Rattanon remains in the driver&#8217;s seat with Peterson at Leopalace21 Myanmar Open

Published on January 25, 2018

Yangon, January 25: Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan delivered a short game masterclass by firing a flawless six-under-par 65 to set the early pace at the US$750,000 Leopalace21 Myanmar Open on Thursday.

The 22-year-old Thai displayed the form that led him to his maiden victory on home soil last year by cruising through with a sparkling first round which was highlighted by six birdies at the Pun Hlaing Golf Club.

Myanmar’s Naing Naing Lin showed why he is the country’s top player when he returned with a 67 to trail Rattanon by two shots. He was among the five players bunched in tied-second place which also included 2016 Leopalace21 Myanmar Open champion Shaun Norris of South Africa.

Lin, a father-of-two, believes it is his combination of skills and luck that brought him close to the leaderboard summit while Norris relished another happy return to Myanmar at the US$750,000 event which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).

Australia’s Kieran Pratt, who put aside his golf clubs and spent two years working in a construction company in Melbourne, delighted himself with a 68 to take a share of seventh place as he continues to rebuild his professional golf career.

The Australian is now hoping for a strong performance which can be the catalyst for him to return to the heights of 2012 when he won his lone Asian Tour title at the Myanmar Open.

Star attraction Ryo Ishikawa of Japan posted an opening 70 to take a share of 34th place, five shots back of Rattanon.

Did you know?

· Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan earned his maiden breakthrough on the Asian Tour with a wire-to-wire victory at his National Open in May last year.

· Rattanon also represented Thailand during his amateur days and won the team and individual gold medals at the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

· The Thai hit 16 greens in regulation and made a total of 29 putts today.

· Naing Naing Lin played six tournaments on the domestic tour in Myanmar, winning three of them and finishing inside the top-10 twice to emerge as the country’s Order of Merit champion.

· The 33-year-old turned professional in 2007 and plays mostly in Myanmar.

· Shaun Norris is currently leading the Asian Tour Order of Merit thanks to his tied-second result at the season opening event in Singapore last week.

· Norris followed up his maiden Asian Tour victory in Chinese Taipei in 2015 with his second win at the 2016 Leopalace21 Myanmar Open.

· Kieran Pratt is playing in his first event that offers Official World Ranking points in two years.

· He missed the grade at Qualifying School after finishing tied-57th and spent the last two years working at a construction company in Melbourne.

Players’ Quotes:

Rattanon Wannasrichan (Tha) First round Six-under-par 65

The course conditions are almost similar to last year. The greens are very hard and fast. You got to be really accurate off the tee here. I putted well and that was key. I’ve been practicing a lot off-season and changed the way I hit the ball. My ball flight is now different and I’m able to control the ball better now. I missed the cut by one shot last year and I hope to do better this week. I hope to end the year inside the top-10 on the Asian Tour Order of Merit

Shaun Norris (Rsa) First round Four-under-par 67

I played nicely today. I played solid and I’m very happy with my round. I can’t complain about the weather and course conditions. It was absolutely perfect out there. The greenkeepers have done well. Winning the Myanmar Open in 2016 was a massive stepping stone for me so it’s always nice to come back. I’m very happy with my game at the moment. I’m playing each hole as it is. I’m not expecting too much but I’m very happy with where I’m at the moment.

Naing Naing Lin (Myn) First round Four-under-par 67

I played well but I was also lucky. I’ve been hitting the ball well. I hit 17 greens in regulation and only hit one shot into the bunker on six for a bogey. The Myanmar PGA organised several practice rounds for us before this week’s tournament and I’m happy I took full advantage of those practice sessions.

Kieran Pratt (Aus) First round Three-under-par 68

That win (2012 Myanmar Open victory) seems so long ago. I was working full-time in a building company back in Melbourne but I was playing weekend golf with my mates and shooting some really low scores. I was not really playing well back then and thought I had to do something else for a while. But deep inside, I always enjoy being on the golf course and thought there’s where I should be. My last day with the building company was 21st December last year as I tried to get ready for Qualifying School. Unfortunately I did not make the grade. I’m hoping to return to the game slowly and plot my way back again.

Ryo Ishikawa (Jpn) First round One-under-par 70

I wish I was able to play one or two shot better today. I was two-under after 15 holes and I missed a four-foot putt on 15 and missed another birdie putt on the last. But it’s okay, it’s still an under-par round and there’s still everything to play for. The weather’s very good today. It was little hot and the greens were firmer than yesterday.

Leading scores after round 1 of the LeoPalace21 Myanmar Open 2018 being played at the par 71, 7103 Yards Pun Hliang GC course (am – denotes amateur):

65 – Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA).

67 – Naing Naing LIN (MYN), Shaun NORRIS (RSA), David OH (USA), Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN), Seungsu HAN (USA).

68 – Berry HENSON (USA), Casey O’TOOLE (USA), Kieran PRATT (AUS), Lionel WEBER (FRA), Poom SAKSANSIN (THA), Junwon PARK (KOR), Rikuya HOSHINO (JPN), Scott VINCENT (ZIM), Paul PETERSON (USA), Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA), Mikumu HORIKAWA (JPN), Keith HORNE (RSA).

69 – Toru NAKAJIMA (JPN), Chikkarangappa S. (IND), Natipong SRITHONG (THA), Kodai ICHIHARA (JPN), LIU Yan-wei (CHN), Yuta IKEDA (JPN), Hyungsung KIM (KOR), Satoshi KODAIRA (JPN), Micah Lauren SHIN (USA), Shunya TAKEYASU (JPN), Prom MEESAWAT (THA), Tatsuya KODAI (JPN), Miguel TABUENA (PHI), Richard T. LEE (CAN), Sihwan KIM (USA).

70 – Zaw MOE (MYN), Bowen XIAO (CHN), Arjun ATWAL (IND), Shugo IMAHIRA (JPN), Narutoshi YAMAOKA (JPN), Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND), Ryuji MASAOKA (JPN), Shohei KARIMATA (JPN), Terry PILKADARIS (AUS), Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND), Ryutaro NAGANO (JPN), LU Wei-chih (TPE), Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA), Ryo ISHIKAWA (JPN), Yikeun CHANG (KOR), Taichi NABETANI (JPN), Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND), Masashi HIDAKA (JPN).

