Rumford Makes A Brilliant Start At ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth
Kuala Lumpur, March 24: Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat completed a sensational wire-to-wire victory at the weather-shortened Maybank Malaysian Open when he overcame a host of stars with a gutsy performance on Sunday.
The big-hitting 23-year-old held his nerve for a battling two-under-par 70 to lift his second Asian Tour title by one-shot from Ryder Cup star Edoardo Molinari of Italy, who signed off with a 67, at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
Anders Hansen of Denmark shot a 66 to finish two shots back while 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa settled for tied fourth position following a 71 in the US$2.75 million championship sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
Kiraech, who is the fourth Thai after Thongchai Jaidee, Thaworn Wiratchant and Chapchai Nirat to win a co-sanctioned tournament, said: “I’m so happy this week. I’m proud of myself and for my family. I almost won here a few years ago (2010) and finally I made it. I’m so happy.
With a winner’s cheque of US$458,330, Kiradech jumped to the top of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit with his season’s haul of US$594,230.
The burly Thai, dubbed Asia’s John Daly due to his physique and style of play, had to overcome tiredness because of a thyroid problem and four days of weather disruptions to prevail at the Maybank Malaysian Open which was reduced into a three-round tournament.
He led by one shot through 15 holes of the third and final round when play was suspended for two hours because of a lightning storm and came back out shaking at the prospects of winning his career’s biggest title yet.
He birdied the 16th hole upon the resumption of play from four feet to open up a two-shot advantage and then enjoyed a stroke of fortune when his approach into the 17th green ended just a few feet from the water hazard. After leaving his chip some 15 feet short of the flag, Kiradech drained his par putt and celebrated with a clenched fist.
Playing it safe with an iron off the tee on the last, a closing bogey did not matter as his three-day total of 13-under-par 203 was one clear of Molinari.
“After I made birdie on 16, I knew I had a chance to win. But in golf, you can’t say you can win when you’re not finished. I was lucky my ball was still safe (on 17). If it rolled into the hazard, it would be tough to win. But I concentrated hard on 18. I’ve played here for about 20 times, and on 18, I think I’ve birdied it more than 10 times. Bogey was so tough but it was good enough to win,” said a beaming Kiradech
“During the suspension, I couldn’t eat anything. I was so excited. When I walked out, everything was shaking, even my voice. My caddie told me to just concentrate, just two more holes. I’m lucky that I played only 54 holes. Otherwise, I am so tired due to the weather and the golf course.”
Molinari, who was getting ready to warm up for a possible play-off, was disappointed he only made par at the closing 18th hole after a wayward drive. “I felt if I birdied the last I might have won outright because it puts a lot of pressure on the guy coming up behind,” said the Italian.
“It’s mixed emotions because I’m very happy to have a good week for the first time in a long time. The swing changes (with new coach Sean Foley) are starting to pay off which is surprising because I thought it would take a lot longer. But I’m disappointed because I had a lot of chances on the back nine. The 18th is only the second fairway I missed all day which is very disappointing.”
Schwartzel, playing in the last group with Kiradech, rued the missed opportunity to emulate countryman Louis Oosthuizen, who won the Maybank Malaysian Open last season. “It was disappointing. It’s a hard week with being on and off the course the whole time. It’s difficult to find any rhythm. I feel like I swung the club pretty well, but I didn’t play that well today,” said the South African, who was searching for his second title in Asia after winning the Thailand Golf Championship last December.
“I was hitting terrible iron shots from the middle of the fairways. That’s my strength. For some reason I was hitting short irons all over the shop. What can I do? Kiradech did well. I would’ve liked to have applied a bit more pressure on him.”
China’s Wu Ashun was the next best Asian in tied 11th place on 208 after closing with a 73 while Malaysian amateur Gavin Green enjoyed a creditable equal 22nd place finish after a closing 69 fir a 210 total.
Scores after round 3 of the Maybank Malaysian Open being played at the par 72, 6967 Yards Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club course (a- denotes amateur):
203 – Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 65-68-70.
204 – Edoardo MOLINARI (ITA) 66-71-67.
205 – Anders HANSEN (DEN) 66-73-66.
206 – Victor DUBUISSON (FRA) 67-69-70, Charl SCHWARTZEL (RSA) 67-68-71.
207 – Pablo LARRAZABAL (ESP) 69-70-68, Mark FOSTER (ENG) 69-69-69, Alexander NOREN (SWE) 69-68-70, David HOWELL (ENG) 69-68-70, Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL) 69-68-70.
