January 31: In the latest segment of Reflections, highly rated Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines talks about being in contention in his national Open, his favourite Asian Tour tournament and goals for 2013.
Can you reflect on your 2012 season?
I’m proud with how I played. I was in contention twice and that’s pretty good. I think I’m a better golfer than in 2011.
What was the highlight for you?
Being in contention at the ICTSI Philippine Open because it is really hard to play in your home country and I proved that I could compete even though I fell out of contention on the last day.
What was the low point for you?
Losing my Asian Tour card again. I tried my best but it was just not meant to be.
Have you set any goals for 2013?
My goals are the same. I have to rely on my country exemption category and will try to finish inside the top-60 on the Order of Merit and try to win one Asian Tour event.
If you could re-hit one shot, what will it be?
My tee shot on the first hole on the final day of the ICTSI Philippine Open because my ball landed in the right rough. I wanted to be on the fairway because my goal was to stay on the fairways.
Which was your favourite Asian Tour tournament?
The Venetian Macau Open because I celebrated my birthday there with my family.
What have you learned about yourself?
I was missing a lot of cuts in the middle of the year but I worked hard and I told myself to never give up.
Who do you think is the next star on the Asian Tour?
Arnond Vongvanij. He has done well and he will inspire the younger guys to play better and aim for a victory.
About Tabuena
Country: Philippines
Date Of Birth: October 13, 1994
Residence: Manila
Family: Single
Turned Pro: 2011
OTHER WINS: (2) 2012 ICTSI Splendido Classic, Philippines, 2012 Eastridge Classic, Philippines

Kuala Lumpur, January 30: Asian Tour legend Thongchai Jaidee has moved to within touching reach of the world’s top-50 which will earn him a return to the prestigious Masters Tournament in April.
The Thai star has enjoyed a flying start to his 2013 campaign with three successive top-10s in South Africa and the Middle East to jump to 53rd position on the latest Official World Golf Ranking.
Players ranked in the top-50 the week prior to the Masters Tournament will earn invitations and Thongchai is certainly eyeing a place in the elite field, especially when countryman and reigning Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant is already in the year’s opening Major after receiving a special invitation from Augusta National.
Thongchai, who started the year in 80th place on the world rankings, finished third in the Volvo Golf Champions in South Africa and subsequently posted tied ninth finishes in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
The former paratrooper will continue his quest when he tees up in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic starting from tomorrow where he has drawn the top pairing with England’s Lee Westwood and last week’s Qatar Masters champion Chris Wood.
Thongchai first played in the Masters Tournament in 2006 but missed the halfway cut. He earned a return in 2010 but retired in the second round due to an elbow injury.
The 43-year-old, who holds an unprecedented three Asian Tour Order of Merit crowns and 13 titles in Asia, enjoyed a memorable 2012 campaign when he notched his first victory on European soil with his triumph at the ISPS Handa Wales Open.
He ended the season last month with a third place finish at the season-ending Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia and has continued to ride on his momentum with his fast start to the 2013 season.
Thongchai is presently the highest ranked Asian Tour member in the world. Korea’s K.J. Choi, an honorary member of the Asian Tour, is two rungs behind the Thai while Australian Marcus Fraser, who finished second on the Order of Merit last season, is in 58th place and also fighting to break into the top-50.
Thaworn, who became the oldest man at 45 years old to win the Order of Merit last season, is ranked 70th, while Fijian Vijay Singh, another honorary member, is 89th followed by Indian duo Gaganjeet Bhullar and Jeev Milkha Singh in 94th and 95th position respectively.
The other members in the world’s top-200 include Y.E. Yang of Korea (118th), Filipino Juvic Pagunsan (122nd), Korea’s Kim Hyung-sung (126th), Thailand’s Prom Meesawat (147th) and South Africa’s Jbe Kruger (159th).
About the 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 Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