71 – Zaw Zaw LATT (MYN), Ben LEONG (MAS), Younghan SONG (KOR), Masanori KOBAYASHI (JPN), Khalin JOSHI (IND), Rashid KHAN (IND), Katsumasa MIYAMOTO (JPN), Jarin TODD (USA), Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS), Toshinori MUTO (JPN), Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA), Kyungnam KANG (KOR), Chapchai NIRAT (THA), Backjun AN (KOR), Ye Htet AUNG (MYN), Jbe KRUGER (RSA), Konosuke NAKAZATO (JPN), Nicholas FUNG (MAS), Yusaku MIYAZATO (JPN), Johannes VEERMAN (USA), Todd SINNOTT (AUS), Adilson DA SILVA (BRA), LIANG Wen-chong (CHN), Hiroshi IWATA (JPN), Tomoyo IKEMURA (JPN), Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA).

Ends.

About Leopalace21

Leopalace21 Corporation: http://eg.leopalace21.com/

Leopalace Resort Guam: http://www.guam.ne.jp/

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Published on March 8, 2013

Seoul, March 7: American Ryder Cup stars Dustin Johnson and Zach Johnson, plus 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, will headline the field for this year’s Ballantine’s Championship, which returns to Blackstone Golf Club in Korea for a third consecutive year.
The trio will join home favourites Y.E. Yang and Kim Kyung-tae for the Championship’s sixth edition, which takes place from April 25-28, 2013.
The line-up of leading international players set for Korea continues to demonstrate that the Ballantine’s Championship has cemented its position as one of Asia’s most successful golf tournaments.
Christian Porta, CEO of Chivas Brothers, said: “We are delighted that the Ballantine’s Championship continues to attract such a wealth of both talent and interest from all over the world, again reinforcing the increasing importance of Korea as a world-class golf destination. We look forward to another exciting edition of this prestigious golf tournament.”
World Number Six Oosthuizen will make his debut in the Ballantine’s Championship, hoping to add the title to his increasingly impressive CV, having captured his sixth European Tour title in last month’s Volvo Golf Champions in his native South Africa.
The 30 year old, who lifted the Claret Jug at St Andrews three years ago, came close to adding a second Major Championship to his list of achievements, when he lost in a play-off to Bubba Watson in the Masters Tournament at the Augusta National last April. He went on to win the Maybank Malaysian Open the following week and will be hoping to claim a second victory on Asian soil when he heads to Blackstone Golf Club, in Incheon, near the Korean capital of Seoul.
“I’m really looking forward to visiting Korea and to playing in the Ballantine’s Championship for the first time,” said Oozthuizen. “I got my first win in Asia last year and it would be nice to challenge for another in April. I’ve heard good things about the tournament and I look forward to experiencing it myself.”
Zach Johnson is also making his debut in the Championship and it will be the first time he has played in a European Tour event outside of the Major Championships and World Golf Championships events.
The three-time US Ryder Cup player won the 2007 Masters Tournament and has nine victories in total on the US PGA Tour, including two titles last year. He was one of the American team’s leading performers in The 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club, taking three points from his four matches.
“It’s a great opportunity to be able to play in the Ballantine’s Championship and I’m really looking forward to it. To be able to play in a new country and test myself against some of Europe and Asia’s leading players is very exciting,” he said.
Meanwhile Dustin Johnson, one of the biggest hitters in world golf, returns to Blackstone Golf Club after finishing fourth on his debut in 2011. The 28 year old was forced to miss last year’s Ballantine’s Championship because of a back injury suffered the month before the tournament, but returned to action to win the FedEx St Jude Classic and claimed his seventh US PGA Tour Title in the season opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
“I was disappointed to have to miss last year’s Ballantine’s Championship because of my back injury,” he said. “I really enjoyed my first visit a couple of years ago and I’m looking forward to returning.”
After making his Ryder Cup debut in 2010, Johnson was a Captain’s pick for the US Team in 2012, contributing a maximum return of three points from his three matches, and was one of only three Americans to win in the singles, alongside his namesake Zach and Jason Dufner. He feels the 7,275 yard, par 72 course suits his powerful game, after carding four consecutive sub-par rounds to finish three shots behind winner Lee Westwood two years ago.
“I think I did okay last year, and I ended up finishing pretty well,” said Johnson. “I played well on the Sunday and over the week I had two good days and two mediocre ones. So I enjoyed it, and finishing fourth isn’t too bad.
“It’s a good course for me. It sets up well, so you know if you drive it straight there you’re going to play pretty well. Hopefully I can better my fourth place. I liked Korea, and found the people really friendly, so I’m looking forward to going back.”
Leading the home hopes will be Yang and Kim, with both players striving to become the first Korean to win the Ballantine’s Championship.
Yang became the first Asian player to win a Major when he held off Tiger Woods to win the 2009 US PGA Championship. He finished tied 15th last year and will be hoping to improve again this time round, as he searches for a third European Tour title.
“The Ballantine’s Championship is always an important event for the Korean players and it is one I always look forward to,” he said. “Ballantine’s always puts on a great Championship for us and really look after us, so hopefully I can do well in return.”
Kim is a former Korean Amateur Champion and won the 2007 Maekyung Open in his second start on the Asian Tour. He finished in a share of 54th position in last year’s Ballantine’s Championship, which was won by Austrian Bernd Wiesberger.
Wiesberger finished five strokes clear of Scotland’s Richie Ramsay to claim his maiden European Tour title. He joined the roll of honour which previously included inaugural winner Graeme McDowell (2008), Thongchai Jaidee (2009), Marcus Fraser (2010) and Lee Westwood (2011).
The Ballantine’s Championship was established in 2008 and builds on Ballantine’s long-standing association with golf. In addition to the Championship, Ballantine’s sponsors several top-flight players and events, as well as invests in grass-roots activity such as the Golf Fund in China and the Road to the Ballantine’s Championship in Korea.
Ends.
About Ballantine’s Ballantine’s is the No 2 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia, No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 129 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. • Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 • Ballantine’s is an official sponsor of the BMW Masters, The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open & The World Cup of Golf • The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England
About Chivas Brothers Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
About the Asian Tour In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

Published on January 22, 2018

Sentosa, Singapore, January 22: Talented Thai duo Jazz Janewattananond and Danthai Boonma turned their dreams of playing at The Open into a reality after putting on solid displays at the SMBC Singapore Open on Sunday.

Jazz and Danthai, aged 22 and 21 respectively, battled tooth-and-nail to finish tied fourth at the SMBC Singapore Open and was rewarded with coveted spots at The 147th Open which will be held at Carnoustie from July 19 to 22.

It has been Jazz’s life-long dream to tee up in the world’s oldest Major championship after watching his idol Tiger Woods in action at The Open in Carnoustie in 2007. 11 years later, he gave himself an opportunity to possibly play alongside his golfing idol at the same venue.