208 – Thomas AIKEN (RSA) 71-71-66, Joonas GRANBERG (FIN) 71-68-69, Peter LAWRIE (IRL) 68-69-71, Tommy FLEETWOOD (ENG) 70-66-72, Gregory BOURDY (FRA) 66-69-73, WU Ashun (CHN) 67-68-73.
209 – Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND) 71-70-68, Mikko ILONEN (FIN) 70-70-69, Matteo MANASSERO (ITA) 69-71-69, Lee SLATTERY (ENG) 68-70-71, Scott JAMIESON (SCO) 66-72-71.
210 – Gavin GREEN (am, MAS) 73-68-69, Joost LUITEN (NED) 69-71-70, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 72-71-67, Rafa CABRERA-BELLO (ESP) 72-67-71, LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) 70-68-72, Stephen GALLACHER (SCO) 71-73-66.
211 – Ignacio GARRIDO (ESP) 70-71-70, Alvaro QUIROS (ESP) 75-67-69, Alastair FORSYTH (SCO) 69-70-72, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 68-71-72, Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 73-71-67.
About Maybank
The Maybank Group is Malaysia’s regional financial services leader with an international network of over 2,200 offices in 20 countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China, Myanmar, Laos, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Great Britain and the United States of America.
The Group offers an extensive range of products and services, which includes commercial banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. It has over 46,000 employees serving 22 million customers worldwide.
About the Malaysian Golf Association
Founded in 1929, the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) as the sole governing body of golf in Malaysia has been entrusted to promote the game while preserving its traditions and integrity.
It’s a non-government organization that runs by volunteers who are passionate about the game with the help of a team of management staff.
The Association’s portfolios have increased over the years ranging from conducting 14 state amateur opens, national amateur open, national amateur close, Malaysian Open to processing handicaps through its National Handicap System to promoting grassroots programs and training of the athletes to represent Malaysia in the international events.
We take our responsibilities seriously in promoting the game in Malaysia while simultaneously upholding the Rules of Golf as prescribed by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A).
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.
About The European Tour
The European Tour is committed to celebrating the game of golf from the origins of the professional game, building a proud history of achievement, sportsmanship and integrity as well as showcasing our diverse global talent and rich landscapes. The European Tour’s innovative approach enables us to embrace the world, combining championships of tradition with new tournaments in the cities and countries of the future.
The European Tour International Schedule, which from 2009 has incorporated The Race to Dubai, is a thriving global brand which, in 2012, will feature a minimum of 46 tournaments spread across all five continents of the world; the European Challenge Tour focuses on the up and coming players of the future; while the European Senior Tour provides a new start for champions celebrating their 50th birthday.
The European Tour’s corporate identity features the iconic silhouette image of six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon who gives his name to The Harry Vardon Trophy, presented to the player who is crowned European Tour Number One and winner of The Race to Dubai at the end of the season.
About Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) is a member of Sime Darby Property Bhd and a propriety Club wholly-owned and operated by KLGCC Berhad. The club has won numerous accolades from both local and foreign golfing fraternity, the latest being voted the Malaysia’s Golf Club of the Year in Par Golf Awards 2011, No.1 Golf Course in Malaysia and Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2011 and HAPA Golf Course of the Year by the prestigious Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards Regional Series 2011 – 2013. Today, it has become a landmark as the most luxurious golf resort development in Malaysia and KLGCC has in recent years hosted numerous international championships such as the Maybank Malaysian Open and the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.
About GlobalOne
GlobalOne is an executive lifestyle sports marketing consultancy. We have in the past created partnerships in golf, motor racing, sailing, tennis, rugby, skiing, athletics, basketball, cycling and skiing. Today, as an event promoter, GlobalOne’s primary focus and area of sports rights ownership is professional golf.
Kuala Lumpur, February 4: A red-hot Shubhankar Sharma of India fired 10 birdies for a remarkable 10-under-par 62 to claim a stunning two-shot victory at the US$3 million Maybank Championship on Sunday.
At the age of 21, the talented Indian overcame a four-shot deficit with a dominant display to clinch his second Asian Tour and European Tour title with a winning total of 21-under-par 267 in windy conditions at the Saujana Golf and Country Club.
In his fourth start since winning the Joburg Open in South Africa in December, Sharma produced a sensational final round where he made five birdies in each half which included clutch birdie putts on 17 and 18.
He defeated co-overnight leader Jorge Campillo of Spain, who eagled the opening hole before returning with a 68 to settle for second place, while Pablo Larrazabal and Ryan Fox of New Zealand finished in third place after posting identical 66s.
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Khalin Joshi of India, who is Sharma’s roommate this week, finished in a share of fifth place alongside Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa, Hideto Tanihara, Nino Bertasio and world number 47 Dylan Frittelli of South Africa.
