Perth, Australia, February 10: The draw for the final round of the ISPS World Super 6 Perth has been released, setting up an exciting finale to the unique event at Lake Karrinyup Country Club.

The leading 24 players have qualified for the knockout matchplay, with the top eight players receiving a first-round bye.

All knockout matches will be played over six holes of Lake Karrinyup, at the 10th hole (par-four), 11th hole (par-five), 13th hole (par-four), 14th hole (par-four), 12th hole (par-three), 18th hole (par-four) and played in that order.

Any matches tied after the six holes will proceed to the “shootout” hole where a hole-by-hole playoff will be used to determine the winner. The player with the honour will be determined by toss of a coin or similar.

The shootout hole utilises the existing 18th green played from a new tee box located approximately 80-90 metres from the green on the right hand side of the 18th fairway.

Getting the final round underway at 7.30am local time will be local amateur and crowd favourite Min Woo Lee, who will take on the highest-ranked player in the field, world number 37 Satoshi Kodaira of Japan. Top seed Prom Meesawat awaits the winner of the opening match.

Scotland’s Grant Forrest will tackle Australia’s Matthew Millar, who has the benefit of having made last year’s match play and is one of the most consistent performers on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia. The winner will move on to face Sam Horsfield of England.

Pavit Tangkamolprasert of Thailand will face Callan O’Reilly, with Olesen to take on the winner. The Dane is experienced in this format having won the European Tour’s teams version, the Golf Sixes.

Match four is an all Aussie affair with James Nitties and Nick Cullen set to battle, while another Aussie Dimi Papadatos awaits in the second round.

Marcus Fraser of Australia is paired against Poom Saksansin of Thailand. The winner of that match will face Australia’s Lucas Herbert who for the second year has earned a top-eight seeding. While in 2017 he also had a bye through to the second round, he was bundled out in his first match by rising star Phachara Khongwatmai.

Korean Yi-keun Chang and South African Zander Lombard go head-to-head, with Queenslander Brad Kennedy awaiting the victor.

Following an epic four-hole playoff win over Anthony Quayle, Thai star Kiradech Aphibarnrat will match up with young Victorian Ben Eccles. Japan’s Yusaku Myazato waits in round two.

Finally, veteran Tour Professional and local hope Stephen Leaney will take on Italian Andrea Pavan, with young American Sean Crocker waiting to see who he faces in round two.

Ends.

About the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth

To be played at Lake Karrinyup Country Club from 8-11 February, 2018 and tri-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, European Tour and Asian Tour, the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth combines 54 holes of traditional stroke play across the first three days with an exciting knockout match play format for the fourth and final round.

A regular cut will fall after 36 holes before the field is then further reduced to the top-24 players following 54 holes of regulation play, with any ties for 24th place being decided by a play-off. Those remaining players will then earn their places in the six-hole shootout.

Any matches tied after the six holes will be decided by playing the new Shootout Hole – a purpose-built 90-metre hole constructed at Lake Karrinyup, with a tee placed adjacent to the 18th fairway and utilising the 18th green.

The ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth is a golf tournament designed to retain the traditions of the game whilst appealing to a broader audience.

About ISPS HANDA

ISPS HANDA is a ‘General Incorporated Association’ based in Tokyo. ISPS HANDA was founded by Japanese philanthropist Dr. Haruhisa Handa in 2006 to support charitable causes throughout the sporting world.

ISPS HANDA’s support for golf is founded in its belief in the “power of sport” and it has fostered partnerships with golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf.

ISPS HANDA’s heritage in supporting blind and disabled golf and Dr. Handa’s interest and philanthropic contribution in golf has formed the foundation of its wider mission for golf to become a Paralympic sport.

Outside of golf, ISPS HANDA’s support extends to other sports including rowing, football, polo, bowling and the convening of discussion platforms for young leaders in sports.

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 (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.

Please visit us at:

www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com
www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf
www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
www.youtube.com/theasiantour
www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

Perth, Australia, February 9: Lee Westwood of England shot a second-round two-under-par 70 under gusty conditions to share the lead with Brett Rumford of Australia at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth on Friday.

The 44-year-old golfer overcame swirling winds to card an eagle as well as four birdies at Lake Karrinyup Country Club. However, he dropped shots at the first, ninth, 13th and 18th before signing for an eight-under-par 136 total.

Rumford adopted a cautious approach in the second round that resulted in two birdies against two bogeys. He is contented to sign for a 72, which is sufficient to keep him at the top of the leaderboard.

Prom Meesawat of Thailand was on his way to join Westwood and Rumford in tied-first, but he dropped a shot at the 18th after his approach went short and into the bunker. Nevertheless, the Thai had a commendable second round, scoring six birdies on his way to carding a 70.

Sharing third place with Prom is Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark, Lucas Herbert of Australia and Grant Forrest of Scotland. The trio shot 67, 69 and 68 respectively.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, one of the top contenders going into the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth, was four-under-par after 11 holes, but four consecutive bogeys from holes three to six brought him back to even par. He finished round two in tied-eighth.

Compatriot Pavit Tangkamolprasert scored an ace at the par-three 17th. The 28-year-old teed off using a seven-iron from 204 yards. It was his first hole-in-one in his life.