“My father brought me to watch Tiger Woods at Carnoustie when I was around 10 years old so earning my Major debut at the Carnoustie this year makes me feel really special. I have also played in the Junior Open Championship held at the Lundin Links before. It has been a long journey since,” said Jazz.

“I wasn’t expecting to qualify for The Open, but I am glad that I am in. I am very excited about teeing it up at Carnoustie, but also very nervous about playing in it even though it is still a few months away. It is a dream come true to be playing The Open. I can’t wait to be there.”

The 2017 season was a mixed year for Jazz as he started the year without an Asian Tour card. But he turned his career around with a victory at the Bashundhara Bangladesh Open in February and his career has been on the upswing since.

He made his debut on the PGA Tour last May and also earned his European Tour card for the 2017/2018 season through the Qualifying School.

“Playing in a Major tournament is every professional golfer’s dream. The Asian Tour is where I started my career. It’s a great platform that has helped me build my career. I am really grateful for all the opportunities that it has offered, especially to young players like me,” said the Thai.

Danthai, who celebrates his 22nd birthday on Tuesday, enjoyed another fine run in Singapore as he also won his first Asian Tour title in the country three years ago.

“I am very happy and proud to qualify for The Open, which is my first Major championship. I am looking forward to the challenge and experience of playing Carnoustie. It’s an early birthday present for myself,” smiled Danthai, who finished 34th on the 2017 Order of Merit.

Sean Crocker of the United States claimed the third ticket on offer to The Open after finishing seven shots back of winner Sergio Garcia in tied-sixth position at the Sentosa Golf Club. Lucas Herbert of Australia pipped Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines and Berry Henson of the United States to the fourth and final ticket on offer through his higher world ranking.

The trio ended the week in tied-eight position with Gavin Green of Malaysia, who has already qualified for The Open after winning the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season.

Jazz and Danthai share second place on the Order of Merit after taking home US$45,500. South African Shaun Norris leads the Merit ranking on US$86,500, thanks to his joint runner-up finish at the SMBC Singapore Open. Norris has also earned his ticket to The Open after finishing tied third at the Joburg Open last year.

The Tour will head to Myanmar for the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open this week. The US$750,000 event, co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the JGTO, is slated to take place at the Pun Hlaing Golf Club from January 25 to 28.

Asian Tour Order of Merit – Top-20

Pos Player Order of Merit (US$)

1. Shaun NORRIS (RSA) 86,500

2. Danthai BOONMA (THA) 45,500

2. Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 45,500

4. Gavin GREEN (MAS) 20,612.5

4. Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 20,612.5

4. Berry HENSON (USA) 20,612.5

7. Danny MASRIN (INA) 15,283.33

7. Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 15,283.33

9. LIANG Wenchong (CHN) 12,950

9. CHOO Tze Huang (SIN) 12,950

9. Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 12,950

12. Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 11,350

13. Ben LEONG (MAS) 10,450

13. Shiv KAPUR (IND) 10,450

13. Shunya TAKEYASU (JPN) 10,450

16. Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 8,950

16. Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 8,950

16. Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 8,950

19. Casey O’TOOLE (USA) 7,516.67

19. Giwhan KIM (KOR) 7,516.67

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Published on January 21, 2018

Sentosa, Singapore, January 21: Sergio Garcia of Spain put on a masterful display of golf as he carded a three-under-par 68 to romp to a dominant five-shot victory at the US$1 million SMBC Singapore Open on Sunday.

The 2017 Masters Tournament champion built his one-shot lead at the start of round four into a five-shot advantage after nine holes on Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong course.

Garcia’s day got off to a great start as he birdied the first hole. He went on to score two more in quick succession before the turn, on holes seven and eight. The Spaniard switched to cruise control for the remainder of the round, carding nine consecutive pars to close with a total of 14-under-par 270.

A final-round 71 earned Satoshi Kodaira of Japan a share of second place. The six-time Japan Golf Tour winner played a roller-coaster round, highlighted by the fact that he only had eight pars out of the 18 holes.

Shaun Norris of South Africa had a round of two halves. He dropped two shots in his front nine, but he rallied and made three birdies on the back nine to card a 70 as well as to grab a share of second place.

Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand gave himself an outside chance of winning the tournament after carding 68 and 66 in rounds two and three respectively. The 22-year-old could not sustain his mid-tournament form and closed with a 71. He finished tied-fourth and earned a spot at this year’s Open Championship.

The SMBC Singapore Open is part of The Open Qualifying Series. Four players who finish inside the top-12 and ties, who are not already exempt, will earn places in the field at Carnoustie from July 19 to 22, 2018.

Compatriot Danthai Boonma also finished tied-fourth and he will join Jazz in Carnoustie after carding a 73. The 21-year-old sizzled in round three with a 65 to lead the tournament at the end of Saturday before play was suspended due to bad weather. However, he could not bring his momentum to round four.

Sean Crocker of the United States and Cameron Davis of Australia carded 69 and 70 respectively to finish in tied-sixth. With Davis already exempt, Crocker will take up the third Open Championship spot.

The final spot to The Open went to Lucas Herbert of Australia, who finished tied-eighth with Malaysia’s Gavin Green, Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena and United States’ Berry Henson.

Herbert got the nod because of his higher position on the Official World Golf Ranking. 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Green is already exempt.

Did you know:

Sergio Garcia averaged 320 yards off the tee at the SMBC Singapore Open. His driving accuracy was 78.6 per cent and he hit 90.3 per cent of greens in regulation. Garcia’s putting average was 1.75 putts per hole.
Garcia has only dropped three shots the entire tournament. He scored an eagle, 15 birdies and 53 pars.
This is his fourth win on the Asian Tour. He won previously in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.
Garcia married Angela Akins in late July last year and they are expecting a baby girl in March 2018.
Satoshi Kodaira is a six-time winner on the Japan Golf Tour. His victories include the 2013 Japan Golf Tour Championship Shishido Hills and the 2015 Japan Open, majors of the Japan Golf Tour.
His spouse is ex-professional golfer, Miho Koga, who was ranked first on the LPGA of Japan Tour money list in 2008.
Jazz Janewattananond was the second-youngest winner on the Asian Tour in 2017 after Resorts World Manila Masters champion, Micah Lauren Shin.
He is the youngest ever player to make the halfway cut at the 2010 Asian Tour International in Bangkok at the age of 14 years and 71 days. He won his first Asian Tour title in 2017, when he was 21 years old, at the Bashundhara Bangladesh Open
Danthai Boonma won an Asian Tour tournament previously in Singapore. He was victorious at the 2015 World Classic Championship that was played at Laguna National Golf and Country Club. The Thai won by one shot.
Shaun Norris spent most of 2017 on the Japan Golf Tour, winning once last year, at the Japan Golf Tour Championship Mori Building Cup Shishido Hills.
He played in The Open last year and barely made the cut, which was set at +5. He went on to finish tied-62nd in the major tournament.

