Asian stars Sharma and Kiradech shine at WGC-Mexico Championship
Mexico City, March 5: Thai star Kiradech Aphibarnrat and young Indian talent Shubhankar Sharma earned plaudits for their battling display at the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship which was won by American Phil Mickelson on Sunday.
Kiradech, who claimed his third Asian Tour title in Australia last month, continued his fine form by claiming his career’s best result in a WGC tournament when he finished tied fifth after closing with a commendable six-under-par 65 at the Club de Golf Chapultepec. His four-day total of 13-under-par 271 was three shots shy of joining the play-off with Justin Thomas and Mickelson, who won on the first extra hole.
Sharma, the youngest player in the elite field, earned a new legion of fans after holding the second and third round lead. Despite slipping to a share of ninth place following a 74 on the final day, Sharma can still hold his head high after finishing on 274.
Big-hitting Kiradech, Asia’s number one in 2013, matched the best result by a Thai player in a World Golf Championship event set previously by veteran Thongchai Jaidee at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in 2010.
“I was very proud with the way I’m playing and finish top-five in the World Golf Championships is always the best. On Saturday, I didn’t hole a putt, it just kicked me out of position. I played great golf today but still a little bit behind, a little bit too far,” said the 28-year-old Kiradech.
Starting the day six shots off the pace, Kiradech made his charge with six birdies in his opening 14 holes before dropping a lone bogey of the day on 16. He then birdied the 18th hole from 10 feet for his high finish, which moved him to a career-high 36th place on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
“I am really proud with the result. Top-five, it is a goal. But if you look back, I’m still not playing my best golf, my ‘A’ game, which on Saturday is supposed to be moving day but I just stepped back and didn’t move at all. Obviously, I am really happy with the result,” added Kiradech.
The 21-year-old Sharma, who has won twice on the Asian Tour and the European Tour since last December, stood tall after capping a memorable WGC-debut, where he had led the star-studded field by two shots after day two and three.
“A little bit disappointed, I was leading and I think I couldn’t finish it off. But that’s what the game is about. And what I learned, especially playing with Phil, I’ll cherish it forever,” said Sharma, whose solid showing in Mexico pushed him from 75th to 66th position on the OWGR.
Sharma believes he will learn greatly from the experience of playing alongside Mickelson. “If you would have asked me four months ago that I would be playing with Phil at a WGC event on the last day, I would have just laughed,” said Sharma, who also leads the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings.
“Just playing with him has been fantastic. He’s obviously a great man, showed me a few great shots. He’s not afraid to go out there and get it out there and hit it at the pin, and he took some crazy clubs off the tee but that’s what Phil is all about. I’ll never forget it. Especially on 16 where he made birdie, it was the loudest roar I ever heard in my life. It was fantastic,” Sharma added.
At the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open, three-time Asian Tour champion Terry Pilkadaris of Australia rolled back the years by capping a solid runner-up finish and earned a prize purse of US$85,489. The result moved him to seventh place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings.
American duo Paul Peterson and Berry Henson, who both finished tied-11th in New Zealand, remained in third and fourth position respectively on the Habitat for Humanity Standings. Sharma continues to lead on US$500,000 while Kiradech trails in second place with US$251,173.
Asian Tour rookie Kurt Kitayama of the United States continued his fine form since coming through the Qualifying School in January where he finished tied-third. He closed with a 65 to finish in a share of fourth place in his second start on Tour in New Zealand.
The 25-year-old Kitayama, who won his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title two weeks after securing his Asian Tour card, jumped from 84th to 21st on the Habitat for Humanity Standings. The top-five result also earned him a coveted spot in the Hero Indian Open this week.
“I’ve been playing really well. I’m pleased my result in New Zealand as it has given me a spot in India this week. I’m looking forward to playing well again. I’m enjoying my time in Asia. I get to travel the world a little bit and it’s a whole new experience for me,” said Kitayama.
The Asian Tour travels to the US$1.75 million Hero Indian Open this week. The prestigious event will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour and will be played at the DLF Golf and Country Club.
Ends.
Habitat for Humanity Standings – Top-20
Pos Player Order of Merit (US$)
1. Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) $500,000
2. Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) $251,173
3. Paul PETERSON (USA) $196,771
4. Berry HENSON (USA) $131,983
5. Shaun NORRIS (RSA) $112,200
6. Hideto TANIHARA (JPN) $95,612
7. Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) $93,435
8. Khalin JOSHI (IND) $92,880
9. Prom MEESAWAT (THA) $80,516
10. Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) $75,359
11. Danthai BOONMA (THA) $67,400
12. Jarin TODD (USA) $66,795
13. Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) $48,391
14. Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) $46,161
15. Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) $44,818
16. Shiv KAPUR (IND) $44,650
17. Scott VINCENT (ZIM) $42,636
18. Arjun ATWAL (IND) $40,041
19. Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) $39,596
20. David LIPSKY (USA) $38,857
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
Please visit us at:
www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com
www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf
New Delhi, April 5: Australia’s Wade Ormsby cranked up the pressure on the chasing pack when he posted another five-under-par 67 to extend his advantage to two after the second round of the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India on Friday.
Ormsby’s two-day total of 10-under-par 134 meant that Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing, who had earlier taken the morning lead, slipped to second place after he carded a 69 at the Delhi Golf Club.
India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia continued to stay in touch with the leaders after he matched his opening day efforts of a 69 to take third place alongside Thai veteran Boonchu Ruangkit, who could become the oldest winner on the Asian Tour if he wins.
Known for his love for fast cars and motorsports, the 33-year-old Australian showed the same insatiable appetite for speed when he got off the blocks quickly with two birdies in his opening three holes.
He birdied the eighth hole but dropped his only shot of the round on the par-four nine before reaching the turn in 34.
Ormsby then made three more birdies on holes 13, 16 and 18 to put himself in a good position for his maiden breakthrough on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its 10th season this year.
“Yes, I love motorsports and racing. But that just sucks up your money while golf gives you that, so I’ll stay with golf anytime,” laughed Ormsby.
“There were lots of cross winds and it was tricky to try and keep them in the fairways. I just have to keep doing what I’ve been doing. My short game was fantastic today and hopefully that continues,” added the Australian.
Meanwhile Lam knows he has to stay focused to grind out a victory despite competing on numerous occasions at the Delhi Golf Club.
“You can know the course very well but you still have to perform,” said Lam.
“I’m very happy to be where I’m. It certainly wasn’t easy out there today I felt I played solid. It was a disappointing finish but three-under for today is a very good score,” added the Singaporean.
Starting on the back-nine 10th, the 36-year-old Singaporean looked set to be cruising home but stumbled home with two bogeys on his closing eighth and ninth holes.
“I kind of misjudged my second shot on the eighth hole. I was in the rough and I misjudged the wind which just took it left and I couldn’t get it up and down,” said Lam.
“Ninth hole was just a really tough pin. I was two yards out from getting into a really good position but ended up in the bunker. I had a really tough time trying to get it up and down again,” lamented Lam.
Chowrasia kept up his chase for his third Asian Tour win after carding another 69 under swirling wind conditions.
The Indian did not start off convincingly as he bogeyed his par-three 12th, but he responded with birdies on holes 14 and 15.
After turning in 32, Chowrasia parred the next four holes before making further birdies on holes five and eight.
“I played fairly well and two successive three-under rounds is alright in these conditions as they are more difficult than normal,” said the 34-year-old.
“I was also happy with a couple of good par saves on sixth and ninth. That kind of a save also gives you confidence. It was quite windy and with the directions and speed changing, it became very challenging and tough at times,” added Chowrasia.
The weekend cut was set at five-over par with 68 players making the cut.
The top-three players at the Panasonic Open India will be extended invitations to the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, in Osaka, Japan in September.
The Panasonic Open India will be beamed live throughout four days on the Asian Tour Media’s global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.
Scores after round 2 of the Panasonic Open India 2013 being played at the par 72, 6935 Yards Delhi Golf Club course (a- denotes amateur):
134 – Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 67-67.
136 – LAM Chih Bing (SIN) 67-69.
138 – S.S.P. CHOWRASIA (IND) 69-69, Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA) 70-68.
139 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 71-68.
140 – Richard LEE (CAN) 72-68.
142 – Digvijay SINGH (IND) 71-71, S Chikarangappa (IND) 72-70, SIDDIKUR (BAN) 71-71, Jay BAYRON (PHI) 70-72, Amardip MALIK (IND) 71-71.
143 – GULFAM (IND) 71-72, Anura ROHANA (SRI) 71-72, Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 71-72, Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 71-72, Chiragh KUMAR (IND) 70-73.
144 – Sanjay KUMAR (IND) 70-74, Harendra P. GUPTA (IND) 72-72, Adam GROOM (AUS) 70-74, Kieran PRATT (AUS) 67-77, David LUTTERUS (AUS) 71-73.
145 – HSU Chia-jen (TPE) 73-72, Manav JAINI (IND) 75-70, Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 73-72, Abhijit CHADHA (IND) 78-67, Rajesh RAWAT (IND) 73-72, Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND) 71-74, Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) 72-73, Matthew STIEGER (AUS) 71-74, Lionel WEBER (FRA) 70-75, Shankar DAS (IND) 72-73, Angad CHEEMA (IND) 70-75.
146 – Anthony CHOAT (AUS) 75-71, Elias BERTHEUSSEN (NOR) 75-71, Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 78-68, Carlos PIGEM (ESP) 76-70, Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 73-73, Panuwat MUENLEK (THA) 71-75, KOH Deng Shan (SIN) 71-75.
Selected scores
151 – Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 76-75
160 – Oliver WILSON (ENG) 78-82.
Ends.