Sharma produced a great comeback after struggling in the opening two rounds where he was tied in 48th place at the halfway stage. A third round 66 put him within four shots of the lead and he charged into contention on the final round when he got off to a hot front nine.
He marked his card with further birdies on 11, 13 and 14 which gave him a two-shot advantage on the 16th hole as he romped to victory in emphatic style to become the first Asian to win the third edition of the Maybank Championship.
The victory earned him US$500,000 and moved him to the top of the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings and on the Race to Dubai on the European Tour.
Did you know?
- Sharma dropped only three shots the entire week where he had one bogey in round one, two and three. He was flawless today.
- This is Sharma’s fourth start since winning at the Joburg Open in South Africa in December.
- His final round 62 is his joint lowest score on the Asian Tour in relation to par. He shot a 61 (par 71) in the second round of the Joburg Open and a 62 on the last day of the 2016 Resorts World Manila Masters.
- Sharma’s winning total of 21-under is the lowest winning score at the Maybank Championship. His two-shot victory equals the largest winning margin in the event. Marcus Fraser also won by two shots in the inaugural edition in 2016.
- He is the first Asian to win the Maybank Championship and second Asian Tour member after Fraser to clinch the title.
- The last time an Indian won in Malaysia was Anirban Lahiri in 2015. He went on to win the Order of Merit title in the same year.
- This is Sharma’s second Maybank Championship appearance. He finished tied ninth last year to seal his Asian Tour card.
- The victory will likely push Sharma to 70th place on the Official World Golf Ranking. He will potentially be the highest ranked Indian in the world.
- Sharma is one of the rising stars on the Asian Tour and he joins a list of young champions to emerge from the region’s premier Tour.
- Overnight co-leader Campillo will continue his search for a career’s first victory. He opened with an eagle before shooting one birdie against as many bogeys on his inward nine. He closed with two birdies to finish second on his own.
- Joshi is close friends and roommates with Joshi this week. He finished tied fifth to earn US$92,880 and has virtually secured his Asian Tour card for next season.
Player Interviews:
Shubhankar Sharma (Ind) – Final Round 62 (-10), Total 267 (-21)
I played pretty solid and it wasn’t easy because it was windy. I kept pushing the whole day. I knew I had to make a lot birdies to catch the leaders. I made a lot of birdies in the front nine and just continued on the back.
To be honest, I wasn’t thinking about the leaderboard. I wanted to set a target in my mind and try to achieve it. On the 13th I knew I was somewhere near the leaders but on 16 I knew I had a two-shot lead. I told myself if I can make two more birdies, that would give me a good chance to win.
The last two months have changed my life. I’ve been a member on the Asian Tour for a while and I will continue to be a member on the Asian Tour. I’ve always dreamt of winning and now I’m a two-time winner on the Asian Tour and European Tour.
I didn’t make a birdie on the first hole which is quite disappointing because that’s quite an easy hole. I wasn’t putting too well just the way I was driving the ball I knew The win in Joburg helped a lot. Especially today, I was very calm on the course. I wasn’t under any pressure.
I didn’t make a bogey at all and it is very rare because you usually end up slipping after making birdies. I played really well, especially with the way I started. It is always tough to make birdies when you are trailing the leaders but I relaxed.
I’m over the moon. The last two months have been fantastic for me. I’m playing in The Open championship this year so I can’t ask for anything more. Whatever happened today was fantastic.
I had a few 10-under-pars before. I shot my first one in the Philippines two years ago to safe my Asian Tour card and I shot another one before winning the Joburg Open. I made a brilliant birdie on the nine. I pushed my tee shot to the right but I hit a brilliant second shot holed my birdie from about 15 feet.
On the 16th hole I saw the leaderboard and I had a two-shot lead so I told myself I needed one more birdie and I made a very nice birdie on 17. On 18, my ball was in the greenside bunker and the easiest up-and-down to make. I was just telling myself ‘don’t mess this up, don’t duff it or top it.’
It is still early in the season and I haven’t thought about winning the Habitat for Humanity Standings. I’m also leading in the Race to Dubai but I’m not thinking about it because there are so many events left. If I play well enough, I will have a good chance to win the Habitat for Humanity Standings. This win is great because it opens so many doors for me. I’m also playing in The Open so I’m excited about that. All and all, it is a great day.
This is a very special golf course. I finished tied ninth here last year and it was my first Maybank Championship and best result in a co-sanctioned event. I kept my Asian Tour card here because of this result here. Obviously, I love the course. It wasn’t easy today because it was very windy but this course suits my eye.