The cut after two rounds was set at even par, with 80 players progressing to round three.

Did you know:

• Lee Westwood hit eight out of 14 fairways and made 13 out of 18 greens in regulation in round two.
• He won in Australia previously, beating the legendary Greg Norman in a playoff at the 1997 Australian Open.
• His most recent professional victory was at the 2015 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters, an event on the Asian Tour.
• Brett Rumford is a two-time winner on the Asian Tour. He won last year’s ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth and the 2013 Ballentine’s Championship.
• His highest-ever position on the Official World Golf Ranking was 74th, achieved in October 2013.
• Prom Meesawat’s consistency helped him earned US$134,192 on the Asian Tour in 2017. He finished 30th on the 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit.
• In an interview with the Asian Tour in 2014, he said that his favourite female golf professional is Paula Creamer.
• Thorbjorn Olesen has won previously at Lake Karrinyup Country Club. He emerged victorious the 2014 Perth International.
• He was part of Team Europe that won the 2014 EurAsia Cup.
• Lucas Herbert qualified for The Open after finishing tied-eighth at the Singapore Open.
• He was one of Australia’ s best amateurs before he turned professional in 2015. He was the leading amateur at the 2014 Australian Open and the leading amateur at the 2014 Australian Masters.
• Kiradech Aphibarnrat missed only two fairways in round two.
• In 2013 when he won the Asian Tour Order of Merit, he earned US$1,127,855. The biggest prize cheque that year came from his win in Malaysia.

Player’s Quotes:

Lee Westwood (Eng), Second Round 70 (-2), Total 136 (-8)

It was a good day out on the golf course. It wasn’t easy out there. I know the wind can really pick up in Perth, but you don’t expect it to blow quite as strong as it has blown today.

Rumford and I haven’t given too many shots away. We made a few putts and I chipped in a couple of times. It has been fun. I hope that we get to play together again tomorrow.

I don’t look at it (being in the top eight). I was just trying to shoot as low as possible. I know, if I carry on playing like I’m playing, I’ll be thereabouts on the leaderboard. To be perfectly honest, matchplay is like a lottery sometimes. You’re going to need a lot of luck to win it.

I don’t know what to make of six-hole matchplay. Like I said, I think you’re going to need a lot of luck. I think having a six-hole matchplay is exciting for the fans. I think golf needs something like that, but I don’t know if you’re going to find out who the best player of the week is with that format. If somebody birdies the first four holes, you don’t have any time to fight back. So, it’s a very “do or die” situation over the first couple of holes.

Brett Rumford (Aus), Second Round 72 (even par), Total 136 (-8)

The golf course was as tricky as it can get. It was just rough from word “go”. Every single hole looked different compared to yesterday – the way it played, your landing areas, everything. So, it was a day just purely for concentration and just knocking them down. I’m happy to have signed for 72, I’m happy to be tied for the lead.

Pars are good scores, and parring the first six was what I did. Yeah, it was just a tough day, so I had no real expectations of scores. It was just knuckling down, and do the best you can.

Obviously, Westwood and I want to go through as the leader. You would have to lie to say that you’re not aware of your opponent. But, I’m not playing against him, I’m not changing my game plan or swing thoughts. I’m just playing golf. Tomorrow will be the same, I am just focusing on my own game and I will try to take it as deep as I can.

Prom Meesawat (Tha), Second Round 70 (-2), Total 137 (-7)

The tournament played a lot different compared to yesterday, when I teed off in the morning. I just try to get myself in a good position and make as many birdies as I can. I made two good birdies on the front nine, which helped me a lot. I also hit a lot of good iron shots. When it’s windy, you can make a lot of mistakes. So, grabbing the opportunities for birdies will help you a lot.

It’s not really mentally taxing for me, despite the conditions. I just try to keep the ball below the tree line. I did very well today and I’m happy to shoot under par under these conditions.

Being in the top eight is going to help. But there’s still a lot of golf to play. There are plenty of good players left as well. I’m just going to stick to my game and try to do my best.

Thorbjorn Olesen (Den), Second Round 67 (-5), Total 137 (-7)

Yeah, the round was difficult. It was quite breezy this morning and the wind picked up in the last hour or so. With that in mind, I’m very happy with my score. I think it’s going to be tough for the guys this afternoon.

The course is firming up a little bit also, so it will be difficult for players to get it close to the pin. But obviously, if you’re playing really, really well, you can shoot a low score.

I really like this golf course. Last year I just had a bad Saturday. I’ll try to do things differently tomorrow. It would be nice to win the stroke play first and then, do well on Sunday. And, I’m going to play a little bit differently if I make it to Sunday, that’s for sure.

Lucas Herbert (Aus), Second Round 69 (-3), Total 137 (-7)

I think the score doesn’t really reflect how hard it was out there. It was so tough with that wind! Actually, I thought that I didn’t play well, so to finish at three-under-par, I’m stoked!

I really like this course. The greens, the layout, the length of holes – everything just set up really well for me, which is why I love coming here every year.

I would love to put myself in that top eight again so that I can just observe the first round of matchplay and give myself a little break in the morning.