About the Panasonic Open India 2013
The Panasonic Open India, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), will return for its third edition from April 4 to April 7. Local hero Digvijay Singh will defend the title at the US$300,000 event held at the Delhi Golf Club. The Asian Tour event will be title sponsored by Panasonic India Pte Ltd and supported by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism and the Government of India. The Tournament will be played once again at the Host Venue Delhi Golf Club. Other sponsors include. Homestead (Platinum Sponsor) Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla (Official Hotel), Bentbrass (Official Apparel), Srixon (Official Ball), 4moles.com (Digital Media sponsor), GolfPlus Monthly (Magazine sponsor) and Inetol Headwear. The tournament is organized and promoted by the Asian Tour. Get the latest news and tournament information on www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com and www.4moles.com. You can also follow us on www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf and www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
About Panasonic India
Panasonic makes available in India its wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances like LCD & Plasma TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, cameras, camcorders, car audio systems, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, automatic cookers, vacuum cleaners and the like. The Company has a workforce of about 12,650 in India and estimated to do a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore in FY 2012. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand in India, please visit http://panasonic.co.in.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf.
New Delhi, April 4: Australia’s Wade Ormsby and Kieran Pratt stole the morning limelight when they signed for matching five-under-par 67s to take the first round clubhouse lead at the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India on Thursday.
Pratt’s last victory on the region’s premier Tour came in Myanmar last year and he is hoping that his second victory will come his way again at the Delhi Golf Club this week.
“I’ve been building a lot of confidence with my ball-striking and that’s pretty important around Delhi Golf Club. It has been a while since my last win and you get that itch where you want to win again,” said Pratt.
Starting on the back-nine 10th, the Australian got his campaign underway with three birdies on holes 11, 14 and 18.
An eagle-three on the par-five first then propelled him to the top of the leaderboard where he held on to the lead before closing with a flawless 67.
“This is my best round ever at Delhi Golf Club and obviously I’m happy. Everything worked for me today. I holed a lot of putts and hit several good shots. I played the par-five pretty well and I guess that was the key today,” said Pratt.
While Pratt is chasing his second win, Ormsby is eyeing his breakthrough on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its 10th season this year.
Ormsby birdied the par-three 12th before marking his card with more red numbers on the 14th and 18th holes.
After making the turn in 34, he continued his birdie run on the first and sixth holes.
“I played well. Anytime you can shoot under-par on this golf course, I’ll be pretty happy. This course suits my game. Given my size, I can’t hit it too far so I’ve to try to hit as many fairways as I can,” said Ormsby.
The top-three players at the Panasonic Open India will be extended invitations to the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, in Osaka, Japan in September.
The Panasonic Open India will be beamed live throughout four days on the Asian Tour Media’s global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.
Ends.
About the Panasonic Open India 2013
The Panasonic Open India, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), will return for its third edition from April 4 to April 7. Local hero Digvijay Singh will defend the title at the US$300,000 event held at the Delhi Golf Club. The Asian Tour event will be title sponsored by Panasonic India Pte Ltd and supported by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism and the Government of India. The Tournament will be played once again at the Host Venue Delhi Golf Club. Other sponsors include. Homestead (Platinum Sponsor) Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla (Official Hotel), Bentbrass (Official Apparel), Srixon (Official Ball), 4moles.com (Digital Media sponsor), GolfPlus Monthly (Magazine sponsor) and Inetol Headwear.
The tournament is organized and promoted by the Asian Tour. Get the latest news and tournament information on www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.comand www.4moles.com. You can also follow us on www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf and www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
About Panasonic India
Panasonic makes available in India its wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances like LCD & Plasma TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, cameras, camcorders, car audio systems, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, automatic cookers, vacuum cleaners and the like. The Company has a workforce of about 12,650 in India and estimated to do a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore in FY 2012. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand in India, please visithttp://panasonic.co.in.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com,www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour andwww.weibo.com/asiantourgolf
New Delhi, April 4: Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing hopes his opening round performance will spark a career revival after he carded a five-under-par 67 to grab a share of the first round lead with Australia’s Wade Ormsby and Kieran Pratt at the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India on Thursday.
S.S.P. Chowrasia brought the local cheers when he emerged as the leading Indian with a 69 to take fourth place while Thailand’s Boonchu Ruangkit, a five-time Asian Tour winner, is among the seven players tied for fifth place on 70 at the Delhi Golf Club.
After suffering the disappointment of losing his Asian Tour card last season when he finished 72nd on the Order of Merit, Lam is determined to regain his place among the region’s elite.
“Losing my Tour card last season was disappointing but I hope to make it up this season with performances like this,” said Lam.
Kieran Pratt of Australia
Playing on country’s exemption status this season, Lam rediscovered his form that led him to his lone Asian Tour victory in 2008.
“It wasn’t easy out there. It was the most windy round that I’ve ever played in at Delhi Golf Club. The winds were swirling and I got lucky quite a few times today. This is my best score at Delhi Golf Club,” said Lam, who traded six birdies against one bogey.
“I’ve been coming here for so many years and I’ve played so many tournaments out here, so much so that I’ve now learnt how to manage my way around this golf course very well,” added the Singaporean.
Meanwhile Pratt is hoping his second victory will come his way again after last victory in Myanmar last year.
“I’ve been building a lot of confidence with my ball-striking and that’s pretty important around Delhi Golf Club. It has been a while since my last win and you get that itch where you want to win again,” said Pratt.
Starting on the back-nine 10th, the Australian got his campaign underway with three birdies on holes 11, 14 and 18.
An eagle-three on the par-five first then propelled him to the top of the leaderboard where he held on to the lead before closing with a flawless 67.
“Everything worked for me today. I holed a lot of putts and hit several good shots. I played the par-five pretty well and I guess that was the key today,” said Pratt.
While Lam and Pratt are chasing their second win, Ormsby is eyeing his breakthrough on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its 10th season this year.
Ormsby birdied the par-three 12th before marking his card with more red numbers on the 14th and 18th holes.
After making the turn in 34, he continued his birdie run on the first and sixth holes.
“I played well. Anytime you can shoot under-par on this golf course, I’ll be pretty happy. This course suits my game. Given my size, I can’t hit it too far so I’ve to try to hit as many fairways as I can,” said Ormsby.
Chowrasia is aiming to reproduce his winning form at the same venue where he earned his career breakthrough in 2008.
The two-time Asian Tour winner held off a fierce challenge from an elite field to win the Indian Masters then and is looking for a same response this week.
“I am happy with the way things are, though I could have had a better score today. I played quite well and had some long putts, like the 25-footer on the fourth,” said Chowrasia.
“The conditions were not all that easy. There was wind on almost all holes and one has to be careful off the tee. The greens were excellent, though I three-putted once. I feel I’m on the right direction,” added the Indian.
The top-three players at the Panasonic Open India will be extended invitations to the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, in Osaka, Japan in September.
The Panasonic Open India will be beamed live throughout four days on the Asian Tour Media’s global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.
67 – Wade ORMSBY (AUS), Kieran PRATT (AUS), LAM Chih Bing (SIN).
69 – S.S.P. CHOWRASIA (IND).
70 – Adam GROOM (AUS), Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA), Jay BAYRON (PHI), Chiragh KUMAR (IND), Lionel WEBER (FRA), Angad CHEEMA (IND), Sanjay KUMAR (IND).
71 – Vinod KUMAR (IND), Anura ROHANA (SRI), Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND), Sam BRAZEL (AUS), Gerry NORQUIST (USA), Anirban LAHIRI (IND), Amardip MALIK (IND), SIDDIKUR (BAN), Mithun PERERA (SRI), Matthew STIEGER (AUS), Panuwat MUENLEK (THA), David LUTTERUS (AUS), KOH Deng Shan (SIN), Digvijay SINGH (IND), Shiv KAPUR (IND), Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA), GULFAM (IND).
Selected scores
72 – Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND),
78 – Oliver WILSON (ENG)
Ends.
About the Panasonic Open India 2013
The Panasonic Open India, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), will return for its third edition from April 4 to April 7. Local hero Digvijay Singh will defend the title at the US$300,000 event held at the Delhi Golf Club. The Asian Tour event will be title sponsored by Panasonic India Pte Ltd and supported by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism and the Government of India. The Tournament will be played once again at the Host Venue Delhi Golf Club. Other sponsors include. Homestead (Platinum Sponsor) Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla (Official Hotel), Bentbrass (Official Apparel), Srixon (Official Ball), 4moles.com (Digital Media sponsor), GolfPlus Monthly (Magazine sponsor) and Inetol Headwear.
The tournament is organized and promoted by the Asian Tour. Get the latest news and tournament information on www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com and www.4moles.com. You can also follow us on www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf and www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
About Panasonic India
Panasonic makes available in India its wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances like LCD & Plasma TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, cameras, camcorders, car audio systems, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, automatic cookers, vacuum cleaners and the like. The Company has a workforce of about 12,650 in India and estimated to do a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore in FY 2012. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand in India, please visit http://panasonic.co.in.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf
New Delhi, India, March 3: Rising Indian star Khalin Joshi plans to adopt a more patient approach when he contends at the US$1.75 million Hero Indian Open next week.
The 25-year-old Joshi, who enjoyed a commendable top-10 finish at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia last month, will keep things simple at the challenging Gary Player designed DLF Golf and Country Club from March 8 to 11.
“Par is going to be your friend. The Gary Player-designed course at DLF Golf and Country Club is a real test of patience and everyone is bound to make some mistakes. Some holes are really challenging and they demand great golf shots,” said Joshi.
The Bengaluru native will be inspired to follow in the footsteps of his close friend Shubhankar Sharma, who sensationally won the Maybank Championship and is currently leading the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings and Race to Dubai.
Joshi is fired up to win his first Asian Tour title at the Hero Indian Open after successfully retaining his Tour card for the 2019 season.