Gavin (Green) is a great friend. We know each other for three years now. He is a great guy and he is obviously a Maybank Ambassador and the reigning Order of Merit champion. He is a great guy and a great player. We’ve been good friends and he will also be playing on the European Tour so I will have some good company.
More and more players are coming out of Asia and India. More Asian players are doing well. You’ve had players like Arjun Atwal, Jyoti Randhawa and Anirban Lahiri. Just seeing them do well inspire us. Especially me winning now will inspire some kids so we need more idols to inspire more people and give them the confidence that they can do it as well. Asian golf is in the right hands and it is doing very well. You will see more and more Asian players winning in Europe.
No, not at all. I never thought I would win today. In a way that’s good because I was four shots off the leaders. The best thing was that I wasn’t in the leader group. I didn’t go in with the mind-set to win but I went in with the mind-set to shoot a low round. That really helped me today. I had a good feeling I would play well and shoot a low number and that’s what I did.
My dad was in the army and we pretty much went all over the place in India. We were in many places. Dad used to be posted all around and we as a family followed him. I got into the game when I was seven. I turned professional when I was still in school. My dad is one of the biggest reasons that I could take this step. He has been a great inspiration. I’m 21 but this is my sixth season as a professional. I already feel like a veteran.
Both my wins now are very special. Joburg Open was obviously my first win and it was a different atmosphere because I was the only Indian there. It was very calm. I was more in the zone. The first wins are always special. I was leading going into the final round of the Joburg Open so I was expected to win. Today, I had no expectations. I didn’t even know I was going to win until the 16th leaderboard. Both wins are different but very special.
Jorge Campillo (Esp) – Final Round 68 (-4), Total 269 (-19)
I started really good. I started good in the first eight holes then I missed my drive on the ninth hole. After that I made some good up-and-downs and gave myself some birdie chance. I finished good so I’m happy with that.
I knew he had to shoot low but not that low. It was windy and it was quite tricky out there. It is tough to beat someone who shoots a 10-under. I kept trying and I’ve finished second way too many times.
I finish by myself so that’s quite positive. I’m very happy with that.
Khalin Joshi – Fourth Round 70 (-2), Total 272 (-16)
I kept myself together all week. I didn’t go as low as I could have today but there are so many positives from this week. Now I believe I can play better and I know that I can compete at this level. I showed that to everyone and I proved that to myself. It’s a good week for me. Going to rest this week and then I will start off in India again I’m not sure. I am going to meet my coach and spend some time working on a couple of things. Hopefully I can get a few more invites and looking forward to the next couple of events. Things have changed so much for me this past year, I was struggling to keep my card just last year and this week comes and I have secured my card already. It changes a lot mentally, now I play to win and not just to play and secure my card. I am so happy for Shubhankar, we were roommates this week and last night we were talking about being roommates on tour if I won. We are good friends and I learn a lot from him and it motivates me to work harder and be up there with him.
Scores after round 4 of the Maybank Championship being played at the par 72, 7135 Yards Saujana GCC course (am – denotes amateur):
267 – Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 70-69-66-62.
269 – Jorge CAMPILLO (ESP) 69-66-66-68.
270 – Pablo LARRAZABAL (ESP) 70-70-64-66, Ryan FOX (NZL) 68-68-68-66.
272 – Nino BERTASIO (ITA) 68-65-70-69, Ryo ISHIKAWA (JPN) 74-66-63-69, Hideto TANIHARA (JPN) 71-64-68-69, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-70-65-70, Dylan FRITTELLI (RSA) 69-66-66-71.
273 – Berry HENSON (USA) 69-68-65-71.
274 – Matthieu PAVON (FRA) 70-67-70-67, Joost LUITEN (NED) 72-68-66-68, Maximilian KIEFFER (GER) 69-66-71-68, Romain WATTEL (FRA) 67-73-65-69, Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 72-62-70-70, Paul PETERSON (USA) 69-70-65-70.
275 – Andy SULLIVAN (ENG) 71-66-71-67, David LIPSKY (USA) 67-68-71-69, Scott JAMIESON (SCO) 68-69-69-69, Benjamin HEBERT (FRA) 69-70-65-71, Mike LORENZO-VERA (FRA) 66-71-67-71, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 68-65-70-72.
276 – Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 68-67-72-69, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 72-66-70-68, Thomas DETRY (BEL) 68-68-69-71, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 70-67-67-72.
