Kapur to bring winning form to #SingOpen2018

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Shah Alam, Malaysia, January 12: Team Asia enjoyed its best opening day performance in the history of the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM by leading 3 ½- 2 ½ against Team Europe on Friday.

Team Asia has never led in the past two editions of the EurAsia Cup but their Fourballs performances showed the continent is ready to challenge for its first win at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.

Korea’s Byeonghun An and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat suffered a 4&3 defeat to the English pair of Tommy Fleetwood and Paul Casey in the opening match.

However, the tide was immediately turn with Malaysia’s Gavin Green combining effectively with Japan’s Yuta Ikeda in the second match to beat Belgium’s Thomas Pieters and England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick 2&1.

Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai and Japan’s Hideto Tanihara then landed another blow to Team Europe’s EurAsia Cup title defence by defeating Sweden’s Alex Noren and Ireland’s Paul Dunn by two holes.

The biggest upset of the day came when Korea’s Sunghoon Kang and Thailand’s Poom Saksansin brought down Major winner Henrik Stenson and France’s Alexander Levy comprehensively with a 5&4 victory.

India’s Anirban Lahiri and S.S.P. Chawrasia struggled against Ross Fisher and Tyrrell Hatton, losing 5&4 to the English duo.

But it was China’s Li Haotong, who completed a memorable day for Asia when he sunk a 15-feet birdie putt on 18 to halve his match with Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger and Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello.

Team Asian captain Arjun Atwal was thrilled with his team’s start and believes a relaxed attitude will continue to be the key to success this week.

“I’m really happy about today’s results and how the day went especially Li Haotong’s match. That was very important for me as that half point was really a psychological boost for the team.

“The players in my team are all champions and they know what to do to win. All I want them to do is to stay relaxed and continue to have fun tomorrow,” said Atwal.

Ends.

About DRB-HICOM

DRB-HICOM Berhad (“DRB-HICOM”) is one of Malaysia’s leading conglomerates with core businesses in the Automotive, Services & Education, as well as Property sectors. With more than 90 active companies in its stable and over 59,000 employees group-wide, DRB-HICOM’s aim is to continue adding value and propelling the nation’s development. In the Automotive sector, DRB-HICOM is involved in the manufacturing, assembly and distribution of passenger and commercial vehicles, including the national motorcycle. In Services & Education, DRB-HICOM is involved in various businesses, including concession and financial-related services. In Property, DRB-HICOM is involved in residential and commercial developments.

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About the European Tour

The European Tour celebrates men’s professional golf on a global stage. In 2017, the European Tour International Schedule features a minimum of 47 tournaments in 26 countries, including eight Rolex Series events, all part of the Race to Dubai.Celebrating the global connectivity of the European Tour and Dubai, the Race to Dubai is a season-long competition to crown the European Tour’s Number One player, an honour which in 2016 went to Sweden’s Henrik Stenson for the second time, and which since 2009 has also been achieved three times by Rory McIlroy, as well as by Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Luke Donald. Formerly known as the Order of Merit, points are accumulated based on prize money won, with the top 10 ranked players at the end of the season sharing a $5million Race to Dubai bonus pool.Since its formation in 1972, the European Tour has witnessed 26 Members celebrate a total of 52 Major Championship titles between them, enjoyed ten Members attaining the pinnacle of World Number One and has celebrated its diversity as players from 36 different countries have won on the Tour.The European Tour also manages the Challenge Tour, which featured 28 tournaments in 22 countries in 2016, and the Senior Tour, which featured 13 tournaments in nine countries in 2016. It is also the Managing Partner of Ryder Cup Europe, the body which, alongside the PGA of America, administers golf’s greatest team contest, The Ryder Cup.The European Tour broadcasts live coverage of its tournaments to more than 490 million homes in more than 150 countries every week, generating in excess of 2,200 global broadcast hours for each event. It also enjoys the support of many of the world’s leading business brands with Rolex, BMW, Emirates and Titleist as Official Partners.

About MMC Corporation Berhad

MMC Corporation Berhad (MMC) is a leading utilities and infrastructure group with diversified businesses under three divisions, namely ports & logistics, energy & utilities and engineering & construction.Its key businesses under the Ports and Logistics division include the operations of Port of Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd, Johor Port Berhad, Northport (Malaysia) Bhd, Penang Port Sdn Bhd, Kontena Nasional Berhad and JP Logistics. Internationally, MMC has an associate stake in Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company Limited, a container port terminal within the Jeddah Islamic Port, Saudi Arabia.Under the Energy & Utilities division, MMC is the single largest shareholder of both Malakoff Corporation Berhad and Gas Malaysia Berhad.MMC’s Engineering & Construction division has further established itself in the sector with a leading role as the Project Delivery Partner (PDP) and underground works package contractor for the 51km Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) project (Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line) and Line 2 project (Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya Line). Prior to this, MMC has successfully completed the 329km Ipoh-Padang Besar Electrified Double Tracking Project as well as the innovative Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) motorway, the first-of-its-kind dual-purpose tunnel in the world.MMC continues to make inroads in the construction industry, securing key civil and infrastructure projects in the country namely Langat Centralised Sewerage Treatment Plant, Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant, civil and infrastructure works for RAPID Pengerang Cogeneration Plant. Additionally, MMC has a 20% effective interest in Borneo Highway PDP Sdn Bhd (BHP) which has been appointed as PDP for the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Project.In other businesses, MMC owns Aliran Ihsan Resources Berhad, a water treatment plant operator and Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd, the operator of Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru; a major aviation hub and the main air transportation gateway to Iskandar Malaysia. Additionally, MMC’s Group Property arm manages close to 6,000 acres of industrial developments in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor and Kulim, Kedah, namely Senai Airport City, Tanjung Bin Petrochemical & Maritime Industrial Centre (TBPMIC) and Northern Technocity in Kulim. The Senai Airport City, TBPMIC and NTC (NTC) developments come under the ambit of Group Property’s three operating companies – Senai Airport City Sdn Bhd, Seaport Worldwide Sdn Bhd and Northern Technocity Sdn Bhd respectively.