With the pressure off his chest, the young Indian hopes to keep a cool head in the heat of battle at his National Open which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
“I can get a bit carried away after a bad hole, but I’ve learned to deal with my emotions better. I missed the cut in 2016 and 2017, b I’m back with a vengeance! I’ve never felt better going into the tournament and I hope to be in contention come Sunday,” he said.
The 54th edition of the Hero Indian Open will feature an elite 144-man field that includes five Asian Tour Order of Merit winners, more than 40 Asian Tour champions, as well as a bevy of international names.
Top contenders from Asia’s premier circuit such as Australia’s Scott Hend and India’s Anirban Lahiri, Order of Merit winners in 2016 and 2015 respectively, will tee it up alongside Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn of Denmark, crowd favourite Andrew Johnston of England and 2016 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Emiliano Grillo of Argentina.
The last two editions of the Hero Indian Open was won by S.S.P. Chawrasia of India. The six-time Asian Tour winner will be attempting to be the first golfer in the tournament’s 54-year history to lift the trophy three consecutive times.
Ends.
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
Please visit us at:
www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com
April 3: Scott Hend of Australia broke into top-200 on the Official World Golf Ranking following his victory at the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT, which offered the highest world ranking points in Asia on Sunday.
Hend secured his third Asian Tour title at the inaugural US$750,000 event and moved up 86 ranks to 181st in the world after notching 16 world ranking points for his victory.
Asian Tour rookie Bryce Easton of South Africa, who finished second at the Chiangmai Golf Classic, which was his first ever Asian Tour event, notched 9.60 points and is currently ranked 317th in the world.
Meanwhile Hu Mu of China ranks 475th in the world, 200 spots better than his previous ranking, courtesy of a fourth place result at the Chiangmai Golf Classic.
Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, who holds an unprecedented three Asian Tour Order of Merit titles, is currently the highest ranked Asian Tour member in 59th position followed by Marcus Fraser (64th), Thaworn Wiratchant (81st), K.J. Choi (83rd), Kiradech Aphibarnrat (85th) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (89th).
Singapore, April 1: It may be April’s Fool day but it’s not a joke when Australia’s Scott Hend said that he was feeling at the top of the world and right at home on the Asian Tour following his third victory on the region’s premier Tour last weekend.
The big-hitting Australian dug deep and launched a spectacular comeback by overcoming a six-shot deficit on the final day to win the Chiangmai Golf Classic.
Hend’s victory was worth US$135,000 and it propelled him to third place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit with his season haul of US$207,915.
“This win is fantastic. I played great at Avantha Masters (India) and didn’t finish the job. I missed the cut in Malaysia so to come back and shoot 20-under sort of helps you believe in yourself that you still got the game and can hole the putts,” said the 39-year-old Australian.
With the Asian Tour celebrating its 10th season this year, Hend, who earned his Tour card at Qualifying School in 2006, is indebted to the Tour which has brought his much success.
“The Asian Tour has been a fantastic place for me to be in. This is the Tour in the region and in my eyes it is the only Tour in the region,” said Hend.
“It is a fantastic breeding ground of the young players and the middle aged players such as myself. Everyone wants to come out and forge a good living and play in good tournaments and try to move to the next level. This is a great place to be and a place to play on,” added the Australian.
Having been away since the season-opening event in Myanmar, Hend is now looking forward to a reunion with his family before resuming his search for more glory on the Asian Tour.
“I want to go back to see my two six-year-olds and my wife. I haven’t seen them since January. For the rest of the year hopefully I win another one or two titles on the Asian Tour. I’m trying to qualify for the CIMB and HSBC events so this is a good start for that,” said Hend.
Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who finished tied-fifth at the Chiangmai Golf Classic, continues to stay atop the rankings on US$615,535 while India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar is in second place on US$269, 066.
South African newcomer Bryce Easton, playing in his first Asian Tour event, leaped into seventh place following his runner-up finish in Chiangmai.
The Asian Tour will return to India for the third time in two months for the third edition of the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India this week.
Asian Tour Order of Merit – Top-20
Pos Player Earnings (US$)
1 Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) $616,535.00
2 Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) $269,066.43
3 Scott HEND (AUS) $207,915.00
4 LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) $175,909.00
5 BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) $145,303.50
6 Anirban LAHIRI (IND) $83,849.50
7 Bryce EASTON (RSA) $82,500.00
8 Joonas GRANBERG (FIN) $80,812.83
9 Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA) $70,971.00
10 KIM Gi-whan (KOR) $60,617.50
11 Mithun PERERA (SRI) $59,227.33
12 Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) $58,305.00
13 Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) $57,721.25
14 SIDDIKUR (BAN) $57,510.62
15 Berry HENSON (USA) $56,626.50
16 Prom MEESAWAT (THA) $55,201.86
17 Himmat RAI (IND) $53,300.00
18 Shiv KAPUR (IND) $50,842.86
19 Rashid KHAN (IND) $49,146.00
20 Jbe KRUGER (RSA) $47,605.00
Ends.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf.
Queenstown, New Zealand, March 2: Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert stayed close with clubhouse leaders Daniel Nisbet and Callan O’Reilly from Australia by signing for a second round four-under-par 67 at Millbrook Resort at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open on Friday.
The Thai compiled a two-day total of 10-under-par 133 to trail the Australians by four shots as he readies himself for his weekend charge which will be played at Millbrook Resort.
“I couldn’t be happier as I beginning to hit the ball really well. I haven’t been driving the ball well the last three months but I feel that has changed this week. The greens are soft and they are in very good conditions. They are ideal for attacking the pins.
“My irons are really good too and they have presented me with many birdie opportunities. I did pretty well here at Millbrook today and I’m pleased the weekend rounds are going to stay here.
Playing at The Hills, O’Reilly fired a sizzling 61 to set the course record at the par-72 course while Nisbet, who is chasing his first professional win since 2016 this week, continues to take top spot with a 66.
"To be honest I thought at 10-under I thought I would have the course record but I wasn’t really thinking about it. I was surprised my three-wood went so far. I knew I had to put a good swing on it and make birdies,"said O’Reilly.
Overnight co-leader Jarin Todd of the United States lost his lead after carding a 70 at The Hills while Asian Tour member Simon Yates of Scotland and recent winner Paul Peterson made their moves with matching 68s at Millbrook and the Hills respectively.
“Overall I’m happy to be here for the weekend and not that far off the lead at the moment. If you are hitting fairways and hitting it good and straight off the tee it makes it so much easier. I just had no feeling at the start of the round but by the end of the round I was ok,” said Yates.
Ends.
Queenstown, New Zealand, March 2: Australia’s Terry Pilkadaris broke clear of the tight leaderboard by carding a second round eight-under-par 64 to take a one-shot lead over the chasing pack at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open on Friday.
The three-time Asian Tour winner backed up his opening 64 at Millbrook Resort with another similar effort at the Hills to enjoy the outright lead with his two-day total of 15-under-par 128.
Australians continued to dominate the leaderboard with Daniel Nisbet and Callan O’Reilly sharing second place on 129 total.
O’Reilly, who finished tied-15th at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open last year, inked his name into the record books when he posted a sensational 61 to set the course record at The Hills.
Asian Tour Qualifying School graduate Travis Smyth secured fourth place with a 67 while overnight co-leader Jarin Todd of the United States slipped to a share of eighth place following a 70.
Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert will head into the weekend rounds five shots back of Pikadaris after he signed for a 67 to take a share of 16th place that also included Scotland’s Simon Yates and Paul Peterson of the United States.
The weekend cut was set at seven-under-par which is also the lowest cut on the Asian Tour.
Ends.
Did you know?
- Terry Pilkadaris first ventured to Asia in 2002 and finished second in Qualifying School.
- He broke through on the Asian Tour when he won back-to-back titles at the Crowne Plaza Open and Sanya Open in China in 2004.
- Pilkadaris added his third Asian Tour title when he won the 2005 Brunei Open and has made two appearances at the Open Championship in 2007 and 2009.
- Daniel Nisbet first came to Queenstown as a caddy in 2010. He turned professional in 2012 and went on to win his first professional victory in Hong Kong in 2016.
- Callan O’Reilly’s 61 is the lowest score he has ever shot. He just started working with new coach, Gary Barter, who has also worked with leading Australians like Matt Jones.
- He claims he has to play well this week in order to pay for an upcoming fishing trip with his father-in-law.
- Travis Smyth is a recent Asian Tour Qualifying School graduate. He finished tied third to earn his Tour card for 2018.
- Pavit Tangkamolprasert last victory on the Asian Tour dates back to 2016 when he defeated India’s Anirban Lahiri in a play-off to win the Venetian Macao Open.
- His two year’s winner’s exemption on the Asian Tour will end this year. He finished in 48th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season.
- Pavit is also a five-time winner on the Asian Development Tour (ADT)
- Simon Yates represented Scotland as a downhill skier during his youth. He came to Asia on a holiday and decided to stay and play on in the region in 1995.
- He has been living in Thailand for the last 23 years.
- The Scotsman has won twice on the Asian Tour, the 1998 Sabah Masters in Malaysia and 2004 SK Telecom Open in Korea.
Players’ Quotes:
Terry Pilkadaris (Aus) Second round Eight-under-par 64, Total 128 (-15)
It was a different condition today as compared to yesterday. It was quite cold with a bit of rain in the morning with no breeze yesterday. It warmed up a bit and I finished with five birdies which was nice. I played at the Hills today and it was a different set-up. The greens were more undulating and it was in the afternoon so the ball was flying its normal distance. All in all it was manageable and there was nothing scary. I’ve been playing pretty consistent and I was not in too much trouble the last two days. I have to go low to win this tournament but it all depends on the weather this weekend. If the weather was like the last two days, you got to be shooting five, six-under to stay in the mix. But if it changes and it gets windy, cold and rainy, then the scores will come down significantly. Winning again does play on my mind as I have a couple of runner-up finishes since my last victory. To win a golf tournament you got to have a little bit of luck and sometimes you get it and sometimes you don’t. There are just too many factors.