January 30: It has been a marathon for Jbe Kruger on the Asian Tour and he is far from the finishing line as he seeks more success in the new 2013 season.
The South African, who is an avid runner like his father, has endured the highs-and-lows on the Asian Tour but he has taken everything in stride and enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2012.
Known for his powerful swing despite his small physique, Kruger settled for three runner-up finishes in 2010 and became known as the nearly man until he shed the tag with an impressive victory at the 2012 Avantha Masters in India.
The victory in the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour erased the agonizing defeat at the 2010 Brunei Open where he lost in a play-off to Siddikur of Bangladesh and it was no surprise that he dedicated the win to his family.
“They sacrificed everything for me, sacrificed their whole lives for me so I think that’s what made me the man that I am,” said Kruger.
“It was a huge relief when I won after coming so close before. My parents weren’t at the Avantha Masters but it was still a good reward for me after all my hard work,” he added.
Kruger led the Order of Merit race following his win at the Avantha Masters and he was in the running to win the crown before finishing third on the Merit list with a haul of US$474,988.
Reflecting on his childhood, Kruger recalled how he would run up small hills with a tractor wheel in tow to build up his power and strength.
“I’m small but I think I’m strong. It definitely comes from my hips. It’s a part that’s strong and I’ve got strong hands. It helps. I work out a lot. Growing up with a father than runs every day of his life, I also ran competitively until I was 16 or 17.
“If you do that, you also have to do uphill runs. I saw him doing that. It’s not just running long distances. Running uphill and dragging something at the back definitely makes you stronger. That’s what I did.
“I used to drag along a tractor tire up a gravel road. It was like some 500 yards uphill but we would go up and down, up and down, up and down. It’s never easy. I don’t do it at the moment but I should start doing it again! That made me a lot stronger than what I would have been,” said Kruger.
At the age of 26, Kruger has a long run ahead of him but he is relishing the sprint even if it is with a tractor wheel!
Click here for the full interview with Jbe Kruger which was filmed on the Asian Tour Golf Show.
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Greater Noida, India, January 30: The Avantha Masters will be played at a new venue and on a different date in 2013 when the fourth edition of the tournament is held from March 14-17 at the Greg Norman-designed Jaypee Greens Golf Course, in Greater Noida near Delhi, India.
The demanding 7,347 yards, par-72 Championship Course at Jaypee Greens Golf Course, which opened in 2000, is the only course in India designed by two-time Major Champion Norman.
Located approximately one hour from Delhi airport, the course features several water hazards and bunkering reminiscent of classic Melbourne sand belt courses.
Jaypee Greens GC takes over the staging of the Avantha Masters from DLF Golf and Country Club, which hosted the €1.8million event in 2010 (won by Andrew Dodt), 2011 (S.S.P. Chowrasia) and 2012 (Jbe Kruger).
The tournament will again be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tours and European Tour and will comprise an increased field of 156 players, with 61 provided by Asian Tour, 61 by The European Tour, 28 by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and the final six allocated to sponsor’s invitations.
The onsite event execution will continue to be operated by IMG Reliance, which has successfully implemented the event for the previous three editions.
Gautam Thapar, Chairman and CEO of The Avantha Group, said: “Following three hugely successful stagings of the Avantha Masters, we are delighted to sponsor the tournament for the fourth successive year. As one of India’s biggest business conglomerates we are rightly proud to be associated with a professional golf tournament of this magnitude and stature, and we look forward to the next edition in March 2013 and the chance it provides to help grow the game across the country.”
Padamjit Sandhu, Director of the PGTI, said: “The Avantha Masters gives Indian golfers the best possible platform to test themselves against some of the world’s best golfers. Following the recent success of the likes of Jeev Milkha Singh, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shiv Kapur, Jyoti Randhawa and S.S.P. Chowrasia, the game of golf has never been more popular in India, and I have no doubt that the fourth edition of the Avantha Masters will again showcase India’s ability to stage a world-class tournament.”
Vidya Basarkod, President (Sales & Marketing) of Jaypee Greens Golf Course, said: “We feel proud and privileged to be hosting the fourth edition of the Avantha Masters on our golf course, as we believe the tournament will help showcase our beautiful property to the watching world. In particular, the last three holes should help to provide a suitably dramatic finish, and everyone associated with the club is truly excited to see how some of the world’s best players fare over a course which we hope will provide a true test of their skills.”
Keith Waters, The European Tour’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “The success of both the Avantha Masters and its leading players is testament to golf’s popularity in India, an increasingly influential country in a sporting and business context. We should thank our co-sanctioning partners at the Asian Tour and the PGTI, as well as the title sponsors Avantha and the new host venue Jaypee Greens Golf Course, which we feel will provide a fitting stage for another top class tournament in March.”
Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman of the Asian Tour, said: “On behalf of our talented players, we look forward to returning to the Avantha Masters, which is one of the most prestigious events on the Asian Tour Schedule. Asian Tour members have done well at the Avantha Masters since its inaugural event in 2010, and we expect our players to continue their fine run in 2013.
“As the richest tournament in India, the Avantha Masters is regarded highly in Asia and I would like to express our fullest appreciation to our title sponsor Avantha for their wonderful contribution to the game. With our sanctioning partners PGTI and The European Tour, the Asian Tour will continue to play the lead role in developing professional golf at the highest level in the region.”
Defending champion Jbe’ Kruger said: “Winning your first European Tour event is always special, and I can’t wait to go back to India to defend my Avantha Masters title in March. It’s a great country with great people, and I’ve got some very fond memories of my victory in Delhi last year. I haven’t played Jaypee Greens but have heard great things about it, and if it’s anything like as good as last year’s, then we’re in for a real treat.”
Admission to the tournament, which has been moved back a month from its traditional February slot, will again be free of charge.
About Avantha:
The US$4 billion Avantha Group is one of India’s leading business conglomerates. Its successful entities include BILT, Crompton Greaves, The Global Green Company, Avantha Power & Infrastructure, Biltech Building Elements, Salient Business Solutions, and Avantha Technologies. With an impressive global footprint, Avantha operates in more than 20 countries, employing 22,000 people worldwide. The Group has business interests in diverse areas including power transmission and distribution equipment and services, paper and pulp, energy and infrastructure, food processing, farm forestry, chemicals, IT and ITES. Led by Gautam Thapar, Avantha demonstrates strong leadership globally and emerges as a focused corporate, leveraging its knowledge, leadership and operations, adding lasting value for its stakeholders and investors. For more information on Avantha group, please visit www.avanthagroup.com.
About the 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 Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Cityneon (Official Event Overlay 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.

