Kuala Lumpur, February 5: Three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington, former Masters winner Charl Schwartzel and Italian Matteo Manassero have confirmed their participation in the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013.
The leading trio will join former world number one Luke Donald at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club from March 21-24 in the US$2.75 million event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
Schwartzel, who enjoyed a superb finish to his 2012 season with back-to-back victories, is looking forward to returning to Kuala Lumpur.
“It’s one of my favourite events of the year and I love Asia – the food, people, culture and golf courses,” he said.
The slender Schwartzel, who hails from South Africa, secured his name as one of the world’s best when he won the Masters Tournament in 2011.
Italian Manassero is definitely no stranger to the Maybank Malaysian Open. The talented golfer stunned many when he became the tournament’s youngest champion in the 2011 edition.
Irishman Harrington, who has come close to winning the Malaysian Open in the past, last competed in Malaysia in 2006. Apart from his success on the fairways, he is also a great supporter of charitable work.
Maybank Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor said, “The confirmation of these additional world top 50 players in this year’s Maybank Malaysian Open shows the strength of our event as well as Malaysia’s strong standing in the golf industry. Spectators will get to see a mix of stars, experience world-class action and be inspired at our own greens. With many renowned golfers who are expected to confirm the participation the coming weeks, I foresee spectators are in for some spectacular golf action.”
“The Maybank Malaysian Open has always been a valuable avenue for our professionals to gain experience and expose themselves to high-calibre international golfers. Our Malaysian professionals will definitely benefit from being in the same tournament as these three top golfers,” said President of MGA, Tan Sri Dato’ Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor.
The Maybank Malaysian Open is regarded as the most prestigious golf event in the country and a leading National Open in the region. The event has hosted some of the best international and regional professional golfers.
Since taking up the title sponsorship eight years ago, Maybank has successfully attracted high-caliber golfers from around the world with the likes of Rory McIIroy, Louis Oosthuizen, Martin Kaymer, Charlie Wie, Thongchai Jaidee, KJ Choi and Alvaro Quiros.
This year, the tournament ups the ante with a prize purse of USD2.75 million, an increase of USD250,000 from last year.
The Maybank Malaysian Open is the first National Open in Asia to be co-sanctioned by both the European and Asian Tours in 1999 and is part of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit and the European Tour’s Race to Dubai.
For information on the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013, visit www.maybankmalaysianopen.com or follow us on Twitter @maybankmsiaopen or #maybankmalaysianopen. Tickets for the event are available now. For information on ticketing, please go to www.ticketpro.com.my.

February 3: Jeev Milkha Singh of India had an early eagle to thank for a third round score of five-under-par 67 as he moved to tied fourth at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Saturday.
The two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner was flawless as he carded three other birdies but trails the leader Stephen Gallacher by a massive seven shots.
Korea’s Noh Seung-yul, Jbe Kruger of South Africa and Marcus Fraser of Australia were a further three shots back in tied 10th place.

February 2: Indian star Jeev Milkha Singh charged up the leaderboard at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic with a second round five-under-par 67 on Friday.
The two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner shot seven birdies against two bogeys for tied eighth on nine-under-par 135, three shots from the leader Richard Sterne of South Africa.
Jbe Kruger of South Africa was a further shot back in tied 11th place with Australian Marcus Fraser, who finished second on the Order of Merit last season.
Meanwhile at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Charlie Wi of Korea shot a sparkling eight-under-par 63 to trail halfway leader Phil Mickelson of the United States by six shots.
Ends.

Yangon, Myanmar, February 1: Asian Tour Qualifying School winner Chan Kim of the United States will lead an upbeat group of Tour graduates when they launch their first challenge for honours at the season-opening Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine later this month.
Chan led a total of 41 players to earn playing rights for the 2013 Asian Tour season from Qualifying School last week and he hopes to carry his momentum into the US$300,000 event at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club from February 21 to 24.
The Korean-American will aim to follow in the footsteps of defending champion Kieran Pratt of Australia, who won the Zaykabar Myanmar Open last season after a thrilling three-way play-off straight after Qualifying School.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Asian Tour. I live in the States but even in the States, a lot of people are talking about the Asian Tour. It’s a growing tour and I’ve heard of its good reputation. Hopefully I can get something going this season!” said Kim, who was raised in Hawaii where he won the Hawaii State Amateur Stroke Play in 2007.
Highly-rated Singaporean Choo Tze Huang believes the experience of playing and making the grade at Qualifying School, which was held in Hua Hin, Thailand, will give him the extra edge in his bid to find success on the region’s elite Tour.