Callan O’Reilly (Aus) Second round 11-under-par 61, Total 129 (-14)
I was playing with my good mate and he was not playing great on the front nine and I was hoping he could make a few birdies so I sort of just rode what I thought he would do, and did it myself. I played good golf, gave myself opportunities and made them. It is all you can do. I played solid on the front nine and had three under. To be honest I thought at 10-under I thought I would have the course record but I wasn’t really thinking about it. I was surprised my three-wood went so far. I knew I had to put a good swing on it and make birdies. More of the same going forward. I know I am playing good. It is about keeping my mind in the right centre and enjoying the weekend. I did a little bit of work on Tuesday trying to fix the driver a little bit but it was outstanding today. Hopefully I can keep it all going now.
Daniel Nisbet (Aus) Five-under-par 66, Total 129 (-14)
Today was solid again. I had a bogey early which kind of halted the momentum a little bit, but I still struck the ball really well. I would like to hole a few more putts tomorrow though. It’s magnificent, the course is in great condition, the greens are all nice. They are two very different courses, with elevation changes and things like that. It’s probably a little bit simpler to play this course actually. It was a couple of misreads and my pace was a little bit off. We started this morning with a little bit of dew on the grass and then it got a bit faster. Keeping up with that adjustment was tricky at times. I think the lead might change. The course is going to be pretty easy if the weather stays like this. I’m not sure what the score will be after today, but it would be good to be in contention going into the weekend. It’s good to be in an area like this, and to be playing good golf is a bit of a bonus. The score is going to be low, so hopefully I can post another good number tomorrow and stay in the hunt. I hit a good one into the fourth and fifth, tap in birdies are always nice. Just stay on the fairways. There are a couple of fairway bunkers and the rough is pretty long too. You’ve just got to stay on the fairways so you can attack the pins. The birdies are out there if you are in the right position.
Travis Smyth (Aus) Second round Five-under-par 67, Total 130 (-13)
I teed off on the back nine and got away with a birdie and got things rolling again. I ended up having like five birdies in a row on my first nine. I felt very comfortable out there and had another awesome round, like I did yesterday. One of my best mates from back home on the south coast of Wollongong, paid the money and he’s out here with me having a ball. It’s awesome to see that we are running top-five as a pair. I really just want to make this experience awesome for him because I play a lot of pro events in my time, but there’s not too many events where a friend of mine can be a part of it. Whatever position, I’m playing well and I know if I play well over the weekend I can take this thing out. I’m just going to try and do what I’ve been doing the last two days and have fun out there. It’s my first time in Queenstown and I’m loving it. I’m staying with a friend of mine near town and it’s awesome after golf just going into town and looking around and getting coffees and different places, it’s a neat place. Courses like The Hills and Millbrook are pretty generous off the tee so it’s kind of target golf, and there’s pretty soft conditions as well. The best player is going to go to the top of the leaderboard this week, there’s really no trick to either course. I’ve been struggling a little bit the last couple of weeks, so it’s awesome to be one off the lead going into the weekend at such a big event. It’s all coming together at the right time.
Jarin Todd (Usa), Second round Two-under-par 70, Total 132 (-11)
Playing at The Hills was good. I just didn’t play as well as I would have liked as I got a couple of penalty strokes there. I played the par-threes well yesterday and I managed to do well on those par-three here again. I’ll go back to the range to practise but sometimes you hit bad shots and that’s how it goes. I just got to stick to my game plan and not worry too much about how it goes. I’m still in a good spot.
Pavit Tangkamolprasert (Tha), Second round, Four-under-par 71 Total 133 (-10)
I couldn’t be happier as I beginning to hit the ball really well. I haven’t been driving the ball well the last three months but I feel that has changed this week. The greens are soft and they are in very good conditions. They are ideal for attacking the pins. My irons are really good too and they have presented me with many birdie opportunities. I did pretty well here at Millbrook today and I’m pleased the weekend rounds are going to stay here. I just want to play my best and get the ball onto the fairways as much as I can. After all, my irons are good and I want to take advantage of that. My pro-am partner (Liza Sutrisno) is a good player. I think the tees are tougher for ladies as there’s not much difference from the pros. But she’s doing very well.
Simon Yates (Sco), Second round Three-under-par 68, Total 133 (-10)
Yesterday I played great for the first 12 holes to be eight-under but I made a couple of three-putts because I was so far away. Today I started slow, I was cold and I was rushing.
But on the back nine I played really good. I didn’t make as many putts but I did have a couple of tap-ins for birdies. Overall I am happy to be here for the weekend and not that far off the lead at the moment. If you are hitting fairways and hitting it good and straight off the tee it makes it so much easier. I just had no feeling at the start of the round but by the end of the round I was ok. The main thing is to hit your driver good here. I have lived in Thailand for 24 years, more than half my life. I love the heat. I am not a true Scotsman anymore.
This is such a beautiful place and such a great atmosphere. It only took us 4hr 5mins, so it is a great format when the amateurs are playing quick. Our guys were just brilliant. There are a lot of good Asians now and a lot coming through. Asian golf is in good shape. We just need the Asian Tour to get a few more tournaments in the main tour, and it will just get better and better.
Paul Peterson (Usa) Second round Four-under-par 68, Total 133 (-10)
Today it was all about staying patient. I started out with 12 straight pars and just wasn’t able to convert my chances on the front-nine. The greens are a little subtle and not breaking as much as I saw. I was happy I was able to make some adjustments on the back-nine and saw some putts go in. I would have been in for a rough day if I had made 18 straight pars. I’m pleased as 68 is never a bad day in the office. My eyes seem to match my speed a little better over at Millbrook. I was playing with too much breaks visually and I’ll try to get back on those greens as the speed is a little different there and I’ll try to dial that back in for tomorrow. I hit 18 greens and I putted 18 times yesterday. I missed one green today and when you’re putting that much, you’re not going to make more. You do your best and I feel it’s just a matter of making good strokes and getting around these courses which are new to me. I’m just trying to stay patient and keep doing what I’ve been doing. The laws of averages will tell me if I keep hitting as many greens as I’ve right now, I should be in for a good weekend. Queenstown is unbelievable. It’s beautiful and you got keep you head up and look around even when you are frustrated. You cannot let your golf get in the way of such an unbelievable place.
Chiangmai, March 31: China’s Hu Mu believes he can compete with the world’s best players after finishing ahead of Major winners Ernie Els and Y.E. Yang following a career first top-five outing on the Asian Tour at the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT on Sunday.
The 23-year-old Hu made a brave final round charge with a solid four-under-par 68 to finish fourth for his best result since taking up membership on the region’s premier Tour which is celebrating its milestone 10th season in 2013..
His four-day total of 15-under-par 273 was five shots behind champion Scott Hend of Australia but he took pride with the fact that he finished three and two shots ahead of South Africa’s Els and Korea’s Yang respectively in the US$750,000 full-field Asian Tour event.
“I think I can play with the best players, Kiradech (Aphibarnrat), Yang, Ernie and Prayad (Markssaeng) – they are all here this week. If I can play my best, I can compete with them,” said Hu, who will feature in the next Asian Tour event in the Philippines in two weeks’ time.
The talented Hu, touted as the next great Chinese hope, turned in 36 but a birdie on the 10th hole sparked a strong finish as the Chinese birdied 13, 14 and 17 to move up the leaderboard at the majestic Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai.
“I set my goal at 15-under to win the tournament. The scores were better than I thought. I did my best and I stuck to my game plan. Today was such as slow start. I was even through nine,” he said.
After missing his Asian Tour card from Qualifying School, Hu is determined to make full use of his limited playing opportunities on the Asian Tour. His strong showing in Chiangmai has moved him up to 25th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit with earnings of US$39,187 from two starts.
“It’s a huge thing for me. I’m trying to get into the top-60 (to earn full playing rights for 2014). I failed to get my status at the Q-school and I got a few sponsors’ invites and have managed to make a splash which is great,” he smiled.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistic Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf
About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, fashion and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in more than 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in India, China, Brazil and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academy; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com.
Asian stars Sharma and Kiradech shine at WGC-Mexico Championship
By - ocs sport
[addtoany]
Mexico City, March 5: Thai star Kiradech Aphibarnrat and young Indian talent Shubhankar Sharma earned plaudits for their battling display at the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship which was won by American Phil Mickelson on Sunday. Kiradech, who claimed his third Asian Tour title in Australia last month, continued his fine form by claiming his career’s […]
Mexico City, March 5: Thai star Kiradech Aphibarnrat and young Indian talent Shubhankar Sharma earned plaudits for their battling display at the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship which was won by American Phil Mickelson on Sunday.
Kiradech, who claimed his third Asian Tour title in Australia last month, continued his fine form by claiming his career’s best result in a WGC tournament when he finished tied fifth after closing with a commendable six-under-par 65 at the Club de Golf Chapultepec. His four-day total of 13-under-par 271 was three shots shy of joining the play-off with Justin Thomas and Mickelson, who won on the first extra hole.
Sharma, the youngest player in the elite field, earned a new legion of fans after holding the second and third round lead. Despite slipping to a share of ninth place following a 74 on the final day, Sharma can still hold his head high after finishing on 274.
Big-hitting Kiradech, Asia’s number one in 2013, matched the best result by a Thai player in a World Golf Championship event set previously by veteran Thongchai Jaidee at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in 2010.
“I was very proud with the way I’m playing and finish top-five in the World Golf Championships is always the best. On Saturday, I didn’t hole a putt, it just kicked me out of position. I played great golf today but still a little bit behind, a little bit too far,” said the 28-year-old Kiradech.