Last year, going into the matchplay round, we didn’t prepare to the level it needed to be. But it’s really well-structured now and the team has done a really good job of figuring out what works for me. The preparation problems that happened last year won’t be happening again.

I wasn’t going let that double bogey (at sixth) get to my head. [He birdied the next hole]. I think I got away with it a little because on that seventh tee, we were watching the guys in front of us tee off. So, I had a bit of time to sit there and let that one (the double bogey) go. It shows how far I’ve come mentally.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha), Second Round 72 (even-par), Total 139 (-5)

I started the round pretty well, as I was four-under-par after 11 holes. Then, after the turn, I had four bogeys in a row, which was quite disappointing. I was striking the ball very well, so to see it bounce into the bunker was just hard to accept. I didn’t putt well too. I missed putts within 10 feet at about six holes.

Well, the wind did pick up, which made it more difficult out there. But overall, I wasn’t playing my best game.

I know that the target on everyone’s mind is to get to the top eight or top 24. But for me, I will always try to perform to the best of my abilities every time I come out to play. I aim to play well in front of the spectators who come out to support me.

Scores after round 2 of the ISPS HANDA WORLD SUPER 6 PERTH being played at the par 72, 7143 Yards Lake Karrinyup GC course (am – denotes amateur):

136 – Brett Rumford (AUS) 64-72, Lee Westwood (ENG) 66-70.

137 – Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) 70-67, Lucas Herbert (AUS) 68-69, Prom Meesawat (THA) 67-70, Grant Forrest (SCO) 69-68.

138 – Zander Lombard (RSA) 68-70.

139 – Anthony Quayle (AUS) 71-68, Sean Crocker (USA) 70-69, Adam Blyth (AUS) 73-66, Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 67-72, Andrea Pavan (ITA) 73-66, Min Woo Lee (am, AUS) 69-70.

140 – Wade Ormsby (AUS) 67-73, Yi-keun Chang (KOR) 67-73, Jack Wilson (AUS) 73-67, Sam Horsfield (ENG) 68-72, Yusaku Miyazato (JPN) 70-70, Nick Cullen (AUS) 72-68, Jason Scrivener (AUS) 67-73.

141 – David Bransdon (AUS) 71-70, Satoshi Kodaira (JPN) 70-71, Brad Kennedy (AUS) 69-72, Julien Guerrier (FRA) 74-67, Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 70-71, Daniel Fox (AUS) 69-72, Stephen Leaney (AUS) 69-72, Ben Eccles (AUS) 72-69, Seung-Su Han (USA) 68-73.

142 – Richard Green (AUS) 69-73, Marcus Fraser (AUS) 68-74, Dimitrios Papadatos (AUS) 69-73, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 68-74, Jake McLeod (AUS) 72-70, James Nitties (AUS) 66-76, Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 72-70, Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA) 71-71, Charlie Ford (ENG) 69-73, Matthew Griffin (AUS) 70-72, Steven Brown (ENG) 72-70, Daisuke Kataoka (JPN) 67-75, Jens Fahrbring (SWE) 68-74.

Ends.

About the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth

To be played at Lake Karrinyup Country Club from 8-11 February, 2018 and tri-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, European Tour and Asian Tour, the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth combines 54 holes of traditional stroke play across the first three days with an exciting knockout match play format for the fourth and final round.

A regular cut will fall after 36 holes before the field is then further reduced to the top-24 players following 54 holes of regulation play, with any ties for 24th place being decided by a play-off. Those remaining players will then earn their places in the six-hole shootout.

Any matches tied after the six holes will be decided by playing the new Shootout Hole – a purpose-built 90-metre hole constructed at Lake Karrinyup, with a tee placed adjacent to the 18th fairway and utilising the 18th green.

The ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth is a golf tournament designed to retain the traditions of the game whilst appealing to a broader audience.

About ISPS HANDA

ISPS HANDA is a ‘General Incorporated Association’ based in Tokyo. ISPS HANDA was founded by Japanese philanthropist Dr. Haruhisa Handa in 2006 to support charitable causes throughout the sporting world.

ISPS HANDA’s support for golf is founded in its belief in the “power of sport” and it has fostered partnerships with golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf.

ISPS HANDA’s heritage in supporting blind and disabled golf and Dr. Handa’s interest and philanthropic contribution in golf has formed the foundation of its wider mission for golf to become a Paralympic sport.

Outside of golf, ISPS HANDA’s support extends to other sports including rowing, football, polo, bowling and the convening of discussion platforms for young leaders in sports.

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 (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.