Player Interviews:

Sergio Garcia (Esp) – Final Round 68 (-3), Total 270 (-14)

It may have looked easy, but it wasn’t easy. You still have to hit a lot of good shots out there.

Obviously, I have to thank my whole team, my family, my wife Angela and my sponsors. They gave me a lot of support and it’s nice to start the year like this. I’m really pleased with everything right now. I still feel like I can get better and I can get even more comfortable. It’s still nice to play like how I did.

It’s always great to start with a win, to do it here at this golf course against a good field in Asia on conditions that weren’t easy. Hopefully I can ride on this momentum.

I’m extremely happy with how the week went. It was a tough day and a tough week, with the stopping and going. Fortunately, the weather held on, we were able to play and the people were able to enjoy it. Still, it was hard to play 27 holes under this heat and I can’t wait to get a cold shower.

I practiced a few weeks before coming here. I feel that I’m getting used to my new equipment. I came with some good confidence and wishing that I will play well. I was able to control my emotions quite well out there. I hit the ball solid the whole week and didn’t miss many shots.

When you are able to have a beautiful wife and a daughter coming your way, you can only be happy. They are very important.

Satoshi Kodaira (Jpn) – Final Round 71 (even-par), Total 275 (-9)

During the front nine, I really played well, but I missed two holes on the back nine. Maybe, it was because it was too hot then.

It was a nice week. I played with tension, played with lots of thinking, and played with top players on a top-quality golf course. I could not reach Sergio. I was thinking, 12 or 13 under for the win, but he went beyond that. But I am happy with the final result. My shots are coming good as well. If I play like this, I can compete.

The drive on the 18th gave me lots of confidence. Anyway, it’s nice to open the new season with a solid performance.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) – Final Round 71 (even-par), Total 276 (-8)

It was a great venue to start the year. I really enjoyed my experience here in Singapore.

As for the qualification to The Open, being able to play at a major tournament will be a dream come true! The Open will be my first one and it’s great because there are so many big names playing there. I played in the Junior Open Championship before, when it was held at London Links. It has been a long journey since.

Everyone had a similar journey. We played junior golf, some went to college and some like me, turned professional. But we all share the same goal, that is to play in the majors and on the biggest stage in golf. The Asian Tour is a good start to do all that, as it gives opportunities to young guys like me and I’m grateful for that.

Danthai Boonma (Tha) – Final Round 73 (+2), Total 276 (-8)

I struggled with the putter in the front nine of fourth round and made three-putts on a couple of holes. At hole three, I hit the ball into water and it cost me a double bogey, so it’s not a good start for the final round.

In the back nine I played better as I chipped in for birdie at the 14th to get my momentum back. I also scored another birdie at 16th. But it is disappointing to finish with a bogey after three-putting.

I am glad and honored to earn the place for The 147th Open at Carnoustie by finishing tied-third at the SMBC Singapore Open. It is an early birthday present for me.

Scores after round 4 of the SMBC Singapore Open being played at the par 71, 7398 Yards Sentosa GC course (am – denotes amateur):

270 – Sergio GARCIA (ESP) 66-70-66-68.

275 – Satoshi KODAIRA (JPN) 66-72-66-71, Shaun NORRIS (RSA) 69-67-69-70.

276 – Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 71-68-66-71, Danthai BOONMA (THA) 70-68-65-73.

277 – Sean CROCKER (USA) 71-70-67-69, Cameron DAVIS (AUS) 68-70-69-70.

278 – Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 71-69-68-70, Gavin GREEN (MAS) 71-67-69-71, Berry HENSON (USA) 70-72-71-65, Lucas HERBERT (AUS) 68-70-69-71.

279 – Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 70-69-69-71, Yuki INAMORI (JPN) 70-70-67-72, ANDY ZHANG (am, CHN) 72-66-71-70, Danny MASRIN (INA) 71-66-67-75.

280 – LIANG Wenchong (CHN) 69-70-72-69, CHOO Tze Huang (SIN) 70-69-71-70, Gregory FOO (am, SIN) 69-69-69-73, Ryo ISHIKAWA (JPN) 69-66-74-71, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 71-64-68-77.

281 – Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 71-70-70-70, Pat PEREZ (USA) 70-72-71-68.

282 – Shunya TAKEYASU (JPN) 69-71-71-71, Ben LEONG (MAS) 70-68-73-71, Hiroshi IWATA (JPN) 69-69-74-70, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 70-67-71-74.

283 – Yoshinori FUJIMOTO (JPN) 68-72-71-72, Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 68-70-72-73, Ryuko TOKIMATSU (JPN) 70-71-68-74, Koumei ODA (JPN) 68-70-71-74, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 66-72-75-70, Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 66-70-72-75.

Ends.

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Published on March 1, 2013

New Delhi, March 1: In-form Thai star Chawalit Plaphol will lead a cosmopolitan cast of Asian Tour champions when the region’s premier Tour heads to the US$300,000 SAIL-SBI Open presented by ”Incredible India” Ministry of Tourism next week.
Sweet-swinging Chawalit claimed his career fourth title at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open last Sunday to emerge as one of the early favourites for the SAIL-SBI Open, which celebrates its sixth edition this year.
Over 25 other Tour champions have signed up for the second leg the 2013 Schedule, which marks the Asian Tour’s milestone 10^thseason since it was launched as a players’ organisation in 2004.
Other top names who will head to the venerable Delhi Golf Club from March 6-9 include American Berry Henson, Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg, who has won twice previously in India including the 2010 edition, Australian Darren Beck and big-hitting Scott Hend, Singapore’s Mardan Mamat and Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat, who shot a world-record of 32-under-par 256 at the event in 2009.
Sri Lanka’s Mithun Perera, who finished second in Myanmar, will be eager to maintain his flying start to his first full season on the Asian Tour while French rookie Lionel Webber, Singapore’s Quincy Quek and India’s Rahil Gangjee will be hoping to build on last week’s top-10 performances in Yangon.
All eyes will be on Chawalit following his superb victory over Perera where he needed two closing birdies to win the Myanmar title by one shot. The 38-year-old Thai believes the early season victory will pave the way for a great year ahead.