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Rayong, Thailand, January 12: Thai prospect Sorachut Hansapiban fired a bogey-free seven-under-par 64 to grab the third-round lead by three shots at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand on Friday.

Sorachut, who is playing in his third attempt at the Qualifying School, fired seven birdies, including one from close range on 17 and an audacious chip-in birdie on 18 in fading light, at the Rayong Green Valley Country Club for a three-day total of 11-under-par 202.

Qualifying School debutant Steven Jeffress of Australia carded a 69 to move to second place on his own while his compatriot Maverick Antcliff and Shohei Hasegawa of Japan shared third on 206 following rounds of 66 and 68 respectively.

England’s William Harrold (67), American Jesse Schutte (69) and Javier Gallegos (70) of Spain were amongst those bunched a further shot back in fifth place at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage, which will be played over five rounds (90 holes) this week.

The Final Stage of the Qualifying School, which features 243 players from over 30 different countries, is played over two courses in Rayong – the Rayong Green Valley Country Club and the St. Andrews 2000.

After 72 holes, the field will be cut to the leading 70 players and ties who will then proceed to the fifth and final round held only at the Rayong Green Valley Country Club. At the conclusion of 90 holes, the top 35 players and ties will be ranked accordingly for the 2018 season.

The third round was called off for the day at 6.20pm local time due to fading light. Nine players will return to complete their rounds at 7.10am on Saturday. The fourth and penultimate round is scheduled to start at the same time with no re-draw of the players’ groups.

Did you know?

Sorachut Hansapiban is hoping to be third-time lucky, after missing the grade at the Qualifying School in his last two attempts in 2016 and 2017.
The 27-year-old Sorachut has been plying his trade on the ADT since 2016 and has come close to winning on several occasions.
Sorachut needed only 26 putts around the greens for his commendable 64 today.
Prior to his third round 69, Steven Jeffress had returned on Friday morning to complete his second round where he signed for a 70 to grab a share of the lead with Minkyu Kim of Korea. He held a one-shot advantage heading into the third round.
The 42-year-old Jeffress is a former winner of the Fiji International in 2014. He hails from Taree, New South Wales in Australia and turned professional in 1999. Also won the Victorian PGA Championship in 2006.
Jeffress also enjoyed a commendable sixth-place finish at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth in 2017.
Shohei Hasegawa is playing in his second attempt at the Asian Tour Qualifying School. He had failed to make it through the first stage last year.
Shohei is 24 years old this year and he turned professional two years ago.

Players’ quotes:

Sorachut Hansapiban (Tha) – Third round 64 (-7) Rayong Green Valley, Total 202 (-11)

My putting was really good today. That was the key for me. I needed only 26 putts in total today. I managed to hit it close too. It’s always great to shoot a bogey-free round. I had a superb finish as well.

I chipped it in about 15 yards from the front of the green for birdie on the last. It was getting dark out there too so I am very pleased with how I finished. I just wanted to complete my round today as I didn’t want to come back tomorrow morning just to finish one hole.

I missed out on my Tour card in my last two attempts at the Qualifying School. I am glad I managed to give myself a good chance this time. I played mostly on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) in the last two years and I believe the experience has helped me in my game.

I hope to continue what I have been doing so far for the next two rounds. I will go back and have a good rest before the fourth round tomorrow. I am playing the St. Andrews 2000 course tomorrow. It’s a tougher course compared to Rayong Green Valley.

I will aim to keep the ball on the fairways and hit as many greens as I can when I tackle the St. Andrews 2000 course tomorrow.

Steven Jeffress (Aus) – Third round 69 (-2) Rayong Green Valley, Total 205 (-8)

I played alright. I didn’t putt very well. I didn’t hole any putts, except for that 10 to 12 footer for birdie on the second hole. I was happy to finish the round today, although it was getting dark. I didn’t want to come back and play just one hole tomorrow morning.

We were rushing a bit towards the end but I didn’t do any damage to myself so I am happy. It’s been good so far. This is my first time playing in the Asian Tour Qualifying School. I have enjoyed it so far. The course is challenging. You can make birdies but also make bogeys out there.

We are starting to get more co-sanctioned events with the Asian Tour in Australia so coming to the Qualifying School this week seems like a good pathway and a logical way for me to get more playing opportunities out here.

I got to keep doing what I have been doing and hopefully make some putts tomorrow. The St. Andrews course is a bit tougher even though I had my best score of the week there. If you get it wrong, you get penalized a little bit more.

Shohei Hasegawa (Jpn) – Third round 68 (-3) Rayong Green Valley, Total 206 (-7)

I putted well today. I sank the birdie putt from about 10 metres on the second hole. That was my longest putt today. My iron-play was pretty good too but I made some mistakes in my tee shots today.

It was quite windy today and the greens are soft. I played 26 holes today. I am feeling very tired now. I hope to get a good rest tonight and I’ll be ready for the fourth round tomorrow. This is my second time playing the Qualifying School.

I didn’t make it through the first stage last year but this year I have made it to the final stage and playing the fourth round tomorrow. I am feeling very excited and I will try my best to get my card this week.

Jesse Schutte (Usa) – Third round 69 (-2) Rayong Green Valley, Total 207 (-6)

It was a little windy but I had fun. It was difficult out there. I shot the same score for all three rounds even though I think the St. Andrews course is much tougher. But nevertheless, it was fun playing with the good players out here.

This is my first time playing the Asian Tour Qualifying School and it has been great. It’s been really relaxing for me honestly. Everybody is nice and I like the food here. Everything is good and I am enjoying myself so far.

I started with a bogey today but bounced back strongly with three straight birdies. That was the highlight for me today.