Please visit us at:

www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com
www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf
www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
www.youtube.com/theasiantour
www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

Singapore, March 25: Thailand’s rising star Kiradech Aphibarnrat believes his ‘birth’ on the Asian Tour has made him a winner that he has always wanted to be following his biggest career win at the Maybank Malaysian Open last weekend.
Despite having to battle the elements and a thyroid disease, the 23-year-old showed he can match up against the best in the world when he outplayed the likes of Major winners such as South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington as well as Ryder Cup star Edoardo Molinari of Italy to lift the Seagram Trophy.
With his winner’s prize cheque of US$458,330, Kiradech propelled to the top of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit- a position where he is determined to be in when the season comes to a close at the end of the year.
“It’s the Tour (Asian Tour) where I was born. I’m 24 this year and I’ve got another 20 years to play. I’ll try to win as much as I can. I’ve three Tours to play on now (Asian Tour, Japan Tour, European Tour) and my focus will be to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit,” said Kiradech
Dubbed Asia’s John Daly due to his physique and style of play, Kiradech has raised the bar higher and is setting his sights on joining the exclusive Major winner’s club, much like his namesake.
“I’ll try to win a Major event. I cannot say when it is but I’ll try my best. I just play for fun. I don’t have any routine. I’m happy with the name, John Daly of Asia. He won a Major event and I’m proud someone has called me that,” said Kiradech.
Kiradech’s early season success has seen him notched two top-five finishes and a win in only three starts on the region’s premier Tour, which is celebrating its 10 season in 2013.
The Thai will also be making his maiden appearance at The Open Championship after he won the International Final Qualifying – Asia in Thailand earlier this month
Kiradech’s quick rise since his amateur days where he was crowned World Junior Champion on two occasions can be credited to the unity and close bond he shares with his fellow compatriots.
“The Thai pro golfers, we stay like family. Boonchu Ruangkit, Thaworn Wiratchant, Prom Meesawat, and Thongchai Jaidee, they all provide valuable advice to the younger generation,” said Kiradech.
“Boonchu and Thongchai teach me a lot and have always stressed not to put too much pressure on myself. I played the World Cup with Thongchai and I felt bad when I missed a shot but he would always tell me never to give up,” said Kiradech, whose partnership with the three-time Order of Merit winner saw them finish their World Cup campaign in tied-18th place in 2011.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar meanwhile slipped to second place on the Order of Merit after missing the cut in Malaysia while China’s Liang Wen-chong is in third place after his season haul of US$175,909.
The Asian Tour will travel to Thailand for inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT which will be held at the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai from March 28-31. Major champions Y.E Yang, Ernie Els and Michael Campbell will headline the US$750,000 full field Asian Tour event.
Asian Tour Order of Merit – Top-20
Pos      Player Earnings (US$)
1          Kiradech APHIBARNRAT   (THA)         $594,230.00
2          Gaganjeet BHULLAR   (IND)                $262,648.57
3          LIANG Wen-chong   (CHN)                  $175,909.00
4          BAEK Seuk-hyun   (KOR)                      $122,998.50
5          Joonas GRANBERG   (FIN)                   $80,812.83
6          Anirban LAHIRI   (IND)                        $74,124.00
7          Scott HEND   (AUS)                              $72,915.00
8          Chawalit PLAPHOL   (THA)                  $70,971.00
9          Jeev Milkha SINGH   (IND)                  $58,305.00
10        Berry HENSON   (USA)                        $54,526.50
11        Mithun PERERA   (SRI)                        $51,396.00
12        KIM Gi-whan   (KOR)                           $50,892.00
13        Himmat RAI   (IND)                             $49,700.00
14        Rashid KHAN   (IND)                            $49,146.00
15        Prom MEESAWAT   (THA)                   $48,784.00
16        Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL   (THA)          $45,022.50
17        Shiv KAPUR   (IND)                              $44,425.00
18        Adilson DA SILVA   (BRA)                    $44,418.00
19        Chapchai NIRAT   (THA)                      $40,523.00
20        SIDDIKUR   (BAN)                                $35,205.62
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

Perth, Australia, February 8: Brett Rumford of Australia opened with blistering eight-under-par 64 to lead by two shots at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth on Thursday.

The defending champion continued his tournament-winning form at Lake Karrinyup Country Club, carding seven birdies before making the turn at the 18th hole. He made bogeys at the first and third holes, but recovered with three more birdies before ending his round.

Lee Westwood of England, who was playing in the same group as Rumford, kept the leader in his sights at the A$1.75 million (approximately US$1.25 million) event. He carded one eagle, five birdies and a lone bogey for a 66 to grab a share of second place with Australia’s James Nitties.

Nine players shot matching 67s to share fourth place. They including Asian Tour members Nicholas Fung of Malaysia as well as Thais Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Prom Meesawat.

Fung’s putting has plagued his game recently but it was on point in the opening round of the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth. He only took 24 putts while scoring seven birdies against two bogeys.

Kiradech flew into Perth the evening prior to the tournament and did commendably well despite not being able to practice. He started the round with five birdies in his first six holes and he was able to bounce back immediately after every bogey.

Prom attributed his bogey-free round to the favourable wind condition and his sound course management. He missed only two fairways and three greens the entire round, which was highlighted by five birdies scored on the first, fourth, ninth, 11th and 13th.

Zandar Lombard made an albatross at the par-five 15th hole with a 2-iron from 210 yards. This is the 26th albatross on the Asian Tour and the second this year.

The ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth event, tri-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, European Tour and Asian Tour, is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA.