Starting the day six shots off the pace, Kiradech made his charge with six birdies in his opening 14 holes before dropping a lone bogey of the day on 16. He then birdied the 18th hole from 10 feet for his high finish, which moved him to a career-high 36th place on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
“I am really proud with the result. Top-five, it is a goal. But if you look back, I’m still not playing my best golf, my ‘A’ game, which on Saturday is supposed to be moving day but I just stepped back and didn’t move at all. Obviously, I am really happy with the result,” added Kiradech.
The 21-year-old Sharma, who has won twice on the Asian Tour and the European Tour since last December, stood tall after capping a memorable WGC-debut, where he had led the star-studded field by two shots after day two and three.
“A little bit disappointed, I was leading and I think I couldn’t finish it off. But that’s what the game is about. And what I learned, especially playing with Phil, I’ll cherish it forever,” said Sharma, whose solid showing in Mexico pushed him from 75th to 66th position on the OWGR.
Sharma believes he will learn greatly from the experience of playing alongside Mickelson. “If you would have asked me four months ago that I would be playing with Phil at a WGC event on the last day, I would have just laughed,” said Sharma, who also leads the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings.
“Just playing with him has been fantastic. He’s obviously a great man, showed me a few great shots. He’s not afraid to go out there and get it out there and hit it at the pin, and he took some crazy clubs off the tee but that’s what Phil is all about. I’ll never forget it. Especially on 16 where he made birdie, it was the loudest roar I ever heard in my life. It was fantastic,” Sharma added.
At the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open, three-time Asian Tour champion Terry Pilkadaris of Australia rolled back the years by capping a solid runner-up finish and earned a prize purse of US$85,489. The result moved him to seventh place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings.
American duo Paul Peterson and Berry Henson, who both finished tied-11th in New Zealand, remained in third and fourth position respectively on the Habitat for Humanity Standings. Sharma continues to lead on US$500,000 while Kiradech trails in second place with US$251,173.
Asian Tour rookie Kurt Kitayama of the United States continued his fine form since coming through the Qualifying School in January where he finished tied-third. He closed with a 65 to finish in a share of fourth place in his second start on Tour in New Zealand.
The 25-year-old Kitayama, who won his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title two weeks after securing his Asian Tour card, jumped from 84th to 21st on the Habitat for Humanity Standings. The top-five result also earned him a coveted spot in the Hero Indian Open this week.
“I’ve been playing really well. I’m pleased my result in New Zealand as it has given me a spot in India this week. I’m looking forward to playing well again. I’m enjoying my time in Asia. I get to travel the world a little bit and it’s a whole new experience for me,” said Kitayama.
The Asian Tour travels to the US$1.75 million Hero Indian Open this week. The prestigious event will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour and will be played at the DLF Golf and Country Club.
Ends.
Habitat for Humanity Standings – Top-20
Pos Player Order of Merit (US$)
1. Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) $500,000
2. Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) $251,173
3. Paul PETERSON (USA) $196,771
4. Berry HENSON (USA) $131,983
5. Shaun NORRIS (RSA) $112,200
6. Hideto TANIHARA (JPN) $95,612
7. Terry PILKADARIS (AUS) $93,435
8. Khalin JOSHI (IND) $92,880
9. Prom MEESAWAT (THA) $80,516
10. Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) $75,359
11. Danthai BOONMA (THA) $67,400
12. Jarin TODD (USA) $66,795
13. Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) $48,391
14. Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) $46,161
15. Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) $44,818
16. Shiv KAPUR (IND) $44,650
17. Scott VINCENT (ZIM) $42,636
18. Arjun ATWAL (IND) $40,041
19. Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) $39,596
20. David LIPSKY (USA) $38,857
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
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New Delhi, April 5: Australia’s Wade Ormsby cranked up the pressure on the chasing pack when he posted another five-under-par 67 to extend his advantage to two after the second round of the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India on Friday.Ormsby’s two-day total of 10-under-par 134 meant that Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing, who had earlier taken the morning […]
New Delhi, April 5: Australia’s Wade Ormsby cranked up the pressure on the chasing pack when he posted another five-under-par 67 to extend his advantage to two after the second round of the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India on Friday.
Ormsby’s two-day total of 10-under-par 134 meant that Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing, who had earlier taken the morning lead, slipped to second place after he carded a 69 at the Delhi Golf Club.
India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia continued to stay in touch with the leaders after he matched his opening day efforts of a 69 to take third place alongside Thai veteran Boonchu Ruangkit, who could become the oldest winner on the Asian Tour if he wins.
Known for his love for fast cars and motorsports, the 33-year-old Australian showed the same insatiable appetite for speed when he got off the blocks quickly with two birdies in his opening three holes.
He birdied the eighth hole but dropped his only shot of the round on the par-four nine before reaching the turn in 34.
Ormsby then made three more birdies on holes 13, 16 and 18 to put himself in a good position for his maiden breakthrough on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its 10th season this year.
“Yes, I love motorsports and racing. But that just sucks up your money while golf gives you that, so I’ll stay with golf anytime,” laughed Ormsby.
“There were lots of cross winds and it was tricky to try and keep them in the fairways. I just have to keep doing what I’ve been doing. My short game was fantastic today and hopefully that continues,” added the Australian.
Meanwhile Lam knows he has to stay focused to grind out a victory despite competing on numerous occasions at the Delhi Golf Club.
“You can know the course very well but you still have to perform,” said Lam.
“I’m very happy to be where I’m. It certainly wasn’t easy out there today I felt I played solid. It was a disappointing finish but three-under for today is a very good score,” added the Singaporean.
Starting on the back-nine 10th, the 36-year-old Singaporean looked set to be cruising home but stumbled home with two bogeys on his closing eighth and ninth holes.
“I kind of misjudged my second shot on the eighth hole. I was in the rough and I misjudged the wind which just took it left and I couldn’t get it up and down,” said Lam.
“Ninth hole was just a really tough pin. I was two yards out from getting into a really good position but ended up in the bunker. I had a really tough time trying to get it up and down again,” lamented Lam.
Chowrasia kept up his chase for his third Asian Tour win after carding another 69 under swirling wind conditions.
The Indian did not start off convincingly as he bogeyed his par-three 12th, but he responded with birdies on holes 14 and 15.
After turning in 32, Chowrasia parred the next four holes before making further birdies on holes five and eight.
“I played fairly well and two successive three-under rounds is alright in these conditions as they are more difficult than normal,” said the 34-year-old.
“I was also happy with a couple of good par saves on sixth and ninth. That kind of a save also gives you confidence. It was quite windy and with the directions and speed changing, it became very challenging and tough at times,” added Chowrasia.
The weekend cut was set at five-over par with 68 players making the cut.
The top-three players at the Panasonic Open India will be extended invitations to the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, in Osaka, Japan in September.
The Panasonic Open India will be beamed live throughout four days on the Asian Tour Media’s global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.
Scores after round 2 of the Panasonic Open India 2013 being played at the par 72, 6935 Yards Delhi Golf Club course (a- denotes amateur):
134 – Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 67-67.
136 – LAM Chih Bing (SIN) 67-69.
138 – S.S.P. CHOWRASIA (IND) 69-69, Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA) 70-68.
139 – Shiv KAPUR (IND) 71-68.
140 – Richard LEE (CAN) 72-68.
142 – Digvijay SINGH (IND) 71-71, S Chikarangappa (IND) 72-70, SIDDIKUR (BAN) 71-71, Jay BAYRON (PHI) 70-72, Amardip MALIK (IND) 71-71.
143 – GULFAM (IND) 71-72, Anura ROHANA (SRI) 71-72, Sam BRAZEL (AUS) 71-72, Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 71-72, Chiragh KUMAR (IND) 70-73.
144 – Sanjay KUMAR (IND) 70-74, Harendra P. GUPTA (IND) 72-72, Adam GROOM (AUS) 70-74, Kieran PRATT (AUS) 67-77, David LUTTERUS (AUS) 71-73.
145 – HSU Chia-jen (TPE) 73-72, Manav JAINI (IND) 75-70, Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 73-72, Abhijit CHADHA (IND) 78-67, Rajesh RAWAT (IND) 73-72, Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND) 71-74, Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) 72-73, Matthew STIEGER (AUS) 71-74, Lionel WEBER (FRA) 70-75, Shankar DAS (IND) 72-73, Angad CHEEMA (IND) 70-75.
146 – Anthony CHOAT (AUS) 75-71, Elias BERTHEUSSEN (NOR) 75-71, Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 78-68, Carlos PIGEM (ESP) 76-70, Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 73-73, Panuwat MUENLEK (THA) 71-75, KOH Deng Shan (SIN) 71-75.
Selected scores
151 – Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 76-75
160 – Oliver WILSON (ENG) 78-82.
Ends.
About the Panasonic Open India 2013
The Panasonic Open India, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), will return for its third edition from April 4 to April 7. Local hero Digvijay Singh will defend the title at the US$300,000 event held at the Delhi Golf Club. The Asian Tour event will be title sponsored by Panasonic India Pte Ltd and supported by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism and the Government of India. The Tournament will be played once again at the Host Venue Delhi Golf Club. Other sponsors include. Homestead (Platinum Sponsor) Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla (Official Hotel), Bentbrass (Official Apparel), Srixon (Official Ball), 4moles.com (Digital Media sponsor), GolfPlus Monthly (Magazine sponsor) and Inetol Headwear. The tournament is organized and promoted by the Asian Tour. Get the latest news and tournament information on www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com and www.4moles.com. You can also follow us on www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf and www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
About Panasonic India
Panasonic makes available in India its wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances like LCD & Plasma TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, cameras, camcorders, car audio systems, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, automatic cookers, vacuum cleaners and the like. The Company has a workforce of about 12,650 in India and estimated to do a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore in FY 2012. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand in India, please visit http://panasonic.co.in.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf.