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Published on January 11, 2018

THURSDAY, 11^TH JANUARY, 2018

FOURBALL DRAW

(Team Europe first)

Match 1: 8.35AM Tommy Fleetwood & Paul Casey vs Byeonghun An & Kiradech Aphibarnrat.

Match 2: 8.50AM Thomas Pieters & Matthew Fitzpatrick vs Yuta Ikeda & Gavin Green.

Match 3: 9.05AM Alex Noren & Paul Dunne vs Hideto Tanihara & Phachara Khongwatmai.

Match 4: 9.20AM Henrik Stenson & Alexander Levy vs Sunghoon Kang & Poom Saksansin.

Match 5: 9.35AM Rafa Cabrera Bello & Bernd Wiesberger vs Li Haotong & Nicholas Fung.

Match 6: 9.50AM Tyrrell Hatton & Ross Fisher vs S.S.P. Chawrasia & Anirban Lahiri.

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Shah Alam, Malaysia, January 11: Team Asia’s captain Arjun Atwal issued a strong statement of intent to win the third edition of the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM by unleashing his strongest pairings in Friday’s opening Fourball matches.

Having drawn 10-10 in the inaugural edition in 2014 and going down 18 ½ – 5 ½ in 2016, Atwal, who is captaining the side for the first time, is eager to set the record straight with a win at the Glenmarie Golf and Counntry Club.

“The matches look pretty balanced. But the players in my team are all champions and they all know how to win,” said Atwal.

“If you come into our team room, you’ll see their banners up and each and every one of them holding trophies. It takes a lot of guts and hunger to win a golf tournament, and all 12 of my players have it,” added Atwal.

The Indian, who won the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2003, is counting on Korea’s Byeonghun An and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat to deliver the first point in their opening match against England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Paul Casey.

Asia’s second pairing of Yuta Ikeda and Gavin Green will also prove to be a formidable one as Ikeda, the highest ranked Asian player at world number 36 is poised to strike a decisive partnership with Green, Asia’s number one as they attempt to take down England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick and Belgium’s Thomas Pieters.

“I think Ikeda and me will have a good partnership. He’s a pretty straight player off the tee and I’m a little longer, so I think that will be a really good line-up. With him having much experience and taking me under his wing, it will be a good match,” said Green.

Atwal’s strategic pairing of Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai and Japan’s Hideto Tanihara where there is a mix of youth and experience could prove to be the difference as they face off with Sweden’s Alex Noren and Ireland’s Paul Dunne.

“I’ve played with Tanihara these past two days and I’ve learnt some skills from him. We should be able to do well as we try to complement each other,” said the 18-year-old Thai.

Atwal picked Korea’s Sunghoon Kang for the fourth match with Thailand’s Poom Saksansin while Team Europe’s captain Thomas Bjorn opted for Major winner Henrik Stenson of Sweden and France’s Alexander Levy.

Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung together with China’s Li Haotong will then square off against Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger while the Indian duo of Anirban Lahiri and S.S.P. Chawrasia will try to wrap up the points for Team Asia in their last match against England’s Ross Fisher and Tyrrell Hatton.

“S.S.P. and I are very comfortable playing with each other. We have great communication and we have played so much golf together. We were at the Olympics a couple years ago, and I think we have very complementary game styles.

“He’s a great putter. I’ve been in good form finishing the year, so I feel confident with my game. Hopefully we can go out there and make a bunch of birdies,” said Lahiri.

Ends.

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Published on February 21, 2013

New Delhi, February 21: Four-time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar of India is hoping his attachment to Jaypee Greens Golf Course will give him an advantage when the New Delhi venue hosts the Avantha Masters for the first time from March 14-17.
Bhullar recently signed a three-year deal with the Greg Norman-designed Jaypee Greens GC which will see him act as a brand ambassador for the club for the next three years.
Bhullar has won as an amateur at Jaypee Greens GC but not since joining the professional ranks in 2006, and would dearly love to make his breakthrough with a win at his ‘home’ club.
By his own high standards, Bhullar’s record in the Avantha Masters is moderate; but having recently finished in a tie for eighth place behind his compatriot Shiv Kapur in the Gujarat Kensville Challenge on the European Tour’s Challenge Tour, the 24 year old is confident of enhancing his burgeoning reputation when the fourth edition of the €1.8million event takes place next month.
Bhullar said: “My record in the Avantha Masters could be better, but my health wasn’t great for the last two tournaments, so I’m hoping for much bigger and better things this time. There will be a bit of pressure on me to play well given my attachment to the club, but I put pressure on myself to perform every time I tee up.”
Bhullar reinforced his growing reputation on the Asian Tour last season with two victories in Taipei and Macau. Both victories came during a hot six-week streak which also included a runner-up finish in Malaysia. The talented Indian also enjoyed four other top-10s and ended the year in a career fifth place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
With the Avantha Masters being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India, Bhullar is relishing the opportunity to serve notice of his talent at the high-profile event.
“I’ve been playing pretty well lately, so my form is good and my confidence is pretty high. Mentally, I’m feeling very sharp and positive, so hopefully I can get into contention coming down the stretch. I’ve won as an amateur at Jaypee Greens, so to get my first European Tour win there would be a dream come true,” said Bhullar.
Jaypee Greens GC’s 7,347 yards, par 72 layout was the longest course in Asia when it opened in 2000, and is still the longest – and the only Greg Norman design – in India.
One of Bhullar’s main strengths is his long, straight hitting from the tee, and he is hoping his intimate knowledge of the course will stand him in good stead as he bids to become the second home player – after the 2011 champion SSP Chowrasia – to lift the Avantha Masters trophy.
He said: “Obviously I was delighted when I found out that Jaypee Greens would be hosting the Avantha Masters. We’ve been playing at DLF [Golf and Country Club] for a few years now, so it will make a nice change to move to Jaypee Greens. I’m sure all the European Tour players are going to love playing there.
“It’s a beautiful layout, and it probably favours longer hitters, which plays to my strengths. But the greens can be very tricky to read, so you have to be really on your game to shoot low. Because I know
the course well hopefully I’ll have a bit of an advantage, but the quality of the field is so strong I’m sure the other guys will get up to speed very quickly.
“The Avantha Masters has become a really strong tournament on The European Tour. The prize money has been gradually increasing and we’re getting more sponsors on board, and because of that the strength of the field has increased and the crowds have got bigger. So it should be another great week.”
Vidya Basarkod, President (Sales & Marketing) of Jaypee Greens, said: “We are delighted that the 2013 Avantha Masters will be played at our course, and it is a matter of great pride and prestige to host India’s biggest golf event. I’m sure the course will be a real challenge for the players, especially if the wind picks up.
“Gaganjeet has been in good form, and we hope he wins his first European Tour event on our course as he is the brand ambassador for Jaypee Greens. We wish all the players best of luck for the event, and look forward to welcoming them to India.”
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