Did you know:

• Brett Rumford has a very decent record at the Lake Karrinyup Country Club. He was tied-36th in 2012, sixth in 2013, tied-19th in 2014, seventh in 2016 and first in 2017.
• He only missed two greens in regulation, at the first and third. However, he ended up making bogeys at those holes.
• Lee Westwood averaged 293.5 yards off the tee in round one.
• The lowest he has scored in his career was a 60, at the 2011 Thailand Golf Championship. Westwood went on to win the Asian Tour tournament by seven shots.
• This is Nicholas Fung’s first opening round in the 60s on the Asian Tour since his victory at last year’s Queen’s Cup, where he shot a five-under-par 66.
• Fung has plenty of matchplay experience, having played in all three editions of the EurAsia Cup. In the most recent event, he scored 1.5 points for Team Asia.
• Kiradech Aphibarnrat will be making his second appearance at the Masters Tournament this year. He qualified by virtue of finishing within the top-50 of the Official World Golf Ranking at the end of 2017.
• He finished credibly in 11th place in the 2017 Race to Dubai, ahead of household names like Henrik Stenson and Rory McIlroy.
• Prom Meesawat made it to round three at last year’s ISPS HANDA Super 6 Perth. He missed out on the final matchplay round by four shots.
• He has been very consistent of late. Prom only missed the cut once in 2017 (at the Hong Kong Open) and his best finish last year was second at the Royal Cup.

Player’s Quotes:

Brett Rumford (Aus) First Round 64 (-8)

I got off to another fast start. I think ‘Beef’ threw the first punch with a two at the first hole (the flight started at hole 10). I guess we just fed off each other from there. Lee was playing great golf like he normally does, and the greens were rolling nicely. So, if you got the ball on line rolling, you’ll probably hole it as there is no deviation to the greens.

Outside of my bogeys (at 1st and 3rd), I just had to tell myself that I’m playing good golf and just stay patient with it, as there will be plenty of birdies coming in.

When your playing partners are playing well, you just feed off one another. Plus, it was fairly scorable out there. The winds weren’t as strong as they were the last few afternoons that I’ve been out here playing.

I don’t know what it is, but definitely seems to be some kind of home course advantage, isn’t it? I’m leading, I’m inside the top 24 and that’s my only focus this week.

Lee Westwood (Eng) First Round 66 (-6)

Yeah, I played very nicely, very solidly. I hit a lot of good shots, drove the ball well, putted nicely as well without anything really going in for me. I chipped in on 15th for eagle, but other than that everything was pretty close range. The greens obviously take a bit of getting used to and learning. But it’s part of the job and I managed that, and like I say, six-under-par is a good start to the tournament.

66 is my best opening of the season. But, the season is only four tournaments in. I started the first couple of events slowly. Last week I played a lot better, shooting 62 the second round. The swing’s just getting better all the time. It’s just unfortunate I’ve got a long period of time off after this through different circumstances, and I should be working on the game and my fitness over the few weeks after this tournament.

It was nice to shoot 66. I don’t think this is a tournament where you want to be playing catch up really. You want to get yourself in the mix and try and cruise through the second and third days and get into that top 24.

Nicholas Fung (Mas) First Round 67 (-5)

I’m very happy with my round today. This is my third time playing here at the Karrinyup Country Club. The conditions are beautiful and playing in the morning, it was less breezy. That probably helped me shoot a low score. It’s a great start for me.

When I was here two days ago, the greens were pretty wet, but the groundsmen managed to dry it up prior to the tournament.

I’ve been striking the ball well. Putting’s my problem, but today, it seems that it is working. Which is why I made seven birdies today.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha) First Round 67 (-5)

Yeah, I got a really decent start, five birdies in the first six holes, which surprised me a little bit. I didn’t know the course, but I really enjoy it. I love seeing kangaroos on the golf course.

I just try to bombs, but you know, Lucas (Herbert) is one of the best players in Australia and he hit it miles. I force myself to hit hard as I can, but I still can’t as far as the kid.

I caught the Super 6 last year and it looks like great fun. It gives an opportunity for any player who made top 24 to win. I was excited when I knew that I’m getting in this week. I was trying force my manager to get a visa and I flew as early as I could to join this event. I have to thank all the organizer and sponsor for the invitation.

Prom Meesawat (Tha) First Round 67 (-5)

I’m very happy to finish the round five-under-par today. I played solid and didn’t make any mistake. But, this golf course, the pins are placed next to the bunker. So, if you miss it on the wrong side, it’s going to be very tough.

Everything went well today. I drove well and the wind direction today helped me a bit. At the long holes, it was downwind. That makes it play a bit easier. At the 18th, if you play into the wind, you need a long club to get to the greens. The difference can be as much as five clubs!

The last hole, I hit a great second shot and nearly holed it. There was nothing really special today, actually. I hit fairways and greens and made some good putts.

There is still a lot of golf to play. There’s a different format this week and I’m aiming to get into the top 24. Let’s see how it goes. It’s going to be great fun if I do get to Sunday.

Leading scores after round 1 of the ISPS HANDA WORLD SUPER 6 PERTH being played at the par 72, 7143 Yards Lake Karrinyup GC course (am – denotes amateur):

64 – Brett Rumford (AUS).

66 – Lee Westwood (ENG), James Nitties (AUS).