“I’m happy but a first win in two years is not enough! I want to win more Asian Tour titles. This win gives me more confidence to play on the Asian Tour,” said Chawalit.
The tenacious Perera, whose father Nandasena was a prominent name on the Asian golf scene during the 1980s and 1990s, underlined his growing potential by challenging Chawalit for the title by closing with a superb 65.
While disappointed he did not take home the winner’s trophy, Perera reckons his time will soon come.
“All you need is one good week to turn your life around. I feel my time is coming soon. I try my best in every tournament and I think the win is not far away,” said Mithun.
“I’m sure my father and my country are proud of me. Last week, I flew the Sri Lankan flag high. There’s no disappointment for me,” added the 26-year-old.
India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia, Shiv Kapur, Gaganjeet Bhullar and title holder Anirban Lahiri will be amongst the top stars expected to challenge for the SAIL-SBI Open at Delhi Golf Club.
Former Asian number one Jyoti Randhawa, who has triumphed on multiple occasions at the Delhi Golf Club, will also be expected to launch a title charge next week along with Digvijay Singh, holder of the Panasonic Open India title.
The SAIL-SBI Open is one of four Asian Tour events which will feature prominently in India. It will be followed by the Avantha Masters and Panasonic Open India in April. The Hero Indian Open is slated towards the second half of the year.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf,www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

Published on January 20, 2018

Sentosa, Singapore, January 20: Thai players Danthai Boonma and Chapchai Nirat currently lead the weather-disrupted SMBC Singapore.

Only six players completed round three, which was suspended due to bad weather.

Danthai finished 15 holes before play was suspended at 6.20pm local time. He fired six birdies against a lone bogey to bring his current total to nine-under-par.

Chapchai, who started round three with a seven-under-par 135 total, brought his score down even further after totaling two-under-par through nine holes.

Seven players are currently tied-third at seven-under par. The group includes Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond and South Africa’s Shaun Norris as well as Ryo Ishikawa.

Jazz was enjoying a bogey-free round before the sirens sounded. He fired four birdies through 17 holes.

Norris made a double bogey on the par-five fourth, but that was offset with three consecutive birdies on holes sixth, seventh and eighth.

Japan’s “Bashful Prince” got off to a great start to his third round with two consecutive birdies on his opening two holes. He bounced back with another birdie after a double bogey on the third. He dropped a shot at the seventh for a total of seven-under-par through nine holes.

62 players will resume round three on Sunday, 7.40am Singapore time.

Did you know:

Danthai Boonma played in last year’s SMBC Singapore Open. After a decent start, he wasn’t able to shoot another round in the 60s. Danthai eventually finished tied-23rd.
He enjoyed four top-10 finishes in 2017. Twice in Thailand (Thailand Open and Royal Cup), once in Chinese Taipei (Mercuries Taiwan Masters) and once in Indonesia (Indonesia Open).
Danthai is ranked fifth on the Asian Tour in 2017 for total number of birdies. He scored 247 last year.
In his previous SMBC Singapore Open appearance in 2016, Chapchai Nirat finished commendably in tied-eighth. His best-scoring holes were at 10th (birdie-birdie-par-birdie) and 18th (par-birdie-birdie-eagle).
Jazz Janewattananond lost his Asian Tour at the end of 2016 and missed the mark at Qualifying School in 2017. Although, that didn’t stop him from winning his maiden Asian Tour title at the 2017 Bashundhara Bangladesh Open.
He credited his victory at the Bashundhara Bangladesh Open to his two-week stint as a monk, which helped develop his mental game.
Ryo Ishikawa was in a rut in the middle of last year as he missed cuts at six consecutive events from May to July. He bounced back towards the end of the year, highlighted by his tied-second finish at the Casio World Open, a tournament on the Japan Golf Tour.

Player Interviews:

Danthai Boonma (Tha) – nine-under-par through 15 holes

I played very well today, especially my putting. I’m just going to rest tonight to prepare for the long day. I must be focused and stick to my plan. I’ll just think about my swing, smile and have fun.

Chapchai Nirat (Tha) – nine-under-par through nine holes

I’m still adopting the same approach coming into round three. That is, to use the tournament to experiment and adapt to my swing. I won’t be overthinking about the tournament, just going to enjoy the experience here.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha) – seven-under-par through 17 holes

I quite satisfied with my round so far and I would say that almost everything went well. My driver’s pretty good. My approach shot is good, as I hit it close a lot. Playing with Poom (Saksansin) was quite inspiring as he was making very good putts today. I’m not distracted by the rain. I like it actually, as I get to rest more.

Shaun Norris (Rsa) – seven-under-par through 10 holes

I hit the ball nicely. But for the fourth hole where I made a double after I made a bad decision on the second shot. But other than that, I’m quite happy with my game. It’s a little distracting with the weather disruptions but at least, for everybody, it’s the same. We just have to accept it and move on.

Scores after round 3 of the SMBC Singapore Open being played at the par 71, 7398 Yards Sentosa GC course (am – denotes amateur):

211 – Shunya TAKEYASU (JPN) 69-71-71, Yoshinori FUJIMOTO (JPN) 68-72-71.

213 – Jesse YAP (am, SIN) 68-72-73.

214 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 70-70-74, Arjun ATWAL (IND) 73-67-74.

217 – Seungtaek LEE (KOR) 74-65-78.

Ends.

About Asian Tour

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Published on February 28, 2013

Chonburi, Thailand, February 28: Siddikur is on track of making history when he shared the opening round lead with Japanese amateur Hideki Matsuyama on six-under-par 66 at the Open Championship International Final Qualifying – Asia on Thursday.
The Bangladeshi got off to a hot start where he was five-under after six holes to maintain his bid to become the first player to represent his country in the Open Championship.
China’s Hu Mu, Australian Scott Barr and Singaporeans Quincy Quek and Lam Zhiqun were a further shot back in the two-day qualifier where the top-four players qualify for the year’s third Major at Muirfield in July.

Siddikur, who is the first Bangladeshi to play and win on the Asian Tour, was in a similar position in the 2011 IFQ-Asia but he was disqualified on the last day when he failed to write a score for the last hole. He insists he will not repeat the same mistake again.
“There are no excuses for me (two years ago). I just didn’t play well after shooting a 66 on the first day. I was so excited but unfortunately I couldn’t keep up. My score would have been three-over if I wasn’t disqualified,” said Siddikur.
With a hot putter in tow, Siddikur traded seven birdies and one bogey to lead the way with the talented Matsuyama, who is a two-time Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship winner and the first Japanese amateur to play in the 2011 Masters Tournament.
“I’m very confident and my game is good. If I can play my game, I’m quite confident I’ll be able to qualify for the Open Championship,” said Siddikur.
Matsuyama hopes to make amends for last year’s heartbreak when he dropped six shots in the last three holes to miss the play-off for the fourth and final ticket to the Open Championship by two shots.
“I’ve forgotten about that and have already moved on. I’m looking forward to the last day and if I can keep playing like how I did, then I’ll be able to earn a place in the Open Championship,” said Matsuyama.
Singapore’s Quek, who is aiming to become the third Singaporean after Mardan Mamat and Lam Chih Bing to play in the Open Championship, was in the lead for 17 holes but hit his tee shot into the water on nine for a double bogey.
“I’m happy to be on five-under with a double bogey! In two-day events, you have to make as many birdies as you can. I guess my focus tomorrow is to enjoy the round and put in a low number,” said the 26-year-old.
Australian Barr mixed his round with eight birdies and one eagle against a double bogey and three bogeys as he plots a return to the Open Championship where he made his debut at the Royal Troon Golf Club in 2004.
“I started to hit the ball pretty well at the start and putted pretty good. I just had a couple of soft mistakes. This is a golf course where you can get in big trouble without doing many mistakes. Overall I’m happy but I hope to hold it together,” said Barr.