About Maybank – Humanising Financial Services
Maybank is among Asia’s leading banking groups and South East Asia’s fourth largest bank by assets. The Maybank Group has an international network of 2,400 offices in 20 countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Hong Kong SAR & People’s Republic of China, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Laos, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, Great Britain and the United States of America. The Group offers an extensive range of products and services, which includes consumer and corporate banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. It has over 44,000 employees serving more than 22 million customers worldwide. (www.maybank.com)
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
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Kuala Lumpur, February 3: India’s Khalin Joshi and Berry Henson of the United States took advantage of opening eagles to stay in the title hunt after the third round of the Maybank Championship on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Joshi and Henson, who also eagled the last hole, fired matching seven-under-par 65s to trail co-leaders Jorge Campillo of Spain and world number 47 Dylan Frittelli of South Africa by a shot, at the Saujana Golf and Country Club.
Campillo and Frittelli both returned on 66s to set the pace on 15-under-par 201 in a crowded leaderboard at the US$3 million event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
The 52-year-old Prayad Marksaeng turned back the clock after posting a bogey-free 67 while Japanese heartthrob Ryo Ishikawa fired a sparkling 63 to share fifth place. Co-overnight leaders Phachara Khongwatmai (70) and Nino Bertasio (70), Hideto Tanihara (68) and Marc Warren (69) were also tied for fifth.
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Joshi was delighted to be in the hunt for a first Asian Tour victory in his debut appearance at the Maybank Championship. The amiable Indian chipped in from 20 yards for an opening eagle and returned with five birdies to stay in the title hunt.
The 38-year-old Henson continued his fine form after finishing eighth and fourth in Singapore and Myanmar respectively in the last two weeks. He has enjoyed an amazing run so far after returning from a wrist injury where he was side-lined for 18 months.
Frittelli, who won the Mauritius Open in December where he defeated Arjun Atwal in a play-off, continued his hot form. He also finished tied 19th and tied sixth place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai before the Maybank Championship to break into the top-50 in the world.
Campillo of Spain eagled the first hole from 35 feet before marking his card with four birdies to head into the final 18 holes with a fighting chance to win his career’s first victory.
Did you know?
• This is Frittelli’s first Maybank Championship appearance. He enjoyed a superb 2017 season where he won twice. Since his win in Mauritius last December, he has battled tooth-and-nail to break into the top-50 in the world.
• After 54 holes, Frittelli has only dropped two bogeys. He was flawless in his round of six birdies today.
• This is Campillo’s third appearance at the Maybank Championship. He finished tied fourth in 2016 and tied 55th in last year’s showpiece.
• Joshi finished 52nd on the Order of Merit last season to secure a full Asian Tour card for the first time in his career. He has missed the cut five times in his last six appearances but has rediscovered his form this week.
• His best finish on the Asian Tour was finishing second last year at the Take Solutions Masters on his home ground in Bengaluru, India.
• Henson won his first Asian Tour title at the 2011 Philippines Open. He is the only player today to shoot two eagles for a round of 65 which was only marred by a double bogey on the 14th hole.
• He holed his first eagle from five feet and enjoyed a standing ovation on the 18th when he rolled in his 10-foot eagle putt.
• Prayad is in contention for an 11th Asian Tour title. The Thai veteran changed to a new driver and putter on Friday which helped him to a second round 65 and a 67 today.
• Overnight co-leader Phachara posted three birdies in seven holes. He bogeyed the ninth hole and returned with nine straight pars to trail the leaders by two shots.
• Ryan Fox of Australia holed-out for a magical albatross on the first hole with a six-iron from 213 yards. It was the Maybank Championship’s first albatross and 25th on the Asian Tour.
• Interestingly, the opening hole at Saujana was playing the easiest today as players recorded six eagles, one albatross, 45 birdies, 27 pars and only two bogeys.
Player Interviews:
Dylan Frittelli (Rsa) – Third Round 66 (-6), Total 201 (-15)
It was a good round. I started off a bit slow but some good birdies during the middle part of the round and that kept me going.
I said it yesterday, just patience on the greens. I think a lot of the guys are getting frustrated with the greens and I’m just trying to stay as positive as I can, and just try and speak to them nice and get the ball to go in the hole.
I don’t normally get animated but I just thought those two putts were going in and that’s why I kind had a reaction there but I’m just going to try keep doing that, get as close as I can and roll the putt in and see what happens at the end of tomorrow.
It is super bunched. A lot of Japanese guys up there, a few other Spanish guys, Jorge played great today with me and I’m not sure if we will be drawn together tomorrow but I’m excited to mix it up.
Jorge Campillo (Esp) – Third Round 66 (-6), Total 201 (-15)
It was good. I played solid for most of the round. I had a few tough holes but I managed to make the putts so overall I played solid. It is a good day.
(Eagle on hole 1) I hit a perfect driver and a nice six iron to about four or five metres and made that one. Always nice to start with eagle.