67 – Jason Scrivener (AUS), Sebastien Gros (FRA), Prom Meesawat (THA), Daisuke Kataoka (JPN), Nicholas Fung (MAL), Wade Ormsby (AUS), Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA), Yi-keun Chang (KOR), Gareth Paddison (NZL).

68 – David Lipsky (USA), Zander Lombard (RSA), Seung-Su Han (USA), Jens Fahrbring (SWE), Marcus Fraser (AUS), Lucas Herbert (AUS), Jazz Janewattananond (THA), Sam Horsfield (ENG).

69 – Daniel Fox (AUS), Stephen Leaney (AUS), Min Woo Lee (am, AUS), Austin Connelly (CAN), Charlie Ford (ENG), Mark Brown (NZL), Jarryd Felton (AUS), Taylor Macdonald (AUS), Grant Forrest (SCO), Richard Green (AUS), Brad Kennedy (AUS), Dimitrios Papadatos (AUS).

70 – Yusaku Miyazato (JPN), Matthew Griffin (AUS), Ryan Fox (NZL), Satoshi Kodaira (JPN), Chase Koepka (USA), Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN), Sean Crocker (USA), Ryan Evans (ENG), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA), Natipong Srithong (THA).

Ends.

About the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth

To be played at Lake Karrinyup Country Club from 8-11 February, 2018 and tri-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, European Tour and Asian Tour, the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth combines 54 holes of traditional stroke play across the first three days with an exciting knockout match play format for the fourth and final round.

A regular cut will fall after 36 holes before the field is then further reduced to the top-24 players following 54 holes of regulation play, with any ties for 24th place being decided by a play-off. Those remaining players will then earn their places in the six-hole shootout.

Any matches tied after the six holes will be decided by playing the new Shootout Hole – a purpose-built 90-metre hole constructed at Lake Karrinyup, with a tee placed adjacent to the 18th fairway and utilising the 18th green.

The ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth is a golf tournament designed to retain the traditions of the game whilst appealing to a broader audience.

About ISPS HANDA

ISPS HANDA is a ‘General Incorporated Association’ based in Tokyo. ISPS HANDA was founded by Japanese philanthropist Dr. Haruhisa Handa in 2006 to support charitable causes throughout the sporting world.

ISPS HANDA’s support for golf is founded in its belief in the “power of sport” and it has fostered partnerships with golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf.

ISPS HANDA’s heritage in supporting blind and disabled golf and Dr. Handa’s interest and philanthropic contribution in golf has formed the foundation of its wider mission for golf to become a Paralympic sport.

Outside of golf, ISPS HANDA’s support extends to other sports including rowing, football, polo, bowling and the convening of discussion platforms for young leaders in sports.

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 (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.

Please visit us at:

www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com
www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf
www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
www.youtube.com/theasiantour
www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

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.

Perth, Australia, February 6: Paul Peterson of the United States will be chasing for more glory when he makes his debut appearance at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth which starts on Thursday.

The 29-year-old American enjoyed a remarkable start to the season, breaking into the winner’s circle for the first time on the Asian Tour after emerging victorious in Myanmar a fortnight ago.

Placed second on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, Peterson hopes to close in on leader Shubhankar Sharma with a good performance at the Lake Karrinyup Country Club.

Brett Rumford of Australia secured a dominant win last year, topping the leaderboard after the 54-hole stroke play before beating all his opponents in the matchplay round. He is looking forward to defending his title and retain his trophy on home soil this week.

Moving away from the traditional four-day stroke play format, the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth will combine 54 holes of traditional stroke play across the first three days with an exciting knockout match play format for the fourth and final round.

Shiv Kapur of India likens the new format in Perth to cricket’s T20. He reckons that golf can only benefit from the change. The Indian golfer hopes to put together a more solid weekend performance here compared to the tournaments in Singapore, Myanmar and Malaysia.

Lee Westwood of England, along with Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston and Masters champion Danny Willet, are amongst the marquee names for the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth, which is featuring a world-first innovative format for the second consecutive year.

Westwood, who enjoyed a tied-11th place finish in Malaysia last week, will be looking to extend his good form when he steps up to the tee for the A$1.75 million (approximately US$1.25 million) event.

The ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth event, tri-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, European Tour and Asian Tour, is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA.

Did you know:

• Paul Peterson won his first Asian Tour title n Myanmar two weeks ago.
• Peterson recorded the lowest stroke average on Tour in 2017. He took 69.58 strokes per round.
• Peterson is a left-handed golfer. He started playing on the Asian Tour after making the mark at the 2014 Qualifying School. He went on to finish 22nd on the Asian Tour Order of Merit that year.
• Brett Rumford won a professional golf tournament as an amateur back in 1999. He turned professional a year later and has since won six times on the European Tour.
• Last year, he beat Hideto Tanihara, Wade Ormsby, Adam Bland and Phachara Khongwatmai enroute to his victory.
• Shiv Kapur is the only golfer to win multiple Asian Tour titles in 2017. He won in Chinese Taipei, India and Thailand.
• He also had reasons to celebrate off the fairways, as his wife gave birth to his daughter in 2017.
• World number 73 Lee Westwood holds a total of nine victories on the Asian Tour.He has just been announced as the ISPS HANDA Golf ambassador, joining the likes of Dame Laura Davis, Lydia Ko, Padraig Harrington and Hideto Tanihara.