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Yangon, Myanmar, February 21: Kiradech Aphibarnrat fuelled his hopes of erasing last year’s play-off defeat at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine when he tied for the opening round lead with Chapchai Nirat on eight-under-par 64 on Thursday.
The Thais produced a classy performance at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club as they lead by one-shot over countryman Prom Meesawat, who is searching for a long-awaited second Asian Tour victory and Joonas Granberg of Finland.

Thanyakon Khrongpha cemented the Thai presence by sharing fifth place with Australia’s Darren Beck and Koreans’ Hwang In-choon and Young Nam and at the US$300,000 event which is the curtain raiser for the 10th Asian Tour season.
Reigning Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, who had the honour to hit the first drive to commemorate the occasion, settled for 71 together with title holder Kieran Pratt of Australia.
The big-hitting Kiradech was six-under through eight holes but his confidence took a dent when he missed a 10-foot birdie putt on the 10th hole. He gradually recovered and took advantage of the par fives where he birdied 14 and 18.
“I missed a big putt on the 10th hole. I had a 10 feet uphill straight putt but I pulled it. After that I lost some confidence with the putter. I was lucky get to get two birdies in the next par fives,” said the 23-year-old, who is hunting for a second Asian Tour victory.
Last year’s play-off defeat was agonising for Kiradech but the man nicknamed ‘Asia’s John Daly’ for his rip-it and grip-it style of play, believes he has grown into a better player.
“I always try to get better and better. I lost in a play-off last year and I even lost in the pro-am on countback this week (to Pratt)! But my game is better than last year. This year I’m hitting it better,” smiled Kiradech.
The tenacious Chapchai was even-par after five holes but recovered with eight birdies in his last 13 holes to share the lead. He holds the world 72-hole scoring record with a stunning 32-under-par 256 winning total in India in 2009 but has yet to win since then.
“My putting was very good. Last year I struggled with my putter. Usually when you start the first tournament, you feel a bit uneasy but it was different today. Putting is very important for me. If I can putt well, I will feel confident,” said Chapchai, who welcomed his new born son ‘Jedi’ to his family last year.

Granberg, who is among three Finnish players this week, shot his best round since winning his first Asian Tour title in 2011 and will take pride in his return to form after a dismal 2012 season.
“This is a very low score already and I just wanted to play and relax. There was nothing special in my round. I hit it very good off the tees and found about 13 fairways. It was solid golf. I struggled last year. I had some personal problems and was dealing with that. I’m feeling better now,” said Granberg, who carded five birdies and one eagle.
Playing on minimal Asian Tour events in the last three years, Nam rediscovered his love for golf at the right time and was tied for the lead before dropping shots in his last two holes.
“Golf wasn’t really on my mind in the last three years or so. I’m here to enjoy the game now. I’m not getting any younger. There’s pressure out there but less pressure. Playing with a free mind has made golf a little bit easier for me,” said the 39-year-old.
Scores after round 1 of the ZAYKABAR MYANMAR OPEN being played at the par 72, 7218 Yards RMGcC course (a- denotes amateur):
64 – Chapchai NIRAT (THA), Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA).
65 – Joonas GRANBERG (FIN), Prom MEESAWAT (THA).
66 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA), HWANG In-choon (KOR), Young NAM (KOR), Darren BECK (AUS).
67 – Mardan MAMAT (SIN), CHOO Tze Huang (SIN), Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA), Antonio LASCUNA (PHI), HUNG Chien-yao (TPE), CHAN Shih-chang (TPE), Sam BRAZEL (AUS), Carlos PIGEM (ESP), HU Mu (CHN), Rikard KARLBERG (SWE), BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR), Gunn CHAROENKUL (THA), Lionel WEBER (FRA).
68 – Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA), Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA), Danny CHIA (MAS), Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA), Marcus BOTH (AUS), Prayad MARKSAENG (THA), Sam CYR (USA), Yuta IKEDA (JPN), Soe Kyaw NAING (MYN), Miguel TABUENA (PHI), Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS).
69 – Koichi KITAMURA (JPN), Jaakko MAKITALO (FIN), Panuwat MUENLEK (THA), Dodge KEMMER (USA), Stephen LEWTON (ENG), Chris RODGERS (ENG), Matthew STIEGER (AUS), Angelo QUE (PHI), Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA).
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