I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. It is a nice position to be and I’m excited.
Khalin Joshi (Ind) – Third Round 65 (-7), Total 202 (-14)
I feel good to play a bogey-free Saturday. I haven’t seen a Saturday in two week so I was really excited to go out there and post a good number. I’ve been making small errors lately but I found some form going into Thursday so I’m feeling good. Things are turning around and the results are showing.
I’m driving the ball well and I’m holing the four, five footer putts. My short game and driving are really showing good results. It is a bunched up leaderboard so you want to go out there and shoot a low number.
It was good to have the start I did. It made me loose a bit. (On the eagle) I hit it short of the green but I hit a perfect chip from about 20 yards into the hole. I had about 237 yards to the hole and I hit a hybrid.
I’m really looking forward to the final 18 holes because my game has finally showed up.
Berry Henson (Usa) – Third Round 65 (-7), Total 202 (-14)
I played great today, you know, I still have one more day, I feel great and my game is good. I am just enjoying playing golf again.
(On the double bogey) I played a pretty safe shot and it came out swirly out of the rough and didn’t save bogey. But I knew I had a couple of birdie holes coming up so I wasn’t too worried about it.
On the first hole, I hit a bomb drive down the middle of the fairway, had about 215 meters, perfect 4-iron for me to the green and just stuck it to five feet and made that putt.
On the 18th hole , I hit a nice drive about down the right side and got a good bounce to the middle of the fairway, had 225 meters to the hole and I hit a 5-iron cut around the trees and got it to about 10 feet and with an easy putt.
I put in a lot of work after I got injured. I am super excited to be back on the Asian tour and to play again. After this week I think I’m going to need a long break since I have been playing a lot of golf since the start of the season.
Prayad Marksaeng (Tha) – Third Round 67 (-5), Total 203 (-13)
I’m very happy because I changed to a new driver and putter on Friday. I’m happy that I changed my putter because the head is heavier. It helps with the putting. The driver has also helped me find more fairways. You need straight drivers here to have a good score. I’ve been struggling with the putter in the last two weeks so that’s why I decided to change.
Phachara Khongwatmai (Tha) – Third Round 70 (-2), Total 203 (-13)
I started very good on the first nine but I missed a few putts on the back. Golf is like this but I’m very happy with my two-under. My game plan is to shoot under-par every day and I’ve done that the last three days.
If I can make putts, anything can happen. Honestly, I’m not feeling very confident because of my putter. On the first day, I struggled with my long irons and started to do well after practising. So now I will go to the practice greens and work on my putting.
Scores after round 3 of the Maybank Championship being played at the par 72, 7135 Yards Saujana GCC course (am – denotes amateur):
201 – Jorge CAMPILLO (ESP) 69-66-66, Dylan FRITTELLI (RSA) 69-66-66.
202 – Berry HENSON (USA) 69-68-65, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-70-65.
203 – Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 71-65-67, Ryo ISHIKAWA (JPN) 74-66-63, Hideto TANIHARA (JPN) 71-64-68, Marc WARREN (SCO) 68-66-69, Nino BERTASIO (ITA) 68-65-70, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 68-65-70.
204 – Yusaku MIYAZATO (JPN) 71-67-66, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 70-67-67, Mike LORENZO-VERA (FRA) 66-71-67, Paul PETERSON (USA) 69-70-65, Benjamin HEBERT (FRA) 69-70-65, Pablo LARRAZABAL (ESP) 70-70-64, Ryan FOX (NZL) 68-68-68, Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 72-62-70.
205 – Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 70-69-66, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 68-71-66, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 69-67-69, Thomas BJORN (DEN) 68-68-69, Thomas DETRY (BEL) 68-68-69, Romain WATTEL (FRA) 67-73-65, Yuta IKEDA (JPN) 70-64-71.
206 – Arjun ATWAL (IND) 67-71-68, Andrew JOHNSTON (ENG) 67-71-68, Scott JAMIESON (SCO) 68-69-69, Gavin GREEN (MAS) 68-69-69, Joost LUITEN (NED) 72-68-66, Maximilian KIEFFER (GER) 69-66-71, David LIPSKY (USA) 67-68-71, Chris PAISLEY (ENG) 65-69-72.
About Maybank – Humanising Financial Services
Maybank is among Asia’s leading banking groups and South East Asia’s fourth largest bank by assets. The Maybank Group has an international network of 2,400 offices in 20 countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Hong Kong SAR & People’s Republic of China, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Laos, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, Great Britain and the United States of America. The Group offers an extensive range of product and services, which includes consumer and corporate banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. It has over 44,000 employees serving more than 22 million customers worldwide.
About Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.