Scores after round 1 of the IFQ Asia 2013 being played at the par 72, 7419 Yards Amata Spring CC course (a- denotes amateur):
66 – SIDDIKUR (BAN), Hideki MATSUYAMA (am, JPN).
67 – HU Mu (CHN), Quincy QUEK (SIN), LAM Zhiqun (SIN), Scott BARR (AUS).
68 – Prayad MARKSAENG (THA), Anthony KANG (USA), Berry HENSON (USA), KIM Hyung-sung (KOR), PAN Cheng-tsung (am, TPE), WU Ashun (CHN), Rory HIE (INA), Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA).
69 – Kalle SAMOOJA (FIN), Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA), Scott HEND (AUS), Hiroshi IWATA (JPN), Yuta IKEDA (JPN).
70 – Stephen LEWTON (ENG), Nils FLOREN (SWE), Kwanchai TANNIN (THA), Prom MEESAWAT (THA), James BYRNE (SCO), Jaakko MAKITALO (FIN).
71 – Darren BECK (AUS), PARK Ju-hyuk (KOR), JOO Heung-chol (KOR), Gunn CHAROENKUL (THA), LAM Chih Bing (SIN), Niall TURNER (IRL), Daisuke MARUYAMA (JPN), Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA), Tomohiro KONDO (JPN), Javi COLOMO (ESP).
72 – Kodai ICHIHARA (JPN), Miguel TABUENA (PHI), BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR), Jonathan MOORE (USA), Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA), Ben FOX (USA), Grant JACKSON (ENG), Yosuke ASAJI (JPN).
Further information:
The R&A – Communications
+44 (0) 1334 460000
[email protected]
Doyle Decosta, Media Officer, the Asian Tour
+012 699 1976
[email protected]
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

Published on January 19, 2018

Sentosa, Singapore, January 19: Chapchai Nirat of Thailand rolled back the years and carded a blistering seven-under-par 64 and a seven-under-par 135 total to capture the clubhouse lead of the SMBC Singapore Open on Friday.

Longtime fans of Singapore’s National Open will remember his many exploits on the Serapong course. In 2012, he surged to the top of the leaderboard after round one before settling for a tied-seventh finish.

This year, the burley 34-year-old did not put a foot wrong in round two as he fired seven birdies to lead by one shot over Tirawat Kaewsiribandit of Thailand and Shaun Norris of South Africa.

Tirawat stayed in the hunt after carding a second-round 70. The Thai golfer maintained his good form after an opening 66 and started steadily with 10 straight pars. He scored a bogey and two birdies before ending his round.

Norris is experiencing a happy homecoming so far after spending a year away from the Asian Tour by carding a 67 on Friday. He enjoyed a bogey-free round that is highlighted by an eagle on the fourth and birdies on the second and 14th.

Shiv Kapur of India brought his brilliant 2017 form to Singapore. The 35-year-old shot a 67 to go into the weekend just two shots off the lead. He performed brilliantly on his opening nine (10th to 18th) as the made the turn at five-under-par, but admittedly, he has yet to figure out how to score consistently at Serapong’s first nine holes.

Jarin Todd of United States joins Kapur at tied-third. Nine golfers, which includes major winner Louis Oosthuizen, are a shot behind Kapur and Todd at four-under-par.

Choo Tze Huang is Singapore’s best finisher on Friday. He is currently three-under-par.

Round two play was abandoned at 4.42pm local time due to lightning threats. 78 players will resume their rounds at 7.40am local time on Saturday, with round three starting no later than 12.50pm.

Did you know:

Chapchai Nirat holds the Asian Tour record for the lowest 72-hole score. He finished the 2009 SAIL Open 32-under-par 256. Also, his 11-shot winning margin shares the record for third highest on the Asian Tour.
He had a phenomenal run on the Asian Tour. Chapchai has never lost his playing card from 2005 to 2016 and he has earned at least US$100,000 every season. He enjoyed his best year in 2007, when he earned US$442,325.
Chapchai has a pretty good record at the Singapore Open. His best results were tied-seventh in 2008 and 2012. Out of the 10 Singapore Open tournaments he competed in, he only missed the cut twice.
Tirawat Kaewsiribandit ended 2017 ranked 316th on the Official World Golf Ranking list.
2017 marked the first time he was placed within the top-60 of the Asian Tour Order of Merit. He earned US$118,481 and was ranked 36th.
Shaun Norris is a two-time winner on the Asian Tour. He won the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in 2015 and the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open in 2016.
He will be participating in The Open this year by virtue of his tied-third finish at last year’s Joburg Open. It will be his second consecutive appearance at the major tournament.
Shiv Kapur enjoyed moderate success at previous editions of the SMBC Singapore Open. He has always made the cut, but he finished tied-64th and tied-51st in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
He overcame the disappointment of missing the cut at three consecutive tournaments by winning his first Asian Tour title in 11 years in Chinese Taipei, at the Yeangder Heritage.

Player Interviews:

Chapchai Nirat (Tha) – Second Round 64 (-7), Total 135 (-7)

To finish the round seven-under-par was beyond my expectation. Before coming to this tournament, I tried to adjust and fix my swing flaws with my coach. Today, I was attempting to play the same way as I did during practice and follow my coach’s advice.

For this tournament, I didn’t think too much and I didn’t set any target. I’m just enjoying the experience and trying to get used to my new golf swing as well as getting a better swing rhythm.

I am so happy and excited to be on top of the leaderboard. I haven’t felt this way on the golf course for so long, at least three years. For the next two day, I will do the same as I did today and don’t think much about the result.

Tirawat Kaewsiribandit – Second Round 70 (-1), Total 136 (-6)

Overall I am happy with the way I play today. I hit 12 fairways and 15 greens, but at some holes, the ball did not land close to the pin. I only managed to get two birdies today, but it was my plan to play like this, not too aggressive.