Published on February 20, 2013

Yangon, February 20: The 10th Asian Tour season kicks off with the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine on Thursday and it promises to be another thrilling season as the region’s premier Tour grows from strength to strength. Asiantour.com takes a look at the contenders and dark horses who we think will make the headlines over the next 10 months of non-stop golfing action.
THE CONTENDERS
1. Thaworn Wiratchant (Tha)
As the reigning number one, the 46-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down in his career. He won three times in 2012 to win the Order of Merit for the second time in his career, becoming the oldest man to achieve the feat. Expect him to contend throughout the course of the season and all eyes will be on him too when he participates in the Masters Tournament, World Golf Championships and British Open.
2. Masanori Kobayashi (Jpn)
The powerful Kobayashi will be eager to build on his successful rookie season when he finished fourth on the Order of Merit last year, thanks to one win at the Asia Pacific Panasonic Open in Japan. With greater knowledge now of the golf courses around Asia, expect him to challenge for titles, especially in the co-sanctioned ones with Europe and Japan.
3. Jonathan Moore (USA)
The talented American, a former Walker Cup star, enjoyed a fantastic season in 2012 after getting his card by winning the Asian Development Tour in 2011. Although he did not win, he posted several top finishes at the Venetian Macau Open and Iskandar Johor Open. Has the length and short game to break through for his first victory on the Asian Tour.
4. Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind)
Bhulllar has established himself as one of the top stars on the Asian Tour, winning twice last season to finish fifth on the Order of Merit. He has the distance from off the tee to take any golf course and the determination in his veins to shine once more. Expect him to contend or win one of the co-sanctioned tournaments this season which will be his goal.
5. David Lipsky (USA)
Lipsky got off to a great start to his career on the Asian Tour, winning the Qualifying School and then the Handa Faldo Cambodian Classic. Produced several other top-10s to finish 11th on the rankings. With his go-for-broke style of play, we may not see him at some weekends but when his game clicks, he’ll be right up there contending for a second Asian Tour title.
6. Scott Hend (Aus)
After earning his second Asian Tour title last year in Singapore, big-hitting Hend can be expected to power his way onto the leaderboards in 2013. He has the ability to take on the best on any given day.
7. Thongchai Jaidee (Tha)
The three-time Asian Tour number one has enjoyed a solid start to his campaign in 2013 with some strong results in the Middle East. While he will focus on the European Tour, he will continue to feature on the Asian Tour whenever possible and this is where he will be keen to end a winless drought in Asia.
8. Mardan Mamat (Sin)
We expect the veteran Singaporean to shine this year. His solid all-round game will be key in tough courses like the Delhi Golf Club, Taiwan Golf and Country Club or Santiburi Samui Golf Club.
9. Prom Meesawat (Tha)
It is a surprise to many that Prom has only won once on the Asian Tour, which was in 2006 in Korea. He showed that he was back to his best form last year where he came close on several occasions, including losing in a play-off at the SAIL Open. Money is on him to win this year.
10. Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind)
The two-time Asian Tour number one will focus in Europe where he won a third title in Scotland last year. However, Singh will always be amongst the frontrunners and expect him to challenge at the co-sanctioned events in Asia, especially on his home soil.
THE DARK HORSES
1. Antonio Lascuna (Phi)
The quiet Filipino finished a creditable 12th on the Order of Merit last season, thanks to some fine finishes. He possesses a fluid swing which could translate into a maiden Asian Tour victory in 2013.
2. Scott Barr (Aus)
The Singapore-based Barr came agonizingly close at the SAIL Open last year, leading all the way until the penultimate hole which dashed his hopes of a first victory on the Asian Tour. Subsequently finished 21st on the Order of Merit. He will be keen to finally land a first title here in 2013.
3. Thitiphun Chuayprakong (Tha)
The young Thai was a great revelation last year, contending at the Venetian Macau Open and Thailand Golf Championship which helped him finish 25th on the rankings. Not the longest hitter of the golf ball on Tour but makes up for it with wonderful iron play.
4. Javi Colomo (Esp)
The slightly built Spaniard enjoyed a terrific rookie season in 2012 with several top-10s which saw him finish 26th on the Order of Merit. We like his chances of building on his great first year and challenging in several tournaments this year.
5. Baek Seuk-hyun (Kor)
The Thai-based Korean is a wonderful prospect. After establishing himself on Tour two years ago, he has consistently played well to finish 31st on the Order of Merit. He could well be a potential winner this season with his aggressive style of play.
6. Gunn Charoenkul (Tha)
The young Thai is another rising star coming out from Thailand. He earned his full status for 2013 despite playing in only six tournaments. While he may not be on the winner’s rostrum in 2013, we expect him to feature on the leaderboards in many tournaments.
7. Marcus Both (Aus)
The two-time winner will always be a threat if his game clicks at the right time and the right place. Meticulous and steady. Should have a great year in 2013.
8. Ben Fox (USA)
The American had a flying start to his 2012 season before taking his foot off the pedal. Expect the same when he launches his campaign in Myanmar this week and he could well contend on golf courses which demand accuracy from off the tee.
9. Mithun Perera (Slk)
Son of the famous Nandasena, Mithun earned his card for 2013 despite his limited appearances on the Asian Tour last season. He is steady and calm and could well enjoy several top-10s if not a maiden win in 2013.
10. Danny Chia (Mas)
It’s been over 10 years now since Chia won his maiden Asian Tour title in the Taiwan Open. With age, he seems to have steadied the ship in his search for more victories. Expect him to contend on several occasions this season.