Player’s Quotes:

Paul Peterson (Usa)

All the players enjoy coming out here. It’s Mackenzie-designed and they are one of the best designers in the world. I understand that there are some changes to the greens and bunkers over at the front nine, so I’m excited to get out there to check out the changes. The wind is strong, so it’s all down to course management. I’m practicing my punch shots, getting my wedges down in the lower window and taking some spin off the ball.

The new format is great for golf. The players wish that there are more matchplay events, actually. For me, I like going head-to-head against somebody. Although, the worst thing that could happen is when you lead after 54 holes and then lose your first match. Otherwise, it’s a cool hybrid format. After three days of stroke play, you have to make that switch in the final round, which is fun. It should be an exciting week.

I think I started the year well. In Singapore, I missed the cut by a shot. I hit some good shots in Singapore, which showed up in Myanmar. I had a string of top-10 finishes last year and after my win in Myanmar, I’m really feeling good about the direction of my game. I’ve got my equipment dialed to where I want to be and I’m playing solid golf right now.

I’m ready to go (after my first victory) and I’m playing to win whenever I’m teeing up now. I’m excited for the events in the coming year. Winning the Habitat for Humanity Standings is definitely on the goal sheet.

Brett Rumford (Aus)

I feel good. I just played a couple of nine holes the last couple of days. The golf course is looking great. The wind’s up, which is good as makes for an interesting test of golf, I think. I just had the last week off, so I’m good to go.

There’s been some changes to the front nine, but all the matchplay is on the back so essentially, we’ve got the same golf course as last year in the same conditions. The format is quite physically demanding as well as mentally, especially when you’re trying to play for a championship. So, it’s quite a unique tournament in that respect. But last year was definitely a challenge. It was great to overcome it and take my first win in my home state, so it would be great to replicate it.

It’s a great field this week. There are a lot of great players. Obviously, “Beef” (Andrew Johnston) is coming down to play, which is great news as he’s one hell of a player. Obviously Lee Westwood and Danny Willet are household names so they’re always a threat.

But every player in this event, once the matchplay begins, is a threat. If you get off to a slow start or someone gets off to a fast start, which every single player in this field is capable of doing, then you’re on the back foot, so everyone’s a threat this week with the format.

Shiv Kapur (Ind)

I love this golf course. Two years ago, I was leading here after the first day. It tests every aspect of your game. For one, you have to be able to shape your shots both ways off the tees. It’s one of my favourite golf courses on Tour, which is why I chose to come down.

As for the format, you have something to play for to get to Saturday, and on Saturday, you have to play to get to the top 24. Once you make it to Sunday, it’s a bit of a lottery, but nevertheless, you have to be on top of your game from the first hole.The format is what golf needs. This is golf’s version of cricket’s T20. The format debut really well last year and I’m glad to be part of it.

The format is what golf needs. This is golf’s version of cricket’s T20. The format debut really well last year and I’m glad to be part of it.

To be honest, about my game, I was shedding my game rust over the last few weeks. I put myself into contention in Singapore, then faded over the weekend. Last week as well, I didn’t have a very good Sunday. The good thing is that I’m putting myself in contention even though I’m not playing very well. You can’t play well every single week, I guess. Hopefully, I can find that little something that I’m missing this week and put myself back in the hunt.

My short game has been pretty sharp. My long game, which is typically my strength, has let me down the last couple of weeks. I hope to rediscover my driver and my number one goal is to make it to Sunday.

Lee Westwood (Eng)

Well, it’s been a while since I’ve been down to Australia. I think it was a couple years ago I played the Australian Open, and I’ve always enjoyed coming down here. Australia is just a great place to come and play, especially this time of year when the weather’s miserable at home. It’s a nice run of four tournaments for me to start the year, with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Malaysia and then here.

Obviously, I heard a lot about the format as well. I do well at stroke play and matchplay, so it’s nice to see somebody use their initiative and combine the two. I watched a little bit on television last year and it looks like an exciting format. Lake Karrinyup’s a great golf course. I like the old traditional‑style golf courses – tree‑lined and great bunkering and lovely greens.

I think it’s a format where you sort of got to adopt a more aggressive approach. It’s no good edging your way in, I think you’ve got to come out as fast as you can and obviously make the cut on Friday night, but then getting in that top 24, so you might as well be aggressive and go for everything. I like the quickness of the six‑hole match play, that’s once again fast and furious, and you want to get off to a fast start in that, too, so I’ll try and make that my approach.

I think matchplay is a more mental game than stroke play, so mentally you have to be sharp and on your game for the matchplay stages. But like I said, it’s just so fast and furious, six holes, that you probably won’t have that much time to think. So, it’s just a case of coming out and hitting good shots early on and making putts and getting up and getting the momentum, I think, more than anything.

Ends.

About the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth

To be played at Lake Karrinyup Country Club from 8-11 February, 2018 and tri-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, European Tour and Asian Tour, the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth combines 54 holes of traditional stroke play across the first three days with an exciting knockout match play format for the fourth and final round.