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Kuala Lumpur, March 23: Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat held a one-shot advantage on Saturday over former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel at the Maybank Malaysian Open which has been reduced to a 54-hole contest.
Organisers were forced to cut short the US$2.75 million championship sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour after thunderstorms disrupted play for the third successive day, with Kiradech holding the lead on 11-under-par through two holes.
The third and final round will resume on Sunday, 9.45am at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. The last time the Maybank Malaysian Open was reduced into a three-round affair was at the same venue in 2006.
Schwartzel, playing in the last group with Kiradech, trails by one while a group of seven players, who include China’s Wu Ashun, three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland, Ryder Cup star Edoardo Molinari and Anders Hansen, are a further shot back on nine-under.
Big-hitting Kiradech, dubbed Asia’s John Daly, is determined to close out the Maybank Malaysian Open after coming close three years ago when he entered the final round as the co-leader only to finish joint third.
“I’ve learned a lot from that. I’ve grown up in three years and I have learned a lot on how to play under pressure and how to play when you need to win. I think I have more experience and I hope it will help me tomorrow,” said the 23-year-old former world amateur champion.
Kiradech returned this morning to complete his second round with a 68 which gave him a two-shot lead. He birdied the first hole of the third round but bogeyed the second before play was called off at 4.02pm when the heavens opened up.
With 16 holes separating him from a second Asian Tour title, the burly Thai, who has been suffering from the effects a lingering thyroid problem, knows he holds an advantage although he expects Schwartzel to mount a big charge on Sunday.
“I feel better. You can say I have more chance to win now that it’s 54 holes. It’s a good chance for me to win my first co-sanctioned title. I still have to do my best and it’ll be tough work tomorrow. Charl is a good player. He’s a top player and he can catch up. I will just do my best. If I can keep playing like how I have been doing in the first two days, I will have a chance,” said Kiradech, who finished fourth in last week’s Avantha Masters in India and also qualified for the British Open last month.
Schwartzel, who won the Thailand Golf Championship in December and has eight European Tour titles under his belt, birdied his opening hole of the third round to signal his intent of winning his first Maybank Malaysian Open title. He also wants to keep the title in South Africa’s hands following last year’s triumph by close friend Louis Oosthuizen.
The 27-year-old Wu, bidding to become the third Chinese to win a co-sanctioned tournament after Zhang Lian-wei and Liang Wen-chong, parred his first two holes of the third round to stay two shots back of Kiradech.
“I think I still have a good chance. I’m in the championship group and the leaderboard is very tight. It is three rounds now so anything can happen. I have to go back and sleep! Hopefully I get enough rest and play well,” said Wu, who became the first Chinese to win in Japan last season.
“I have to pray hard … My game is in very good shape and I feel confident. Everything is good. I’m just happy to be in this tournament. Any finish is good for me. I don’t want to think about winning yet. I just want to stay happy,” added the smiling Chinese, who is playing on a sponsor’s invitation.
India’s Jeev Milkha Singh made a charge up the leaderboard by playing his 11 holes in five under and moving up to eight-under for the championship.
S. Murthy, one of three Malaysians to make the halfway cut, stands at six-under through four holes of his third and final round with 19-year-old amateur Gavin Green a further shot back where he is two under for his round through 10 holes.
Leading third and final round scores
-11: Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) through 2 holes
-10: Charl SCHWARTZEL (RSA) through 2 holes
-9: Anders HANSEN (DEN) through 8 holes, Edoardo MOLINARI (ITA) through 5 holes, Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL) through 4 holes, Victor DUBUISSON through 4 holes, Gregory BOURDY (FRA) through 3 holes, WU Ashun (CHN) through 2 holes
-8: Jeev Milkha SINGH(IND) through 11 holes, Peter LAWRIE (IRL) through 6 holes, Jean GONNET (FRA) through 10 holes, Alastair FORSYTH (SCO) through 8 holes, Rafa CABRERA-BELLO (ESP) through 7 holes, Tommy FLEETWOOD (ENG)
About Maybank
The Maybank Group is Malaysia’s regional financial services leader with an international network of over 2,200 offices in 20 countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China, Myanmar, Laos, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Great Britain and the United States of America.
The Group offers an extensive range of products and services, which includes commercial banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. It has over 46,000 employees serving 22 million customers worldwide.
About the Malaysian Golf Association
Founded in 1929, the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) as the sole governing body of golf in Malaysia has been entrusted to promote the game while preserving its traditions and integrity.
It’s a non-government organization that runs by volunteers who are passionate about the game with the help of a team of management staff.