Published on

PROM MEESAWAT (THA)
I’ve been working hard on my fitness, to get myself ready for the new season. I’ve lost a bit of weight and get my stomach stronger. I also worked on getting my back and shoulder stronger as I’ve had some injuries in the past. When I am stronger, it helps a lot with my game and swing. It’s certainly helped my golf. When your body is ready, you can swing it well and do whatever you want. The results tend to become better.
I had a 76 in Abu Dhabi but my game was still okay. I set my goal for the first tournament to make the cut and I was very happy. Then I finished top-20 in Qatar. It was a good start to the season, good experience for me.
I’m going to try to play as much as I can on the Asian Tour for the first half of the year and then I’ll go over to Europe. I’ll do Myanmar, Avantha, Maybank, Chiangmai, Panasonic and possibly CIMB Indonesia. I’m going to play everything to get my ranking up. It would help if I can win early in the year, it would help me so that I can focus on playing well in Europe.
If I can maintain my form as last year, it would be okay.
It’s been a long time since I last won. Every one wants to win. For me, it’s been a long time. I can say now that there are now many young talents coming up. Every golfer is playing well, the game is getting closer amongst the top guys. I can say that if I have a good week in Europe, I can win on the European Tour. It’s only one good week and you can win. I want to try to win on the Asian Tour again.
My first full season was in 2004. Since I was young, I have watched players like Boonchu and Prayad and I wanted to be like them. My dad is also an inspiration. Looking back in the past 10 years, I’m now in the top-20 of the Career Earnings list which is quite an achievement for me.
The win in Korea is still in my memory as it was my first international win for me. It was special as KJ and Jeev were in the field and these guys are winners on the PGA Tour and European Tour. They are amongst the best players in the world.
Everyone expects me to win more than once on the Asian Tour. But I can’t force it. I lost to Chinnarat in a play-off and had a few other close calls and lost to Anirban last year in another play-off. The fields are getting stronger and it’s difficult to win.
I can say that thaworn has a great shot game, one of the best in the world. That’s helped his scores. He can save your scores when you are missing shots. He can scramble so well which is the key thing. Right now, I’m hitting it well but if I don’t make the putts, I won’t make the score. If I can improve my short game to be like Thaworn and to be mentally strong like him, I think I can be like him. I think I have 16 more years to catch what he’s done. I just need to keep working hard.
He has worked hard over the years. He’s very good for the game, an inspiration to me and other Thai players.
I had some injuries in 2010 and 2011 and kept playing with the injuries. I started hitting it bad and my confidence was gone. My game was gone. When I was on the tee box, I didn’t know where the ball would go. Mentally, I was gone. I felt really bad during that spell. Everyone in Thailand expected me to be a very good player but I had a bad two years. I knew I needed to find something. I found the sports psychologist, Dr Pichit, who works with the Thai Olympic boxing team. I worked with him for one year and it really helped my game.
At that time, I didn’t know how to hit the driver. I didn’t have any confidence. He taught me how to think better. If there’s water on the left and OB on the right, why don’t I just think about the fairway and pick a target on the fairway. He gave me some ideas on how to deal with that in my head. When you have a bad feeling, you always think about the bad things.

During my down time, my wife and family were very supportive. All friends supported me and asked me what was happening and showed concern. They stood behind me which helped me get back to my game.
My wife told me not to worry. She said everyone goes up and comes back down sometimes. I never thought that I would never find my game again. When I lost my card, I knew it would be tough to get the card back as I wasn’t in the co-sanctioned events. The fields were getting stronger and I knew I had to play well in the smaller events and had like five top-10s in 2011 which made my year easier.
In the monastery, you have to be pray before 8am and you can’t have food after 12 noon. You can have only two meals per day. You read the books by Buddha and meditate and pray. I’ve been a monk for 20 days when I was 20 years old, which is a Thai tradition for a young man where you have to do this for your family. And my second trip, I went to India for eight days.
When I was young, I always watched my dad play and it helped me a lot. He was a top player in Thailand and he had to fight as he wasn’t from a rich family. I think I’m a bit lucky as my dad’s winnings, when I was seven years old. He basically set up everything for me. I have also very good support from Khun Santi, who supported my dad and family. He saw me since I was very young and my first golf set was from him. I’m lucky to have my dad’s support including from Khun Santi and Singha. I had more opportunities that Thaworn and Prayad.
I want to give back to the kids, set up an academy one day when I retire. But before I do that, I want to win a Major championship. That’s my lifelong goal. I have many years to try to achieve it. I’ve played only once in the British Open and I’m going to give it a shot and try to move up the world rankings.
PETER RICHARDSON (ENG)
I played the course and it is really nice. It is kind of like an American style layout. It is pretty straight forward. You hit driver on a lot of holes. Hopefully I can make a lot of birdies.
I’ve been trying to get my physical health back a bit. I was struggling last year with my back so I’ve been seeing specialists and physiotherapists to see what sort of exercises I can do. It (back) is okay but I still feel a bit of pain. It is not going to cause me any discomfort. Hopefully there will be no more issues going forward.
It is coming along quick (when asked how he felt earning an Asian Tour card through the Asian Development Tour). I think it just sunk it in the last couple of weeks. It is going to be exciting because I’ll be playing on new courses and facing new challenges. I’m looking forward to playing with the big guys.
Playing well is my number one priority. I want to enjoy it and if I can do that and relax then hopefully I can play my best golf and get some good results early on. I want to try to get off to a good start and hopefully ride on that in the next few months.
KIRADECH APHIBARNRAT (THA)
I’m on form right now. I won a local event a few weeks back. I know this golf course quite well and I usually play well on courses with wide fairways. I try to play my best and see how it goes during the weekend.
The course is quite wide open so big-hitters like Scott Hend and I played well. I didn’t practice much during the off season because of sickness. I’ve been working a lot with my coach and I’m doing well. This is my first Asian Tour event of the year so everyone wants to do well or win. I just changed a bit of my back swing with my coach.
I had a problem with my thyroid and it made me tired when I play golf. Now I have to exercise regularly to strengthen my muscle. It is getting better after taking some medications. I have to see if it gets better after six months or I’ll have to go through an operation.
I went for a holiday for a month without any golf. I travelled around Thailand with my girlfriend. I felt very relax during the off season which was good.
BERRY HENSON (USA)
I had six weeks at home but I took a couple of days off before I started training for this year. I didn’t take much time off and hit the gym really hard. My coach came in town later and we made some changes for this year. I worked really hard during the off season and went to Thailand last week to get used to the heat and grasses again.
I’m looking forward to Myanmar and a fun week. If you look at it on paper, it wasn’t that bad. I didn’t have a win and didn’t reach some goals which I set myself. I felt my game deteriorated as the year (2012) went on so I tried to figure out how to make things better this year.
I created a new shot that I call it the ‘Chucky Three Sticks’ like Charles Howell! I feel that if I can hit my eight iron to 140 yards with a low trajectory. If I can do that throughout my bag then I think it will help at some weeks where we get a lot of wind.
I really worked hard on making different shots on the golf course and making those changes is going to help and make me more versatile.
When I got home, my short game coach had everything written out. He had my stats and we compared with Thaworn’s stats. Obviously he killed everybody in putting last year. We figured out what to attack during the off season and how to get better this year.
No, my luggage still hasn’t arrived yet! I think it is lost. I hope it shows up next week.
SIDDIKUR (BAN)
It is a great golf course. I played in Myanmar in 2010 but it was on a different golf course. You need to putt very well here because the fairways are wide here. All long hitters will have an advantage because there are very little rough. It will come down to the putter.