January 27: Three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand enjoyed another top-10 finish when he signed off with a four-under-par 68 at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters on Saturday.
Thongchai’s closed his campaign at the Doha Golf Club with a four-day total of 11-under-par 277 to take a share of ninth place, seven shots behind winner Chris Wood of England.
The Thai has already got his 2013 season off to a flying start where he finished in third place at the Volvo Golf Championship and tied-ninth at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship a fortnight ago.
Compatriot Prom Meesawat was a shot back of Thongchai in equal 16th after posting rounds of 71,71, 68 and 68 while Australia’s Marcus Fraser, who held a share of the second lead, finish tied 22nd alongside South Africa’s Jbe Kruger on 279.
India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia finished in tied-49th following a closing 72.
Over in the United States, Asian Tour honorary member, K.J. Choi of Korea, also enjoyed another top-10 finish when he closed with a 281 to take tied-ninth place of at the Farmers Insurance Open. Seven-time Asian Tour winner, Charlie Wi of Korea, on the other hand, carded a 71 for his final round to finish at tied-21st.
Ends.

January 26: South Africa’s Jbe Kruger continued his good from by carding a four-under-par 68 to stay five shots back of the leaders in tied- seventh place after the third round of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters on Friday.
Kruger, who finished third on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last year, enjoyed a bogey-free round where he marked his card with four birdies on holes two, 10, 17 and 18 for a three-day total of 10-under-par 206 at the Doha Golf Club.
Overnight joint-leader, Marcus Fraser of Australia, slipped down the leaderboard after signing for a 71 which left him in equal seventh place alongside Kruger, Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen and South Africa’s George Coetzee.
Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee signed for a 70 to take a share of 23rd place while compatriot Prom Meesawat posted a 68 to move up 19 places to tied 31st.
India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia fired a 69 to move to tied-45th, 11 shots behind English leader Chris Wood.
Over in the United States, seven-time Asian Tour winner Charlie Wi of Korea fired a 66 to stay four shots back of second round leader Tiger Woods of the United States in tied-ninth at the Farmers Insurance Open.
Asian Tour honorary member, K.J. Choi of Korea, who held the first round lead, could not maintain his position atop the leaderboard after a second round 73 saw him slip to a share of 16th place.
Ends.