The Association’s portfolios have increased over the years ranging from conducting 14 state amateur opens, national amateur open, national amateur close, Malaysian Open to processing handicaps through its National Handicap System to promoting grassroots programs and training of the athletes to represent Malaysia in the international events.
We take our responsibilities seriously in promoting the game in Malaysia while simultaneously upholding the Rules of Golf as prescribed by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A).
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.
About The European Tour
The European Tour is committed to celebrating the game of golf from the origins of the professional game, building a proud history of achievement, sportsmanship and integrity as well as showcasing our diverse global talent and rich landscapes. The European Tour’s innovative approach enables us to embrace the world, combining championships of tradition with new tournaments in the cities and countries of the future.
The European Tour International Schedule, which from 2009 has incorporated The Race to Dubai, is a thriving global brand which, in 2012, will feature a minimum of 46 tournaments spread across all five continents of the world; the European Challenge Tour focuses on the up and coming players of the future; while the European Senior Tour provides a new start for champions celebrating their 50th birthday.
The European Tour’s corporate identity features the iconic silhouette image of six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon who gives his name to The Harry Vardon Trophy, presented to the player who is crowned European Tour Number One and winner of The Race to Dubai at the end of the season.
About Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) is a member of Sime Darby Property Bhd and a propriety Club wholly-owned and operated by KLGCC Berhad. The club has won numerous accolades from both local and foreign golfing fraternity, the latest being voted the Malaysia’s Golf Club of the Year in Par Golf Awards 2011, No.1 Golf Course in Malaysia and Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2011 and HAPA Golf Course of the Year by the prestigious Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards Regional Series 2011 – 2013. Today, it has become a landmark as the most luxurious golf resort development in Malaysia and KLGCC has in recent years hosted numerous international championships such as the Maybank Malaysian Open and the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.
About GlobalOne
GlobalOne is an executive lifestyle sports marketing consultancy. We have in the past created partnerships in golf, motor racing, sailing, tennis, rugby, skiing, athletics, basketball, cycling and skiing. Today, as an event promoter, GlobalOne’s primary focus and area of sports rights ownership is professional golf.
Ends
Chiangmai, March 23: The Asian Tour’s young guns are eager to make an impression at the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT when they challenge an elite field which includes eight players inside the world’s top-200 next week.
Upcoming Thai Gunn Charoenkul, who earned his full Asian Tour card last season by finishing 32nd on the Order of Merit, Hu Mu of China, Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka and Quincy Quek of Singapore, who are all in their early 20s, will feature in the US$750,000 full-field Asian Tour event.
Multiple Major winner Ernie Els of South Africa, currently ranked 24th in the world, Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand (59th), Gaganjeet Bhullar of India (85th), Y.E. Yang of Korea (139th), Kenichi Kuboya of Japan (157th), Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand (170th), Prom Meesawat (178th) of Thailand and South African Jbe Kruger (192nd) will also feature at the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai.
The depth of the field, which includes 46 Asian Tour winners, will serve as an inspiration for Gunn, who was born into a family with strong sporting background as his father and mother represented Thailand in football and volleyball respectively.
He made the best of his limited playing opportunities on the Asian Tour last year when he missed only one cut in eight starts to earn a full card. This year, he is tipped to shine again.
“It was a brilliant season for me last year. Honestly I didn’t expect it as I was only hoping to play my way into a country exemption spot or maybe just finish inside the top-60. But I played much better than I had expected,” smiled Gunn.
“The Asian Tour has given me the opportunity to play in big events and it has opened doors for me. I get to play against the better players and hopefully I can become a better player as well,” he added.
Sri Lanka’s Perera, whose father Nandasena is a famous name on the old Asian circuit during the 1980s and 1990s, hopes the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT will be a special week.
“I think everybody has a chance to win a tournament. All you need is one good week. If you can go really low then you have a chance to win. I feel that I can do that as well. My father Nandasena is a legend and he is my coach too. The Sri Lankan people cheer for me and give me a lot of well wishes. I’m so happy to be the first Sri Lankan to have a full Asian Tour card,” said Perera.
Rikard Karlberg of Sweden, Anirban Lahiri of India, winner of the SAIL-SBI Open in India two weeks ago, Arnond Vongvanij of Thailand, Masanori Kobayashi of Japan, David Lipsky of the United States and bit-hitting Kiradech Aphibarnrat are also in the elite field.
Former US Open champion Michael Campbell of New Zealand will also feature in the Chiangmai Golf Classic as with Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand, winner of the season-opening Zaykabar Myanmar Open.
Other local hopes include Prom Meesawat, Boonchu Ruangkit and Prayad Marksaeng, all winners on the Asian Tour which is celebrating its milestone 10th season in 2013.
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), 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. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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