I didn’t do much. I just did some workout and practised on my game. It was bad toward the end of 2012. I think I played in too many tournaments but I won’t make the same mistake again this year.
I have the confidence to win another Asian Tour event. I’ve tried very hard to do that but I feel that it is coming closer. I’ve improved a lot since 2010. There’s a big difference in my game so I think it will be very soon before I win again.
YUTA IKEDA (JPN)
I feel the course is very difficult because there’s a lot of water around the golf course. My game is not 100% because this is my first professional event of the year. I’ll do my best here but I will not put any high expectations on myself. My goal is to earn more world golf ranking points this week and I hope I can do that.
HU MU (CHN)
I played this event last year and finished around 30th. I like the course and the layout. I think I’m better prepared this time, than obviously at Qschool. I’m looking forward to the week. There’s a bit of pressure which is good. I’ll to get into a good position at the weekend.
MITHUN PERERA (SLK)
It’s a new experience for me. I’ll be aiming for a good start. I didn’t’ expect to finish top-60 as I had only limited events and I’m really lucky to be the first Sri Lankan to get a full card on the Asian Tour. In Sri Lanka, golf is still new. I’ll be flying the flag proudly. It’s great to be in a tournament with Thaworn and Siddikur, they are my two favourite players. I believe that one good week can change your life, it can be this week. I’ll be aiming to win one tournament this year.

Published on February 17, 2013

February 17: The Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine is the first Asian Tour event in 2013 which kicks off the 10th Asian Tour season. We take a look back at last year’s edition where Australian Kieran Pratt savoured the sweet taste of success for the first time.
Kieran Pratt needed to pinch himself to ensure he wasn’t dreaming after a long day at the office.
When he started his final round, the Australian never imagined he could win a first Asian Tour title as he trailed overnight leader and countryman Scott Hend by five shots at the season-opening Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Air Bagan.
But golf’s peculiarity has so often thrown up pleasant surprises, if not unimaginable endings, that the puzzle fell into place perfectly for Pratt.
A superb eagle on the 72nd hole pushed him into a three-way play-off with Thai rising star Kiradech Aphibarnrat and fellow Aussie Adam Blyth and Pratt subsequently claimed victory on the second extra hole with a birdie.
“Fantastic! It feels great to win the first event of the year. Obviously you want to get off to a fast start but to win is obviously better,” smiled Pratt, who closed with a four-under-par 68 for a 15-under-par 273 total.
“It was quite a nervous wait. But I thought it was pretty cool and unexpected to sneak into the play-off,” added the 23-year-old.
He dedicated his win to Victorian Institute of Sports coach Ramsay McMaster, who unexpectedly passed away at the end of 2011. McMaster had been a great influence in many young Australian golfers’ careers, including Pratt.
In a two-year professional career, Pratt enjoyed the peaks and troughs of the game. He jumped into the spotlight in 2010 when he outplayed former world number one Tiger Woods in a tournament in Australia and then earned his Asian Tour card in the following year at Qualifying School.
After failing to retain his Tour card for 2012, Pratt returned to Qualifying School earlier in the season to successfully regain his card. “It (the win) means a lot and it opens up a lot of doors on the Asian Tour. It’s a three-year exemption and it’s awesome that I’ve got a job for three years. It’s pretty priceless,” said Pratt.
“Winning means heaps. Out of Tour school, you have to make a fast start. If you don’t, you find yourself at the back end of the year and putting pressure on yourself to try and get enough money to sneak into the top-60. It was an unexpected win as to how I got it done,” he added.
Making a return to Asia after spending most of 2011 playing on the US secondary tour, Blyth overcame an eight-shot deficit with a sensational closing round of 65 to join the play-off.
Perhaps the surprise of finding himself in a shoot-out for the Zaykabar Myanmar Open title cost him the chance of winning.
“I was never expecting a chance. I’m disappointed. I had the opportunity to win and I didn’t. But I’m still happy with the outcome and how I played. It is a great way to start the season,” said Blyth.
Big-hitting Kiradech was the first to bow out in the first play-off hole and lamented another missed opportunity to earn his second Asian Tour title. “I was hitting it very well but couldn’t sink my putts. I three-putted for bogey on the 15th hole and that was a big mistake. That was the turning point,” said the Thai, who shot a level par 72 on the last day.
There was heartbreak for third-round leader Hend, who held a two-shot lead after the eighth hole but slipped back with a costly quadruple bogey on nine when he found the water twice.
His pain was Pratt’s gain.

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Sentosa, Singapore, January 12: Shiv Kapur of India will be bringing his momentum to the US$1 million SMBC Singapore Open which starts next week. Kapur won for the third time in 2017 two weeks ago in Pattaya after a final-round saw-see battle with Thailand’s Prom Meesawat. He is the only golfer to win multiple […]

Sentosa, Singapore, January 12: Shiv Kapur of India will be bringing his momentum to the US$1 million SMBC Singapore Open which starts next week.

