who joined the play-for-pay ranks in 2011, lost his Asian Tour card for the first time in his career after finishing outside top-60 on the 2016 Order of Merit.

The young Thai, however, bounced back with a breakthrough win in Bangladesh two months later before going on to claim seven top-10 results to finish a career-high ninth position on the Merit rankings last season.

 “Last year was probably my best season so far on the Asian Tour. The win in Bangladesh was a boost in my career because it allowed me to play freely for the rest of the year knowing that I had regained my card for the next one year,” said Jazz.

Jazz continued his superb run into the 2018 season by finishing tied-fourth at the season opener in Singapore and earned for himself a coveted spot in The Open this July where he will make his Major debut.

Despite missing the halfway cut in India for the first time this season last month, Jazz is confident of regaining his best form in China after enjoying a much-needed break at home.

“I had a great start to the season but I was honestly feeling very tired from travelling and was suffering from a heat stroke at that point of time.

“I was really happy to have these five weeks off to just recuperate and take a step back from competitive golf. I travelled around Thailand with my friends to take my mind off golf for a bit and was able to work more on my fitness,” said Jazz.

Currently ranked 152nd on the OWGR, Jazz will also keep his goal of breaking into the world’s top-100 at the back of his mind when he bids for the title at the Volvo China Open next week.

“This is a huge event for me because it’s a tri-sanctioned event. My main goal for this year is to win a tournament on the Asian Tour and break into the top-100 in the world. It’s only my second time to China and I have seen how good some of their players are getting.

“I think my game has improved a lot this year with all the experience I get playing in different weather conditions in Europe. It’s exciting to be back and I feel like everything is good in my life so hopefully it will translate well on the golf course.” added Jazz.

Other Asian Tour heavyweights include Jeev Milkha Singh, Wenchong Liang of China, Australian Scott Hend and Yuta Ikeda of Japan, who represented Team Asia at the EurAsia Cup in Malaysia in January.

S.S.P. Chawrasia and Gaganjeet Bhullar of India, who holds a combined total of 14 victories on the Asian Tour, will also be vying for glory alongside a host of rising stars which include 18-year-old Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand and American Micah Lauren Shin.

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.