“We made mistakes out there (during Qualifying School) but I’m happy I gave myself a chance to make it into the top 40. I’m just pleased that I can put myself in that position. I’ll definitely have more events to play this year. I’m looking forward to getting better and I’ll try to leave a mark on the Asian Tour,” said Choo.
Lionel Weber will also make his professional debut at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open after earning his Asian Tour card as an amateur. The Frenchman is among a cosmopolitan of international stars from over 30 different nationalities playing on the Asian Tour this season.
“I’m happy to be able to play on the Asian Tour. I arrived in Hua Hin one month ago to train and get used to the playing conditions. Perhaps that’s the reason why I am playing well these past two weeks. I’ve never been here before in Asia but I do love to travel,” said the 22-year-old.
Among the other graduates who are expected to challenge for honours at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open include Rahil Gangjee of India, Rattanon Wannasrichan of Thailand, Adam Groom of Australia, Yoshinobu Tsukada of Japan and Nicholas Fung of Malaysia.
Pratt will also feature in the event alongside previous Myanmar Open champion Boonchu Ruangkit of Thailand, who finished on the bubble in the Order of Merit last season to earn full playing rights in 2013, and Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan, winner of the 2010 Myanmar Open.
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

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

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

January 30: It has been a marathon for Jbe Kruger on the Asian Tour and he is far from the finishing line as he seeks more success in the new 2013 season.
The South African, who is an avid runner like his father, has endured the highs-and-lows on the Asian Tour but he has taken everything in stride and enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2012.
Known for his powerful swing despite his small physique, Kruger settled for three runner-up finishes in 2010 and became known as the nearly man until he shed the tag with an impressive victory at the 2012 Avantha Masters in India.
The victory in the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour erased the agonizing defeat at the 2010 Brunei Open where he lost in a play-off to Siddikur of Bangladesh and it was no surprise that he dedicated the win to his family.
“They sacrificed everything for me, sacrificed their whole lives for me so I think that’s what made me the man that I am,” said Kruger.
“It was a huge relief when I won after coming so close before. My parents weren’t at the Avantha Masters but it was still a good reward for me after all my hard work,” he added.
Kruger led the Order of Merit race following his win at the Avantha Masters and he was in the running to win the crown before finishing third on the Merit list with a haul of US$474,988.
Reflecting on his childhood, Kruger recalled how he would run up small hills with a tractor wheel in tow to build up his power and strength.
“I’m small but I think I’m strong. It definitely comes from my hips. It’s a part that’s strong and I’ve got strong hands. It helps. I work out a lot. Growing up with a father than runs every day of his life, I also ran competitively until I was 16 or 17.
“If you do that, you also have to do uphill runs. I saw him doing that. It’s not just running long distances. Running uphill and dragging something at the back definitely makes you stronger. That’s what I did.
“I used to drag along a tractor tire up a gravel road. It was like some 500 yards uphill but we would go up and down, up and down, up and down. It’s never easy. I don’t do it at the moment but I should start doing it again! That made me a lot stronger than what I would have been,” said Kruger.
At the age of 26, Kruger has a long run ahead of him but he is relishing the sprint even if it is with a tractor wheel!
Click here for the full interview with Jbe Kruger which was filmed on the Asian Tour Golf Show.
Ends.