Hua Hin, Thailand, January 26: Korean-American Chan Kim made up for the disappointment of missing out on his Tour card last year by topping the class at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand on Saturday.

After four days of gruelling battle, Kim finally emerged tops with a closing six-under-par 65 to lead 41 players on 13-under-par 272 into the new 2013 Asian Tour season at Springfield Royal Country Club.
Canada’s Richard Lee signed for a 74 to take second place on 273 while Australia’s Tim Stewart regained his full status by posting a 66 to take third place.
France’s Lionel Weber and Spain’s Carlos Pigem were the two amateurs to earn their Tour cards after they closed with a 68 and 72 to take tied-sixth and 12th place respectively.
After finishing in tied-61st place at Qualifying School last year, Kim was determined not to let history repeat itself.
“I was staring at the cut line last year at the final round but ended up shooting four-over and missed it. I knew I needed to play well today, regardless of how many it was and I’m just glad I made it,” said Kim, who was raised in Hawaii where he won the Hawaii State Amateur Stroke Play in 2007.
Kim is looking forward to returning to the birthplace of his parents now that he has earned his well-deserved Tour card.
“I live in the States but even in the States, a lot of people are talking about the Asian Tour. It’s a growing Tour and I’ve heard of its good reputation,” said Kim.
“I’ll be based in Korea for this entire season as I’ve got a couple of relatives over there. Hopefully I can get something going!” added Kim.
Meanwhile Lee is excited to revive his golfing career on the Asian Tour after losing his card on the Web.com Tour in the United States.
“I had status on Web.com for the last four years. Unfortunately I lost my Tour card this year. I wanted to try something new so I came out here and it has been going well,” said Lee.
“I’m Asian and I want to play out here as the competition and money is a lot better on the Asian Tour,” said Lee.
After finishing in 97th place on the Order of Merit last season, Stewart knew he had to get over his disappointment quickly and was delighted to regain his playing privileges for the 2013 season.

“No one really enjoys being back here in Q School after getting to play a full season last year. I had to do some work and figure out what went wrong last year. I guess it has all paid off now,” said Stewart.
“I’ve to stay patient and not try new things that I tend to do throughout the year like changing equipment. I’m always looking forward to my first win and I’ll just have to work harder this year,” added the Australian
Following an impressive amateur career that saw him win the French Amateur Stroke Play Championship and the Italian International Amateur Championship last year, Weber is now ready to make the bold leap into the professional ranks.
“It has been my dream to turn a professional golfer and begin my career on a major Tour like the Asian Tour. You’ll be seeing me in Myanmar next month!” exclaimed Weber.

The 22-year-old’s maiden voyage to Asia saw him arriving in Hua Hin a month ago to practise and acclimatise himself to the climate.
It proved to be a decision that has paid off handsomely for the Frenchman.
“I arrived in Hua Hin one month ago to train and get used to the playing conditions here. Perhaps that’s the reason why I am playing well these two weeks,” said Weber.
“I’ve never been here before in Asia but I do love to travel here. I’m happy that I’ll get to do more of these travels this year,” added Weber.
Weber joins the list of promising amateurs who have earned their Asian Tour card through Qualifying School through the years.
They include Korea’s Jin Yong-gab and Australia’s Vernon Sexton-Finck at Qualifying School in 2005 and more recently in 2011, Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena, who agonisingly missed a place in the top-40 by one shot after he signed for a closing 72.
Notable names who finished in the top-40 and ties to earn their Asian Tour card for 2013 include Japan’s Kodai Ichihara, Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, India’s Rahil Gangjee and Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang.
Players who play in the Qualifying School are also eligible to play in the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which will be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking points starting this season.
Leading final round scores
272 Chan KIM (USA) 70-68-69-65
273 Richard LEE (CAN) 65-68-66-74
274 Tim STEWART (AUS) 69-70-66-69
276 Thomas PETERSSON (SWE) 66-73-66-71, Kodai ICHIHARA (JPN) 67-69-67-73
277 Lionel WEBER (A) (FRA) 72-70-67-68, Miles TUNNICLIFF (ENG) 66-68-72-71, David LUTTERUS (AUS) 69-70-67-71, Steve LEWTON (ENG) 68-65-71-73, Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 64-66-72-75
278 Nicolas MEITINGER (GER) 67-76-68-67, Sam CYR (USA) 70-68-72-68, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 71-72-67-68, Peter GUSTAFSSON (SWE) 69-71-68-70, Carlos PIGEM (A) (ESP) 71-68-67-72, Adam GROOM (AUS) 66-71-68-73
279 Konosuke NAKAZATO (JPN) 68-71-71-69, Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 68- 69-69-73, HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 68-70-68-73,Yoshinobu TSUKADA (JPN) 68-66-70-75
Ends.
About the 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 Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