My highlight was the par-four hole 13th. It is a tough hole and I made long birdie putt, about 20 feet, and that is the changing point of the day. After that I played with more confidence.

My plan in the next two rounds is to try to finish each round with at least two-under-par.

Shaun Norris (Rsa) – Second Round 67 (-4), Total 136 (-6)

I’ve reached my goals and I’m happy with where I am. I think I’m in a good position. It’s always nice to be back and see all your peers whom you’ve travelled with after so long. I’ve been busier with the Japan Tour in the past couple of years, and it’s nice to see everybody and have a bit of fun.

We always think it’s (the winning score at the tournament) going to be a lot lower than what it is, I think it can get to about 14-under-par, but we’ll see what happens.

Shiv Kapur (Ind) – Second Round 67 (-4), Total 137 (-5)

Starting the day, I was even-par and I had a hole and a half to play. I birdied 18th to shoot one-under this morning. Then, I came out playing really good. Five-under-par on the back nine, but I lost my way in the front, my back nine. It’s a tough course and there is no let up here. You hit one or two bad shots and it gets you.

Three-putting at the last hole left a sour taste in my mouth. Small margins here, but I played pretty well.

I bogeyed the fifth hole two days in a row. I’ll try to figure out how to play that hole a bit better. I haven’t birdied four as well. I’ll get my head around that stretch (fourth, fifth and sixth) of holes. I seemed to have a good game plan for the back nine. I’m hitting more three-woods there. That’s working well and I’m not going to change that.

I love this golf course. I’ve been coming here since I started my career in 2005. I’ve seen it change but it’s still hard. The greens are bigger and it’s hard to get the ball close. It tests every part of your game. You have to be straight off the tee the second shots are demanding. The greens are quick and sloppy. It’s always going to be a tough challenge here.

Scores after round 2 of the SMBC Singapore Open being played at the par 71, 7398 Yards Sentosa GC course (am – denotes amateur):

135 – Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 71-64.

136 – Tirawat KAEWSIRIBANDIT (THA) 66-70, Shaun NORRIS (RSA) 69-67.

137 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 70-67, Jarin TODD (USA) 71-66.

138 – Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 66-72, Cameron DAVIS (AUS) 68-70, Louis OOSTHUIZEN (RSA) 66-72, Eric SUGIMOTO (JPN) 70-68, Satoshi KODAIRA (JPN) 66-72, Lucas HERBERT (AUS) 68-70, Richard T. LEE (CAN) 68-70, ANDY ZHANG (am, CHN) 72-66, Toshinori MUTO (JPN) 69-69.

139 – CHOO Tze Huang (SIN) 70-69, Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 71-68, Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 70-69.

140 – Arjun ATWAL (IND) 73-67, Yoshinori FUJIMOTO (JPN) 68-72, Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 70-70, Jesse YAP (am, SIN) 68-72, Shunya TAKEYASU (JPN) 69-71.

Ends.

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Published on January 18, 2018

Sentosa, Singapore, January 18: Sergio Garcia of Spain and Kurt Kitayama of United States shot matching five-under-par 66s in round one to share the clubhouse lead at the US$1 million SMBC Singapore Open.

Garcia took a while to warm up at the Asian Tour season-opener. The reigning Masters Tournament champion, who teed off at the 10th hole, started with a streak of pars that was ended by a bogey on the 15th.

However, a birdie-eagle finish on his opening nine helped him find his rhythm and he went on to sink another three birdies before he ended his round.

After finishing tied-third at the Asian Tour Qualifying School last week, Kitayama is physically tired but in high spirits after a great opening round.

It was his first time playing on the award-winning Serapong course and he did exceptionally well, evident from his near-flawless performance. The 25-year-old American scored six birdies against one bogey.

Casey O’Toole of the United States, Koumei Oda of Japan and ex Singapore Open champion Jyoti Randhawa carded matching 68s to share second place.

O’Toole scored the first ace of 2018 at the par-3 second hole of Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong course. He teed off with a seven-iron, 168 yards from the pin. The American won a five-year Golden Circle membership worth 500,000 points, which is equivalent to a 25-night stay in an executive suite at the Shangri-La Hotel in Tokyo.

Tirawat Kaewsiribandit of Thailand was on his way to share, or even seize the lead before play was suspended at 5.03pm due to lightning risk. The 28-year-old is five-under-par through 16 holes.

Tirawat birdied the fourth and fired three consecutive birdies from the 16th to 18th to make the turn at 31. The siren sounded after he teed off from the 8th tee box.

78 players have yet to complete round one. They will resume play on Friday, 7.40am.

Did you know:

Kurt Kitayama celebrated his 25th birthday just a week ago, on 14th January.
The American is enjoying a rich vein of form at the moment. He was tied-third at the Asian Tour Qualifying School (and earned his Asian Tour card for 2018) and finished first at the SMBC Singapore Open Qualifying Tournament.
He hails from Chico, California and he went to school at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Kitayama is ethnically Japanese but he doesn’t speak the language.
Sergio Garcia officially switched his equipment brand in early 2018.
He won the 2017 Masters Tournament on what would have been compatriot Seve Ballesteros’ 60th birthday.
Garcia is expecting the arrival of his first child in March this year, just in time before he defends his title at this year’s Masters Tournament.
Along with the one he scored in Singapore, Casey O’Toole has two hole-in-ones in his professional career. He scored one last year in Malaysia at the Royal Selangor Golf Club, also with a seven iron.
He won the Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit in 2015. The ADT is the feeder circuit of the Asian Tour.
O’Toole kept his Asian Tour card for 2018 by virtue of his 58th place finish on last year’s Asian Tour Order of Merit list.
Tirawat Kaewsiribandit enjoyed a tied-11th finish at last year’s SMBC Singapore Open. He shot a five-under-par 66 in round three to get within one shot of the lead, but his tournament unraveled after a 74 on Sunday.
He is a winner on the Asian Development Tour. He won the Betagro All Thailand Championship by three strokes. More impressively, he did it while fighting a back injury.
Tirawat was close to winning his maiden Asian Tour title at the Indonesia Open, but Panuphol Pittayarat was just in irresistible form during that tournament.

Player Interviews:

Kurt Kitayama (Usa) – First Round 66 (-5)

I feel really good about my round. I started with a birdie and I just let it roll from there. I had some good tee shots, which I think, is the biggest thing for this course.

Compared to the Tanjong, the Serapong is a lot tighter. The Serapong is a great course. It is tough off the tee and it has big greens. It’s great to have a good round early in the tournament, as it proves that I am able to score well.