Greater Noida, India, January 30: The Avantha Masters will be played at a new venue and on a different date in 2013 when the fourth edition of the tournament is held from March 14-17 at the Greg Norman-designed Jaypee Greens Golf Course, in Greater Noida near Delhi, India.
The demanding 7,347 yards, par-72 Championship Course at Jaypee Greens Golf Course, which opened in 2000, is the only course in India designed by two-time Major Champion Norman.
Located approximately one hour from Delhi airport, the course features several water hazards and bunkering reminiscent of classic Melbourne sand belt courses.
Jaypee Greens GC takes over the staging of the Avantha Masters from DLF Golf and Country Club, which hosted the €1.8million event in 2010 (won by Andrew Dodt), 2011 (S.S.P. Chowrasia) and 2012 (Jbe Kruger).
The tournament will again be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tours and European Tour and will comprise an increased field of 156 players, with 61 provided by Asian Tour, 61 by The European Tour, 28 by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and the final six allocated to sponsor’s invitations.
The onsite event execution will continue to be operated by IMG Reliance, which has successfully implemented the event for the previous three editions.
Gautam Thapar, Chairman and CEO of The Avantha Group, said: “Following three hugely successful stagings of the Avantha Masters, we are delighted to sponsor the tournament for the fourth successive year. As one of India’s biggest business conglomerates we are rightly proud to be associated with a professional golf tournament of this magnitude and stature, and we look forward to the next edition in March 2013 and the chance it provides to help grow the game across the country.”
Padamjit Sandhu, Director of the PGTI, said: “The Avantha Masters gives Indian golfers the best possible platform to test themselves against some of the world’s best golfers. Following the recent success of the likes of Jeev Milkha Singh, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shiv Kapur, Jyoti Randhawa and S.S.P. Chowrasia, the game of golf has never been more popular in India, and I have no doubt that the fourth edition of the Avantha Masters will again showcase India’s ability to stage a world-class tournament.”
Vidya Basarkod, President (Sales & Marketing) of Jaypee Greens Golf Course, said: “We feel proud and privileged to be hosting the fourth edition of the Avantha Masters on our golf course, as we believe the tournament will help showcase our beautiful property to the watching world. In particular, the last three holes should help to provide a suitably dramatic finish, and everyone associated with the club is truly excited to see how some of the world’s best players fare over a course which we hope will provide a true test of their skills.”
Keith Waters, The European Tour’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “The success of both the Avantha Masters and its leading players is testament to golf’s popularity in India, an increasingly influential country in a sporting and business context. We should thank our co-sanctioning partners at the Asian Tour and the PGTI, as well as the title sponsors Avantha and the new host venue Jaypee Greens Golf Course, which we feel will provide a fitting stage for another top class tournament in March.”
Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman of the Asian Tour, said: “On behalf of our talented players, we look forward to returning to the Avantha Masters, which is one of the most prestigious events on the Asian Tour Schedule. Asian Tour members have done well at the Avantha Masters since its inaugural event in 2010, and we expect our players to continue their fine run in 2013.
“As the richest tournament in India, the Avantha Masters is regarded highly in Asia and I would like to express our fullest appreciation to our title sponsor Avantha for their wonderful contribution to the game. With our sanctioning partners PGTI and The European Tour, the Asian Tour will continue to play the lead role in developing professional golf at the highest level in the region.”
Defending champion Jbe’ Kruger said: “Winning your first European Tour event is always special, and I can’t wait to go back to India to defend my Avantha Masters title in March. It’s a great country with great people, and I’ve got some very fond memories of my victory in Delhi last year. I haven’t played Jaypee Greens but have heard great things about it, and if it’s anything like as good as last year’s, then we’re in for a real treat.”
Admission to the tournament, which has been moved back a month from its traditional February slot, will again be free of charge.
About Avantha:
The US$4 billion Avantha Group is one of India’s leading business conglomerates. Its successful entities include BILT, Crompton Greaves, The Global Green Company, Avantha Power & Infrastructure, Biltech Building Elements, Salient Business Solutions, and Avantha Technologies. With an impressive global footprint, Avantha operates in more than 20 countries, employing 22,000 people worldwide. The Group has business interests in diverse areas including power transmission and distribution equipment and services, paper and pulp, energy and infrastructure, food processing, farm forestry, chemicals, IT and ITES. Led by Gautam Thapar, Avantha demonstrates strong leadership globally and emerges as a focused corporate, leveraging its knowledge, leadership and operations, adding lasting value for its stakeholders and investors. For more information on Avantha group, please visit www.avanthagroup.com.
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Cityneon (Official Event Overlay Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

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

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