January 25: Australia’s Marcus Fraser remained on course of ending his three-year title drought when he fired a flawless five-under-67 to take a share of the second round lead at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters on Thursday.
Fraser, who finished second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season, compiled a two-day total of nine-under-par 135 to take pole position alongside Spain’s Sergio Garcia, first round Portuguese leader Ricardo Santos and Germany’s Martin Kaymer at the Doha Golf Club.
Fraser’s last win on the Asian Tour came at the Ballantine’s Championship in 2010 but his form has been on an upswing especially last season where he was enjoyed four top-10s and was pipped to the Order of Merit title by Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant only at the season-ending event in Johor.
“Overall I felt like I played pretty steadily most of the day. I made a few birdies once I got on to the back nine, which was the front nine, but I’m pretty happy with the day,” said Fraser, who marked his card with birdies on holes one, two, four, six and seven.
“It is definitely one of those courses where you need to be patient and just take your chances where you can get them,” added the Australian.
South Africa’s Jbe Kruger improved on his opening 70 by carding a 68 to stay three shots back of the leaders in tied-15th place while Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee is a further shot back in tied-20th place on 139.
Prom Meesawat of Thailand matched his opening 71 to take equal 50th place while India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia made it safely into the final two rounds after carding rounds of 70 and 73.
Over at the Framers Insurance Open in the US, Asian Tour honorary member K.J. Choi of Korea took his place atop the leaderboard with defending champion Brandt Snedeker of the United States.
Choi birdied three of his last four holes on the tougher South Course at Torrey Pines for a 65.
It was a score which left the Korean extremely delighted as he is not a regular at Torrey Pines and only decided to show up after hearing from his host family in San Diego that the Korean community wanted to see him play
“Best shot ever on the South Course , ever,” said a grinning Choi.
Ends.

January 24: Australia’s Marcus Fraser, who finished second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season, fired a four-under-par 68 to stay three shots back of Portuguese leader Ricardo Santos after the first round of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in Doha on Wednesday.
The Australian, who was pipped to the Order of Merit crown by Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant at the season-ending event in Malaysia last season, traded five birdies against one bogey on the par-three 13th to stay firmly in contention for the first win of his 2013 season at the Doha Golf Club.
South Africa’s Jbe Kruger, who finished one place behind Fraser in third on the Order of Merit last season, posted a 70 to take a share of 36th place with 11 other players that include India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia and three-time Order of Merit winner, Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand.
Prom Meesawat of Thailand signed for a 71 to take tied-48th while India’s Jeev Milkha Singh would be hoping to make up grounds after he struggled with an opening 72, seven shots behind Santos.
Ends.

January 21: Thai stalwart Thongchai Jaidee kept his Masters Tournament bid alive after claiming a second successive top-10 at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on Sunday.
The three-time Order of Merit winner was in contention to win the event but slipped back with a final round one-over-par 73 to finish six shots from the champion Jamie Donaldson of Wales at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Thongchai, who improved his world ranking of 63rd to 56th in the latest rankings released today, needs to break into the top-50 by April 1 to secure a spot in the first Major tournament of the season.
South African Jbe Kruger shared ninth place with Thongchai following a 70 for a 280 total while S.S.P. Chowrasia of India and Andrew Dodt of Australia were a further shot back in tied 17th.