I didn’t realise that there’s the possibility of qualifying for The Open this year at this tournament. I’m not too focused on that, to be honest. Although, I know that finishing top-five this week will get me into the tournament next week, in Myanmar.

I’m a little tired, but I’m hanging in there. Whenever I have time off, I’ll try not to think too much about golf.

Now that I have an Asian Tour card (after finishing tied-third at the Asian Tour Qualifying School), I’m definitely looking forward to playing on the Asian Tour this year.

Sergio Garcia (Esp) – First Round 66 (-5)

The course is in great shape. You have to drive the ball well and the shots to the green have to be accurate otherwise you may leave yourself with some tricky putts. This is a great tournament to start the year with.

I was one-over-par after seven holes, even though I didn’t feel like I’m playing badly. But, I hit two good six-irons in a row on 17 and 18th, where I made an eagle. That settled me a bit and I was able to play solidly over the back nine.

I’ll keep trusting myself. I’m really comfortable with the equipment that I have. The driver feels great and the ball is amazing. It’s a matter of believing and being positive.

I’ll probably chill a little bit. I did a lot of things right, but I still have lots to work on. I’ll try to stay cool, have a nice dinner and get ready for tomorrow.

Casey O’Toole (Usa) – First Round 68 (-3)

It was a good number for me with the wind. My caddie and I decided to hit three-quarter seven-iron and I hit it; it was solid. The ball landed just short of the hole and released right in. It was a really good shot.

I just got engaged, so my fiancée will probably have a lot to say on how those points will be used. We’ll figure it out.

Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (Tha) – five-under through 16 holes

I putted very well today. I also hit irons well and found many fairways. Before this tournament, I had an injury on my foreman. I need to relax and look to playing well.

I’m very happy now, despite not being able to finish my round. I’m just looking forward to carding a good score after 18 holes tomorrow.

Scores after round 1 of the SMBC Singapore Open being played at the par 71, 7398 Yards Sentosa GC course (am – denotes amateur):

66 – Sergio GARCIA (ESP), Kurt KITAYAMA (USA).

68 – Casey O’TOOLE (USA), Koumei ODA (JPN), Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND).

69 – Hiroshi IWATA (JPN), Hiroyuki FUJITA (JPN), Ryo ISHIKAWA (JPN), LIANG Wenchong (CHN), Javi COLOMO (ESP), Gregory FOO (am, SIN), HUNG Chien-yao (TPE), Giwhan KIM (KOR), Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN), Terry PILKADARIS (AUS).

70 – Gunn CHAROENKUL (THA), David BRANSDON (AUS), Kunihiro KAMII (JPN), Danthai BOONMA (THA), Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA), Matthew GRIFFIN (AUS), Ben LEONG (MAS), Yuki INAMORI (JPN), Ryutaro NAGANO (JPN).

71 – Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA), Danny MASRIN (INA), Younghan SONG (KOR), Gavin GREEN (MAS), Shariffuddin ARIFFIN (MAS), Prom MEESAWAT (THA), Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN), Miguel TABUENA (PHI), Brendan JONES (AUS).

72 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE), Prayad MARKSAENG (THA), Yusaku MIYAZATO (JPN), Rahil GANGJEE (IND), Mikumu HORIKAWA (JPN), Michael HENDRY (NZL), Seunghyuk KIM (KOR), Keith HORNE (RSA), Chikkarangappa S. (IND).

73 – Shota AKIYOSHI (JPN), Danny CHIA (MAS), Sihwan KIM (USA), Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS), Yasunobu FUKUNAGA (JPN), Daisuke MARUYAMA (JPN), Rikuya HOSHINO (JPN), Chiragh KUMAR (IND).

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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Yangon, January 26: Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan remained in the driver’s seat together with American Paul Peterson as they stayed ahead of the chasing pack after the second round of the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open on Friday. Peterson hauled himself back into contention with a five-under-par 66 while Rattanon’s excellent short game ensured he would share the […]

Peterson hauled himself back into contention with a five-under-par 66 while Rattanon’s excellent short game ensured he would share the day’s honour when he signed for a 69.

Peterson, who lost his playing status in Europe, had an encouraging run with five top-10 finishes on the Asian Tour in the last quarter of 2017.

Rattanon was left to rue several costly mistakes because of his bad tee shots but had his putter to thank for keeping him in the lead at the Pun Hlaing Golf Club.

Star attraction Ryo Ishikawa of Japan missed the weekend cut which was set at even-par

Did you know?

· Rattanon Wannasrichan enjoyed a wire-to-wire victory when he lifted his maiden Asian Tour title on home soil last year. He continues to hold the lead after two days this week.

· Rattanon only managed to hit 11 greens in regulation while making a total of 27 putts in his second round.

· Paul Peterson came through the Asian Tour Qualifying School in 2014 and claimed his first title on the European Tour at the 2016 D+D REAL Czech Masters.

· Peterson has yet to win on the Asian Tour but came close towards the end of 2017 with two tied-second finishes in India and Hong Kong.

· The American ended the 2017 season in 13th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

· The par-four second hole at the Pun Hlaing Golf Club continues to be Micah Lauren Shin’s bogey hole as he continues to drop shot on that hole over the last two days.

· Shin has hit 13 greens in regulation on each day in his first two rounds.

Players’ Quotes

Rattanon Wannasrichan (Tha) Second round Two-under-par 69, Total 134 (-8)

Paul Peterson (Usa) Second round Five-under-par 66, Total 134 (-8)

Micah Lauren Shin (Usa) Second round Five-under-par 66, Total 135 (-7)

Masahiro Kawamura (Jpn) Second round, Three-under-par 68, Total 135 (-7)

Leading Scores after round 2 of the LeoPalace21 Myanmar Open 2018 being played at the par 71, 7103 Yards Pun Hliang GC course (am – denotes amateur):

134 – Paul PETERSON (USA) 68-66, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 65-69.

135 – Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 69-66, Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 67-68, Junwon PARK (KOR) 68-67.

136 – Yusaku MIYAZATO (JPN) 71-65.

137 – Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 70-67, Tomoyo IKEMURA (JPN) 71-66, Toru NAKAJIMA (JPN) 69-68, Casey O’TOOLE (USA) 68-69, Lionel WEBER (FRA) 68-69, Shaun NORRIS (RSA) 67-70.

140 – Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 72-68, Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND) 70-70, LIU Yan-wei (CHN) 69-71, Hyungsung KIM (KOR) 69-71.

Ends.

About Leopalace21

Leopalace21 Corporation: http://eg.leopalace21.com/

Leopalace Resort Guam: http://www.guam.ne.jp/

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