“After my win two weeks ago, I’ve just been enjoying some downtime and can’t think of a better place to kick start my season,” said Kapur.

“The SMBC Singapore Open has the feel of a big event and the crowds are always fantastic there.”

Ends.

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Shah Alam, Malaysia, January 12: Team Asia enjoyed its best opening day performance in the history of the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM by leading 3 ½- 2 ½ against Team Europe on Friday. Team Asia has never led in the past two editions of the EurAsia Cup but their Fourballs performances showed the continent […]

Shah Alam, Malaysia, January 12: Team Asia enjoyed its best opening day performance in the history of the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM by leading 3 ½- 2 ½ against Team Europe on Friday.

Korea’s Byeonghun An and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat suffered a 4&3 defeat to the English pair of Tommy Fleetwood and Paul Casey in the opening match.

India’s Anirban Lahiri and S.S.P. Chawrasia struggled against Ross Fisher and Tyrrell Hatton, losing 5&4 to the English duo.

But it was China’s Li Haotong, who completed a memorable day for Asia when he sunk a 15-feet birdie putt on 18 to halve his match with Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger and Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello.

Team Asian captain Arjun Atwal was thrilled with his team’s start and believes a relaxed attitude will continue to be the key to success this week.

“I’m really happy about today’s results and how the day went especially Li Haotong’s match. That was very important for me as that half point was really a psychological boost for the team.

“The players in my team are all champions and they know what to do to win. All I want them to do is to stay relaxed and continue to have fun tomorrow,” said Atwal.

Ends.

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Rayong, Thailand, January 12: Thai prospect Sorachut Hansapiban fired a bogey-free seven-under-par 64 to grab the third-round lead by three shots at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand on Friday. Sorachut, who is playing in his third attempt at the Qualifying School, fired seven birdies, including one from […]

Did you know?

Sorachut Hansapiban is hoping to be third-time lucky, after missing the grade at the Qualifying School in his last two attempts in 2016 and 2017.
The 27-year-old Sorachut has been plying his trade on the ADT since 2016 and has come close to winning on several occasions.
Sorachut needed only 26 putts around the greens for his commendable 64 today.
Prior to his third round 69, Steven Jeffress had returned on Friday morning to complete his second round where he signed for a 70 to grab a share of the lead with Minkyu Kim of Korea. He held a one-shot advantage heading into the third round.
The 42-year-old Jeffress is a former winner of the Fiji International in 2014. He hails from Taree, New South Wales in Australia and turned professional in 1999. Also won the Victorian PGA Championship in 2006.
Jeffress also enjoyed a commendable sixth-place finish at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth in 2017.
Shohei Hasegawa is playing in his second attempt at the Asian Tour Qualifying School. He had failed to make it through the first stage last year.
Shohei is 24 years old this year and he turned professional two years ago.

Players’ quotes:

Sorachut Hansapiban (Tha) – Third round 64 (-7) Rayong Green Valley, Total 202 (-11)

I will aim to keep the ball on the fairways and hit as many greens as I can when I tackle the St. Andrews 2000 course tomorrow.

Steven Jeffress (Aus) – Third round 69 (-2) Rayong Green Valley, Total 205 (-8)

Shohei Hasegawa (Jpn) – Third round 68 (-3) Rayong Green Valley, Total 206 (-7)

I putted well today. I sank the birdie putt from about 10 metres on the second hole. That was my longest putt today. My iron-play was pretty good too but I made some mistakes in my tee shots today.

Jesse Schutte (Usa) – Third round 69 (-2) Rayong Green Valley, Total 207 (-6)

I started with a bogey today but bounced back strongly with three straight birdies. That was the highlight for me today.

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THURSDAY, 11TH JANUARY, 2018 FOURBALL DRAW (Team Europe first) Match 1: 8.35AM Tommy Fleetwood & Paul Casey vs Byeonghun An & Kiradech Aphibarnrat. Match 2: 8.50AM Thomas Pieters & Matthew Fitzpatrick vs Yuta Ikeda & Gavin Green. Match 3: 9.05AM Alex Noren & Paul Dunne vs Hideto Tanihara & Phachara Khongwatmai. […]

THURSDAY, 11^TH JANUARY, 2018

FOURBALL DRAW

(Team Europe first)

Match 1: 8.35AM Tommy Fleetwood & Paul Casey vs Byeonghun An & Kiradech Aphibarnrat.

Match 2: 8.50AM Thomas Pieters & Matthew Fitzpatrick vs Yuta Ikeda & Gavin Green.

Match 3: 9.05AM Alex Noren & Paul Dunne vs Hideto Tanihara & Phachara Khongwatmai.

Match 4: 9.20AM Henrik Stenson & Alexander Levy vs Sunghoon Kang & Poom Saksansin.

Match 5: 9.35AM Rafa Cabrera Bello & Bernd Wiesberger vs Li Haotong & Nicholas Fung.

Match 6: 9.50AM Tyrrell Hatton & Ross Fisher vs S.S.P. Chawrasia & Anirban Lahiri.

Shah Alam, Malaysia, January 11: Team Asia’s captain Arjun Atwal issued a strong statement of intent to win the third edition of the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM by unleashing his strongest pairings in Friday’s opening Fourball matches. Having drawn 10-10 in the inaugural edition in 2014 and going down 18 ½ – 5 ½ […]

“The matches look pretty balanced. But the players in my team are all champions and they all know how to win,” said Atwal.

“I’ve played with Tanihara these past two days and I’ve learnt some skills from him. We should be able to do well as we try to complement each other,” said the 18-year-old Thai.

“He’s a great putter. I’ve been in good form finishing the year, so I feel confident with my game. Hopefully we can go out there and make a bunch of birdies,” said Lahiri.

Ends.

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