New Delhi, April 4: Australia’s Wade Ormsby and Kieran Pratt stole the morning limelight when they signed for matching five-under-par 67s to take the first round clubhouse lead at the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India on Thursday.Pratt’s last victory on the region’s premier Tour came in Myanmar last year and he is hoping that his second victory […]
New Delhi, April 4: Australia’s Wade Ormsby and Kieran Pratt stole the morning limelight when they signed for matching five-under-par 67s to take the first round clubhouse lead at the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India on Thursday.
Pratt’s last victory on the region’s premier Tour came in Myanmar last year and he is hoping that his second victory will come his way again at the Delhi Golf Club this week.
“I’ve been building a lot of confidence with my ball-striking and that’s pretty important around Delhi Golf Club. It has been a while since my last win and you get that itch where you want to win again,” said Pratt.
Starting on the back-nine 10th, the Australian got his campaign underway with three birdies on holes 11, 14 and 18.
An eagle-three on the par-five first then propelled him to the top of the leaderboard where he held on to the lead before closing with a flawless 67.
“This is my best round ever at Delhi Golf Club and obviously I’m happy. Everything worked for me today. I holed a lot of putts and hit several good shots. I played the par-five pretty well and I guess that was the key today,” said Pratt.
While Pratt is chasing his second win, Ormsby is eyeing his breakthrough on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its 10th season this year.
Ormsby birdied the par-three 12th before marking his card with more red numbers on the 14th and 18th holes.After making the turn in 34, he continued his birdie run on the first and sixth holes.
“I played well. Anytime you can shoot under-par on this golf course, I’ll be pretty happy. This course suits my game. Given my size, I can’t hit it too far so I’ve to try to hit as many fairways as I can,” said Ormsby.
The top-three players at the Panasonic Open India will be extended invitations to the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, in Osaka, Japan in September.
The Panasonic Open India will be beamed live throughout four days on the Asian Tour Media’s global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.
Ends.
About the Panasonic Open India 2013
The Panasonic Open India, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), will return for its third edition from April 4 to April 7. Local hero Digvijay Singh will defend the title at the US$300,000 event held at the Delhi Golf Club. The Asian Tour event will be title sponsored by Panasonic India Pte Ltd and supported by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism and the Government of India. The Tournament will be played once again at the Host Venue Delhi Golf Club. Other sponsors include. Homestead (Platinum Sponsor) Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla (Official Hotel), Bentbrass (Official Apparel), Srixon (Official Ball), 4moles.com (Digital Media sponsor), GolfPlus Monthly (Magazine sponsor) and Inetol Headwear.
The tournament is organized and promoted by the Asian Tour. Get the latest news and tournament information on www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.comand www.4moles.com. You can also follow us on www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf and www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
About Panasonic India
Panasonic makes available in India its wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances like LCD & Plasma TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, cameras, camcorders, car audio systems, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, automatic cookers, vacuum cleaners and the like. The Company has a workforce of about 12,650 in India and estimated to do a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore in FY 2012. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand in India, please visithttp://panasonic.co.in.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com,www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour andwww.weibo.com/asiantourgolf
New Delhi, April 4: Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing hopes his opening round performance will spark a career revival after he carded a five-under-par 67 to grab a share of the first round lead with Australia’s Wade Ormsby and Kieran Pratt at the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India on Thursday.S.S.P. Chowrasia brought the local cheers when he emerged […]
New Delhi, April 4: Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing hopes his opening round performance will spark a career revival after he carded a five-under-par 67 to grab a share of the first round lead with Australia’s Wade Ormsby and Kieran Pratt at the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India on Thursday.
S.S.P. Chowrasia brought the local cheers when he emerged as the leading Indian with a 69 to take fourth place while Thailand’s Boonchu Ruangkit, a five-time Asian Tour winner, is among the seven players tied for fifth place on 70 at the Delhi Golf Club.
After suffering the disappointment of losing his Asian Tour card last season when he finished 72nd on the Order of Merit, Lam is determined to regain his place among the region’s elite.
“Losing my Tour card last season was disappointing but I hope to make it up this season with performances like this,” said Lam. Kieran Pratt of Australia
Playing on country’s exemption status this season, Lam rediscovered his form that led him to his lone Asian Tour victory in 2008.
“It wasn’t easy out there. It was the most windy round that I’ve ever played in at Delhi Golf Club. The winds were swirling and I got lucky quite a few times today. This is my best score at Delhi Golf Club,” said Lam, who traded six birdies against one bogey.
“I’ve been coming here for so many years and I’ve played so many tournaments out here, so much so that I’ve now learnt how to manage my way around this golf course very well,” added the Singaporean.
Meanwhile Pratt is hoping his second victory will come his way again after last victory in Myanmar last year.
“I’ve been building a lot of confidence with my ball-striking and that’s pretty important around Delhi Golf Club. It has been a while since my last win and you get that itch where you want to win again,” said Pratt.
Starting on the back-nine 10th, the Australian got his campaign underway with three birdies on holes 11, 14 and 18.
An eagle-three on the par-five first then propelled him to the top of the leaderboard where he held on to the lead before closing with a flawless 67.
“Everything worked for me today. I holed a lot of putts and hit several good shots. I played the par-five pretty well and I guess that was the key today,” said Pratt.
While Lam and Pratt are chasing their second win, Ormsby is eyeing his breakthrough on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its 10th season this year.
Ormsby birdied the par-three 12th before marking his card with more red numbers on the 14th and 18th holes.
After making the turn in 34, he continued his birdie run on the first and sixth holes.
“I played well. Anytime you can shoot under-par on this golf course, I’ll be pretty happy. This course suits my game. Given my size, I can’t hit it too far so I’ve to try to hit as many fairways as I can,” said Ormsby.
Chowrasia is aiming to reproduce his winning form at the same venue where he earned his career breakthrough in 2008.
The two-time Asian Tour winner held off a fierce challenge from an elite field to win the Indian Masters then and is looking for a same response this week.
“I am happy with the way things are, though I could have had a better score today. I played quite well and had some long putts, like the 25-footer on the fourth,” said Chowrasia.
“The conditions were not all that easy. There was wind on almost all holes and one has to be careful off the tee. The greens were excellent, though I three-putted once. I feel I’m on the right direction,” added the Indian.
The top-three players at the Panasonic Open India will be extended invitations to the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, in Osaka, Japan in September.
The Panasonic Open India will be beamed live throughout four days on the Asian Tour Media’s global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.
67 – Wade ORMSBY (AUS), Kieran PRATT (AUS), LAM Chih Bing (SIN).
69 – S.S.P. CHOWRASIA (IND).
70 – Adam GROOM (AUS), Boonchu RUANGKIT (THA), Jay BAYRON (PHI), Chiragh KUMAR (IND), Lionel WEBER (FRA), Angad CHEEMA (IND), Sanjay KUMAR (IND).
71 – Vinod KUMAR (IND), Anura ROHANA (SRI), Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND), Sam BRAZEL (AUS), Gerry NORQUIST (USA), Anirban LAHIRI (IND), Amardip MALIK (IND), SIDDIKUR (BAN), Mithun PERERA (SRI), Matthew STIEGER (AUS), Panuwat MUENLEK (THA), David LUTTERUS (AUS), KOH Deng Shan (SIN), Digvijay SINGH (IND), Shiv KAPUR (IND), Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA), GULFAM (IND).
Selected scores
72 – Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND),
78 – Oliver WILSON (ENG)
Ends.
About the Panasonic Open India 2013
The Panasonic Open India, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), will return for its third edition from April 4 to April 7. Local hero Digvijay Singh will defend the title at the US$300,000 event held at the Delhi Golf Club. The Asian Tour event will be title sponsored by Panasonic India Pte Ltd and supported by Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism and the Government of India. The Tournament will be played once again at the Host Venue Delhi Golf Club. Other sponsors include. Homestead (Platinum Sponsor) Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla (Official Hotel), Bentbrass (Official Apparel), Srixon (Official Ball), 4moles.com (Digital Media sponsor), GolfPlus Monthly (Magazine sponsor) and Inetol Headwear.
The tournament is organized and promoted by the Asian Tour. Get the latest news and tournament information on www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com and www.4moles.com. You can also follow us on www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf and www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
About Panasonic India
Panasonic makes available in India its wide range of consumer electronics and home appliances like LCD & Plasma TVs, DVD players, home theatre systems, cameras, camcorders, car audio systems, air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens, automatic cookers, vacuum cleaners and the like. The Company has a workforce of about 12,650 in India and estimated to do a turnover of Rs 10,000 crore in FY 2012. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand in India, please visit http://panasonic.co.in.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf
New Delhi, India, March 3: Rising Indian star Khalin Joshi plans to adopt a more patient approach when he contends at the US$1.75 million Hero Indian Open next week. The 25-year-old Joshi, who enjoyed a commendable top-10 finish at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia last month, will keep things simple at the challenging Gary Player […]
New Delhi, India, March 3: Rising Indian star Khalin Joshi plans to adopt a more patient approach when he contends at the US$1.75 million Hero Indian Open next week.
The 25-year-old Joshi, who enjoyed a commendable top-10 finish at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia last month, will keep things simple at the challenging Gary Player designed DLF Golf and Country Club from March 8 to 11.
“Par is going to be your friend. The Gary Player-designed course at DLF Golf and Country Club is a real test of patience and everyone is bound to make some mistakes. Some holes are really challenging and they demand great golf shots,” said Joshi.
The Bengaluru native will be inspired to follow in the footsteps of his close friend Shubhankar Sharma, who sensationally won the Maybank Championship and is currently leading the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings and Race to Dubai.