A regular cut will fall after 36 holes before the field is then further reduced to the top-24 players following 54 holes of regulation play, with any ties for 24th place being decided by a play-off. Those remaining players will then earn their places in the six-hole shootout.

Any matches tied after the six holes will be decided by playing the new Shootout Hole – a purpose-built 90-metre hole constructed at Lake Karrinyup, with a tee placed adjacent to the 18th fairway and utilising the 18th green.

The ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth is a golf tournament designed to retain the traditions of the game whilst appealing to a broader audience.

About ISPS HANDA

ISPS HANDA is a ‘General Incorporated Association’ based in Tokyo. ISPS HANDA was founded by Japanese philanthropist Dr. Haruhisa Handa in 2006 to support charitable causes throughout the sporting world.

ISPS HANDA’s support for golf is founded in its belief in the “power of sport” and it has fostered partnerships with golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf.

ISPS HANDA’s heritage in supporting blind and disabled golf and Dr. Handa’s interest and philanthropic contribution in golf has formed the foundation of its wider mission for golf to become a Paralympic sport.

Outside of golf, ISPS HANDA’s support extends to other sports including rowing, football, polo, bowling and the convening of discussion platforms for young leaders in sports.

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 (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.

Please visit us at:

www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com
www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf
www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
www.youtube.com/theasiantour
www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

Sentosa, Singapore, February 5: From joining the play-for-pay ranks at a tender age of 16 to becoming the leading Indian golfer in the world, Shubhankar Sharma’s rise up the ranks of professional golf has been nothing short of spectacular.
 
It has been an amazing journey for Sharma, who joins a successful line of golfers from India after claiming his second victory in two months on the Asian Tour and the European Tour at the co-sanctioned Maybank Championship on Sunday.
 
Sharma closed with a brilliant 10-under-par 62 to seal the deal at the Saujana Golf and Country Club, taking home his career’s biggest prize purse yet of US$500,000 to move atop the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings and lead the Race to Dubai on the European Tour.
 
“The last two months have changed my life. I’ve always dreamt of winning and now I’m a two-time winner on the Asian Tour and European Tour,” said Sharma, who rose to a career-high 72nd place on the latest Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
 
The young Indian broke through in sensational style at the Joburg Open last December and earned for himself a coveted spot at The Open at Carnoustie this July where he will be making his Major debut.
 
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. More and more players are coming out of Asia and India. 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. I am sure you will see more and more Asian players winning in Europe,” Sharma added.
 
Prior to turning professional, Sharma was the number one junior golfer in his country. He plied his trade on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) after missing the mark in his first attempt at the Asian Tour Qualifying School in 2014. He claimed his first top-five result on the Asian Tour on home soil that year.
 
Sharma enjoyed several starts on the region’s premier Tour through his country exemption category in 2015 before earning his Asian Tour card in what was his second attempt at the Qualifying School in 2016.
 
Sharma kept his card for the 2017 season after finishing 51st on the money list, thanks largely to an impressive top-five finish in the Philippines where he closed with a 62. His career has been on the upswing since, notching four top-10s in 2017 before winning in South Africa.
 
Another standout coming through the Indian golf ranks is the 25-year-old Khalin Joshi, who enjoyed a solid tied-fifth result at the US$3 million Maybank Championship.
 
Joshi, who was Sharma’s roommate last week, took home US$92,880 to move to tied-fifth on the Habitat for Humanity Standings where he virtually sealed his Asian Tour card for the 2019 season.
 
I kept myself together all week. I didn’t go as low as I could have but there are so many positives from last 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 was a good week for me.
 
“I was struggling to keep my card just last year and last week, 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 are good friends and I learn a lot from him and it motivates me to work harder and be up there with him,” said Joshi.
 
American Paul Peterson, who claimed his first Asian Tour title in Myanmar a fortnight ago and came in tied-11th in Malaysia, sits in second place on the Merit rankings with earnings of US$135,000.
 
Berry Henson, also of the United States, continues his remarkable comeback from wrist injury with a third straight top-10 result of the season in Malaysia. He remains in third place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings with a current haul of US$118,112.
 
The Tour heads down under for the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth this week. The event, tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the European Tour and the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, will take place at the Lake Karrinyup Country Club from February 8 to 11.

Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings – Top-20
Pos Player Order of Merit (US$)
1. Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 500,000            
2. Paul PETERSON (USA) 182,900       
3. Berry HENSON (USA) 118,112        
4. Shaun NORRIS (RSA) 112,200         
5. Khalin JOSHI (IND) 92,880  
5. Hideto TANIHARA (JPN) 92,880      
7. Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) 67,412            
8. Danthai BOONMA (THA) 67,400    
9. Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 48,391
10. Shiv KAPUR (IND) 44,650
11. Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 43,000            
12. Arjun ATWAL (IND) 40,041           
13. Gavin GREEN (MAS) 37,712          
14. Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 36,850
14. David LIPSKY (USA) 36,850            
16. Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 31,650   
17. Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 30,685
18. Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 30,550
19. Scott VINCENT (ZIM) 29,841
20. Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 28,024

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 (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 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. 

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.

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.

Please visit us at:

www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com

www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf

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www.youtube.com/theasiantour

www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

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.
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