Joshi is fired up to win his first Asian Tour title at the Hero Indian Open after successfully retaining his Tour card for the 2019 season.
With the pressure off his chest, the young Indian hopes to keep a cool head in the heat of battle at his National Open which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
“I can get a bit carried away after a bad hole, but I’ve learned to deal with my emotions better. I missed the cut in 2016 and 2017, b I’m back with a vengeance! I’ve never felt better going into the tournament and I hope to be in contention come Sunday,” he said.
The 54th edition of the Hero Indian Open will feature an elite 144-man field that includes five Asian Tour Order of Merit winners, more than 40 Asian Tour champions, as well as a bevy of international names.
Top contenders from Asia’s premier circuit such as Australia’s Scott Hend and India’s Anirban Lahiri, Order of Merit winners in 2016 and 2015 respectively, will tee it up alongside Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn of Denmark, crowd favourite Andrew Johnston of England and 2016 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Emiliano Grillo of Argentina.
The last two editions of the Hero Indian Open was won by S.S.P. Chawrasia of India. The six-time Asian Tour winner will be attempting to be the first golfer in the tournament’s 54-year history to lift the trophy three consecutive times.
Ends.
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
Please visit us at:
www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com
April 3: Scott Hend of Australia broke into top-200 on the Official World Golf Ranking following his victory at the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT, which offered the highest world ranking points in Asia on Sunday.Hend secured his third Asian Tour title at the inaugural US$750,000 event and moved up 86 ranks to 181st […]
April 3: Scott Hend of Australia broke into top-200 on the Official World Golf Ranking following his victory at the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT, which offered the highest world ranking points in Asia on Sunday.
Hend secured his third Asian Tour title at the inaugural US$750,000 event and moved up 86 ranks to 181st in the world after notching 16 world ranking points for his victory.
Asian Tour rookie Bryce Easton of South Africa, who finished second at the Chiangmai Golf Classic, which was his first ever Asian Tour event, notched 9.60 points and is currently ranked 317th in the world.
Meanwhile Hu Mu of China ranks 475th in the world, 200 spots better than his previous ranking, courtesy of a fourth place result at the Chiangmai Golf Classic.
Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, who holds an unprecedented three Asian Tour Order of Merit titles, is currently the highest ranked Asian Tour member in 59th position followed by Marcus Fraser (64th), Thaworn Wiratchant (81st), K.J. Choi (83rd), Kiradech Aphibarnrat (85th) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (89th).
Singapore, April 1: It may be April’s Fool day but it’s not a joke when Australia’s Scott Hend said that he was feeling at the top of the world and right at home on the Asian Tour following his third victory on the region’s premier Tour last weekend.The big-hitting Australian dug deep and launched a […]
Singapore, April 1: It may be April’s Fool day but it’s not a joke when Australia’s Scott Hend said that he was feeling at the top of the world and right at home on the Asian Tour following his third victory on the region’s premier Tour last weekend.
The big-hitting Australian dug deep and launched a spectacular comeback by overcoming a six-shot deficit on the final day to win the Chiangmai Golf Classic.
Hend’s victory was worth US$135,000 and it propelled him to third place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit with his season haul of US$207,915.
“This win is fantastic. I played great at Avantha Masters (India) and didn’t finish the job. I missed the cut in Malaysia so to come back and shoot 20-under sort of helps you believe in yourself that you still got the game and can hole the putts,” said the 39-year-old Australian.
With the Asian Tour celebrating its 10th season this year, Hend, who earned his Tour card at Qualifying School in 2006, is indebted to the Tour which has brought his much success.
“The Asian Tour has been a fantastic place for me to be in. This is the Tour in the region and in my eyes it is the only Tour in the region,” said Hend.
“It is a fantastic breeding ground of the young players and the middle aged players such as myself. Everyone wants to come out and forge a good living and play in good tournaments and try to move to the next level. This is a great place to be and a place to play on,” added the Australian.
Having been away since the season-opening event in Myanmar, Hend is now looking forward to a reunion with his family before resuming his search for more glory on the Asian Tour.
“I want to go back to see my two six-year-olds and my wife. I haven’t seen them since January. For the rest of the year hopefully I win another one or two titles on the Asian Tour. I’m trying to qualify for the CIMB and HSBC events so this is a good start for that,” said Hend.
Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who finished tied-fifth at the Chiangmai Golf Classic, continues to stay atop the rankings on US$615,535 while India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar is in second place on US$269, 066.
South African newcomer Bryce Easton, playing in his first Asian Tour event, leaped into seventh place following his runner-up finish in Chiangmai.
The Asian Tour will return to India for the third time in two months for the third edition of the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India this week.
Asian Tour Order of Merit – Top-20
Pos Player Earnings (US$)
1 Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) $616,535.00
2 Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) $269,066.43
3 Scott HEND (AUS) $207,915.00
4 LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) $175,909.00
5 BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) $145,303.50
6 Anirban LAHIRI (IND) $83,849.50
7 Bryce EASTON (RSA) $82,500.00
8 Joonas GRANBERG (FIN) $80,812.83
9 Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA) $70,971.00
10 KIM Gi-whan (KOR) $60,617.50
11 Mithun PERERA (SRI) $59,227.33
12 Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) $58,305.00
13 Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) $57,721.25
14 SIDDIKUR (BAN) $57,510.62
15 Berry HENSON (USA) $56,626.50
16 Prom MEESAWAT (THA) $55,201.86
17 Himmat RAI (IND) $53,300.00
18 Shiv KAPUR (IND) $50,842.86
19 Rashid KHAN (IND) $49,146.00
20 Jbe KRUGER (RSA) $47,605.00
Ends.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf.
Queenstown, New Zealand, March 2: Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert stayed close with clubhouse leaders Daniel Nisbet and Callan O’Reilly from Australia by signing for a second round four-under-par 67 at Millbrook Resort at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open on Friday. The Thai compiled a two-day total of 10-under-par 133 to trail the Australians by four […]
Queenstown, New Zealand, March 2: Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert stayed close with clubhouse leaders Daniel Nisbet and Callan O’Reilly from Australia by signing for a second round four-under-par 67 at Millbrook Resort at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open on Friday.
The Thai compiled a two-day total of 10-under-par 133 to trail the Australians by four shots as he readies himself for his weekend charge which will be played at Millbrook Resort.
“I couldn’t be happier as I beginning to hit the ball really well. I haven’t been driving the ball well the last three months but I feel that has changed this week. The greens are soft and they are in very good conditions. They are ideal for attacking the pins.
“My irons are really good too and they have presented me with many birdie opportunities. I did pretty well here at Millbrook today and I’m pleased the weekend rounds are going to stay here.
Playing at The Hills, O’Reilly fired a sizzling 61 to set the course record at the par-72 course while Nisbet, who is chasing his first professional win since 2016 this week, continues to take top spot with a 66.
"To be honest I thought at 10-under I thought I would have the course record but I wasn’t really thinking about it. I was surprised my three-wood went so far. I knew I had to put a good swing on it and make birdies,"said O’Reilly.
Overnight co-leader Jarin Todd of the United States lost his lead after carding a 70 at The Hills while Asian Tour member Simon Yates of Scotland and recent winner Paul Peterson made their moves with matching 68s at Millbrook and the Hills respectively.
“Overall I’m happy to be here for the weekend and not that far off the lead at the moment. If you are hitting fairways and hitting it good and straight off the tee it makes it so much easier. I just had no feeling at the start of the round but by the end of the round I was ok,” said Yates.
Ends.
Queenstown, New Zealand, March 2: Australia’s Terry Pilkadaris broke clear of the tight leaderboard by carding a second round eight-under-par 64 to take a one-shot lead over the chasing pack at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open on Friday. The three-time Asian Tour winner backed up his opening 64 at Millbrook Resort with another similar […]
Queenstown, New Zealand, March 2: Australia’s Terry Pilkadaris broke clear of the tight leaderboard by carding a second round eight-under-par 64 to take a one-shot lead over the chasing pack at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open on Friday.
The three-time Asian Tour winner backed up his opening 64 at Millbrook Resort with another similar effort at the Hills to enjoy the outright lead with his two-day total of 15-under-par 128.
Australians continued to dominate the leaderboard with Daniel Nisbet and Callan O’Reilly sharing second place on 129 total.
O’Reilly, who finished tied-15th at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open last year, inked his name into the record books when he posted a sensational 61 to set the course record at The Hills.
Asian Tour Qualifying School graduate Travis Smyth secured fourth place with a 67 while overnight co-leader Jarin Todd of the United States slipped to a share of eighth place following a 70.
Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert will head into the weekend rounds five shots back of Pikadaris after he signed for a 67 to take a share of 16th place that also included Scotland’s Simon Yates and Paul Peterson of the United States.
The weekend cut was set at seven-under-par which is also the lowest cut on the Asian Tour.
Ends.
Did you know?
- Terry Pilkadaris first ventured to Asia in 2002 and finished second in Qualifying School.
- He broke through on the Asian Tour when he won back-to-back titles at the Crowne Plaza Open and Sanya Open in China in 2004.
- Pilkadaris added his third Asian Tour title when he won the 2005 Brunei Open and has made two appearances at the Open Championship in 2007 and 2009.
- Daniel Nisbet first came to Queenstown as a caddy in 2010. He turned professional in 2012 and went on to win his first professional victory in Hong Kong in 2016.
- Callan O’Reilly’s 61 is the lowest score he has ever shot. He just started working with new coach, Gary Barter, who has also worked with leading Australians like Matt Jones.
- He claims he has to play well this week in order to pay for an upcoming fishing trip with his father-in-law.
- Travis Smyth is a recent Asian Tour Qualifying School graduate. He finished tied third to earn his Tour card for 2018.
- Pavit Tangkamolprasert last victory on the Asian Tour dates back to 2016 when he defeated India’s Anirban Lahiri in a play-off to win the Venetian Macao Open.
- His two year’s winner’s exemption on the Asian Tour will end this year. He finished in 48th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season.
- Pavit is also a five-time winner on the Asian Development Tour (ADT)
- Simon Yates represented Scotland as a downhill skier during his youth. He came to Asia on a holiday and decided to stay and play on in the region in 1995.
- He has been living in Thailand for the last 23 years.
- The Scotsman has won twice on the Asian Tour, the 1998 Sabah Masters in Malaysia and 2004 SK Telecom Open in Korea.
Players’ Quotes:
Terry Pilkadaris (Aus) Second round Eight-under-par 64, Total 128 (-15)
It was a different condition today as compared to yesterday. It was quite cold with a bit of rain in the morning with no breeze yesterday. It warmed up a bit and I finished with five birdies which was nice. I played at the Hills today and it was a different set-up. The greens were more undulating and it was in the afternoon so the ball was flying its normal distance. All in all it was manageable and there was nothing scary. I’ve been playing pretty consistent and I was not in too much trouble the last two days. I have to go low to win this tournament but it all depends on the weather this weekend. If the weather was like the last two days, you got to be shooting five, six-under to stay in the mix. But if it changes and it gets windy, cold and rainy, then the scores will come down significantly. Winning again does play on my mind as I have a couple of runner-up finishes since my last victory. To win a golf tournament you got to have a little bit of luck and sometimes you get it and sometimes you don’t. There are just too many factors.
Callan O’Reilly (Aus) Second round 11-under-par 61, Total 129 (-14)
I was playing with my good mate and he was not playing great on the front nine and I was hoping he could make a few birdies so I sort of just rode what I thought he would do, and did it myself. I played good golf, gave myself opportunities and made them. It is all you can do. I played solid on the front nine and had three under. To be honest I thought at 10-under I thought I would have the course record but I wasn’t really thinking about it. I was surprised my three-wood went so far. I knew I had to put a good swing on it and make birdies. More of the same going forward. I know I am playing good. It is about keeping my mind in the right centre and enjoying the weekend. I did a little bit of work on Tuesday trying to fix the driver a little bit but it was outstanding today. Hopefully I can keep it all going now.
Daniel Nisbet (Aus) Five-under-par 66, Total 129 (-14)
Today was solid again. I had a bogey early which kind of halted the momentum a little bit, but I still struck the ball really well. I would like to hole a few more putts tomorrow though. It’s magnificent, the course is in great condition, the greens are all nice. They are two very different courses, with elevation changes and things like that. It’s probably a little bit simpler to play this course actually. It was a couple of misreads and my pace was a little bit off. We started this morning with a little bit of dew on the grass and then it got a bit faster. Keeping up with that adjustment was tricky at times. I think the lead might change. The course is going to be pretty easy if the weather stays like this. I’m not sure what the score will be after today, but it would be good to be in contention going into the weekend. It’s good to be in an area like this, and to be playing good golf is a bit of a bonus. The score is going to be low, so hopefully I can post another good number tomorrow and stay in the hunt. I hit a good one into the fourth and fifth, tap in birdies are always nice. Just stay on the fairways. There are a couple of fairway bunkers and the rough is pretty long too. You’ve just got to stay on the fairways so you can attack the pins. The birdies are out there if you are in the right position.
Travis Smyth (Aus) Second round Five-under-par 67, Total 130 (-13)
I teed off on the back nine and got away with a birdie and got things rolling again. I ended up having like five birdies in a row on my first nine. I felt very comfortable out there and had another awesome round, like I did yesterday. One of my best mates from back home on the south coast of Wollongong, paid the money and he’s out here with me having a ball. It’s awesome to see that we are running top-five as a pair. I really just want to make this experience awesome for him because I play a lot of pro events in my time, but there’s not too many events where a friend of mine can be a part of it. Whatever position, I’m playing well and I know if I play well over the weekend I can take this thing out. I’m just going to try and do what I’ve been doing the last two days and have fun out there. It’s my first time in Queenstown and I’m loving it. I’m staying with a friend of mine near town and it’s awesome after golf just going into town and looking around and getting coffees and different places, it’s a neat place. Courses like The Hills and Millbrook are pretty generous off the tee so it’s kind of target golf, and there’s pretty soft conditions as well. The best player is going to go to the top of the leaderboard this week, there’s really no trick to either course. I’ve been struggling a little bit the last couple of weeks, so it’s awesome to be one off the lead going into the weekend at such a big event. It’s all coming together at the right time.
Jarin Todd (Usa), Second round Two-under-par 70, Total 132 (-11)
Playing at The Hills was good. I just didn’t play as well as I would have liked as I got a couple of penalty strokes there. I played the par-threes well yesterday and I managed to do well on those par-three here again. I’ll go back to the range to practise but sometimes you hit bad shots and that’s how it goes. I just got to stick to my game plan and not worry too much about how it goes. I’m still in a good spot.
Pavit Tangkamolprasert (Tha), Second round, Four-under-par 71 Total 133 (-10)
I couldn’t be happier as I beginning to hit the ball really well. I haven’t been driving the ball well the last three months but I feel that has changed this week. The greens are soft and they are in very good conditions. They are ideal for attacking the pins. My irons are really good too and they have presented me with many birdie opportunities. I did pretty well here at Millbrook today and I’m pleased the weekend rounds are going to stay here. I just want to play my best and get the ball onto the fairways as much as I can. After all, my irons are good and I want to take advantage of that. My pro-am partner (Liza Sutrisno) is a good player. I think the tees are tougher for ladies as there’s not much difference from the pros. But she’s doing very well.
Simon Yates (Sco), Second round Three-under-par 68, Total 133 (-10)
Yesterday I played great for the first 12 holes to be eight-under but I made a couple of three-putts because I was so far away. Today I started slow, I was cold and I was rushing.
But on the back nine I played really good. I didn’t make as many putts but I did have a couple of tap-ins for birdies. Overall I am happy to be here for the weekend and not that far off the lead at the moment. If you are hitting fairways and hitting it good and straight off the tee it makes it so much easier. I just had no feeling at the start of the round but by the end of the round I was ok. The main thing is to hit your driver good here. I have lived in Thailand for 24 years, more than half my life. I love the heat. I am not a true Scotsman anymore.
This is such a beautiful place and such a great atmosphere. It only took us 4hr 5mins, so it is a great format when the amateurs are playing quick. Our guys were just brilliant. There are a lot of good Asians now and a lot coming through. Asian golf is in good shape. We just need the Asian Tour to get a few more tournaments in the main tour, and it will just get better and better.
Paul Peterson (Usa) Second round Four-under-par 68, Total 133 (-10)
Today it was all about staying patient. I started out with 12 straight pars and just wasn’t able to convert my chances on the front-nine. The greens are a little subtle and not breaking as much as I saw. I was happy I was able to make some adjustments on the back-nine and saw some putts go in. I would have been in for a rough day if I had made 18 straight pars. I’m pleased as 68 is never a bad day in the office. My eyes seem to match my speed a little better over at Millbrook. I was playing with too much breaks visually and I’ll try to get back on those greens as the speed is a little different there and I’ll try to dial that back in for tomorrow. I hit 18 greens and I putted 18 times yesterday. I missed one green today and when you’re putting that much, you’re not going to make more. You do your best and I feel it’s just a matter of making good strokes and getting around these courses which are new to me. I’m just trying to stay patient and keep doing what I’ve been doing. The laws of averages will tell me if I keep hitting as many greens as I’ve right now, I should be in for a good weekend. Queenstown is unbelievable. It’s beautiful and you got keep you head up and look around even when you are frustrated. You cannot let your golf get in the way of such an unbelievable place.
Chiangmai, March 31: China’s Hu Mu believes he can compete with the world’s best players after finishing ahead of Major winners Ernie Els and Y.E. Yang following a career first top-five outing on the Asian Tour at the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT on Sunday.The 23-year-old Hu made a brave final round charge […]
Chiangmai, March 31: China’s Hu Mu believes he can compete with the world’s best players after finishing ahead of Major winners Ernie Els and Y.E. Yang following a career first top-five outing on the Asian Tour at the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT on Sunday.
The 23-year-old Hu made a brave final round charge with a solid four-under-par 68 to finish fourth for his best result since taking up membership on the region’s premier Tour which is celebrating its milestone 10th season in 2013..
His four-day total of 15-under-par 273 was five shots behind champion Scott Hend of Australia but he took pride with the fact that he finished three and two shots ahead of South Africa’s Els and Korea’s Yang respectively in the US$750,000 full-field Asian Tour event.
“I think I can play with the best players, Kiradech (Aphibarnrat), Yang, Ernie and Prayad (Markssaeng) – they are all here this week. If I can play my best, I can compete with them,” said Hu, who will feature in the next Asian Tour event in the Philippines in two weeks’ time.
The talented Hu, touted as the next great Chinese hope, turned in 36 but a birdie on the 10th hole sparked a strong finish as the Chinese birdied 13, 14 and 17 to move up the leaderboard at the majestic Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai.
“I set my goal at 15-under to win the tournament. The scores were better than I thought. I did my best and I stuck to my game plan. Today was such as slow start. I was even through nine,” he said.
After missing his Asian Tour card from Qualifying School, Hu is determined to make full use of his limited playing opportunities on the Asian Tour. His strong showing in Chiangmai has moved him up to 25th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit with earnings of US$39,187 from two starts.
“It’s a huge thing for me. I’m trying to get into the top-60 (to earn full playing rights for 2014). I failed to get my status at the Q-school and I got a few sponsors’ invites and have managed to make a splash which is great,” he smiled.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistic Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf
About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, fashion and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in more than 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in India, China, Brazil and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academy; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com.
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