Matt Wallace (Eng) Fourth Round 68 (-4), Total 277 (-11)

I feel amazing. It was a hard week and a hard golf course. You can’t be off your game. The people who played well are going to be on top. I think, I played great and didn’t miss too many shots. It was satisfying to master this course. Dave (his caddy) was saying that it was set up sometimes like the U.S. Open. You can hit great shots, but it can run into the rough or slope. So, it’s particularly satisfying to win here.

I had never thought of playing it safe during the playoff, even during regulation play when I was farther out. I was swinging it that good. I feel that my long iron play this week was the best part of my game, so as soon as I was all the way down on the end of the fairway, I was going to hit an iron and go for the green.

I was most nervous on the 16th tee. For the second shot, I hit it into the bunker on the downslope. Then, I hit an unbelievable shot out of there and holed the putt. Stephen Gallacher put his arm around me and said, ‘keep going, kid’. That helped me a lot as he’s a veteran. To make a bogey like that was key for my round. I went to the tee box on 17th and got back into the game.

As soon as we finished yesterday and Shubhankar made birdie on 18th  to grab the lead with me, I told Dave, ‘we’re not going to be favourites tomorrow.’ But as soon as I woke up in the morning, I was like, ‘this is going to be like round one and I will shoot my best.’ I planned to play the aggressively and score. That front nine today was special to me this week.

I was in the zone midway through round three. You have to be calm here. If you double bogey, you can’t be too disheartened, and similarly you can be too excited if you shoot an eagle.

This is one of the hardest golf course that I’ve played. I’ll learn from it and I’m looking forward to playing in similar conditions next time.

If Shubhankar had played well and had the local support, it would have been really tough for me. For him to achieve all the things he has done, he has been phenomenal. I’ve done something similar, but on a lower level as I’ve won many times on the Alps Tour in a short time. We had a chat on the golf course and I think he’s going to do really well, especially when he has the local support.

This week has taught me a lot. Hopefully, it can be the start of a few things coming up.

Andrew Johnston (Eng) Fourth Round 66 (-6), Total 277 (-11)

I feel good as I played very well today, as I did on Friday. I was happy to be able to put up a good score today and force a playoff. I’m slightly frustrated, as I attempted a similar putt on the 18th during regulation play. I didn’t think it broke that much and I hit a good putt, but it didn’t go in. It’s alright. I had a very good week.

I was trying to stay patient and I wanted to start well. Yesterday, I made a mistake on eighth, and made a birdie on ninth. Today, I made birdies on both holes, which was good. I played solid on the back nine, so I played lovely all day.

Anything could have happened out there. I just tried to play my own game and I knew that I was just a couple of shots behind. When I birdied 17th and I got to the green on 18th, I realised we were tied.

I didn’t like the yardage at the 18th. It felt like it was just setting me down the left towards the traps a lot of the time. I said, this is a percentage golf course and stick to it. I’ve been hitting the wedges well, putting well and sticking to my game plan and that was what I worked for.

I’m very happy with the way I played this year. Last year was tough. This year’s start has been good so I just got to keep pushing on and keep working hard.

Sihwan Kim (Usa) Fourth Round 68 (-4), Total 280 (-8)

It was a difficult course and I didn’t expect the leaders to shoot so low. I had a number in mind this morning, and I achieved what I thought. The number was four-under-par, obviously. I thought I had a pretty good chance to win, but with scores that low, that wasn’t the case.

Today I was good off the tee. I made some great putts and great up-and-downs. Indeed, I got the momentum going.

Even though I was within two shots of the lead after I birdied the ninth, I approached the back nine pretty much the same as I did the whole tournament, which was to stay aggressive.

At the 18th, I wasn’t the most comfortable on the tee box. I pulled it left into the hazard, then I just made the best out of the situation.

This result will get my confidence up, especially when playing on difficult golf courses. If I continue to play like this, then I’ll be fine.

The conditions have been great and the people have been nice. It’s nice to have co-sanctions like this event, which means more opportunities for Asian Tour players to play on the European Tour.

Pablo Larrazabal (Esp) Fourth Round 69 (-3), Total 281 (-7) 

I played three-over-par the last three holes yesterday and another three-over-par the last five holes today. So it hurts. If we keep working like this we’re going to win, not just one event, we’re going to win many. 

You know how I am. I like to look at the leaderboard on the first tee and see how many behind I am or how many in front I am and go and attack the golf course. It’s tough to attack this golf course but I had to do it. I came here from Barcelona for one week to win a golf tournament. I didn’t do it, so I’m a little disappointed. I play to win. I only have four trophies back home and I want to retire with many more. 

Finishing fourth or whatever is good, it’s a step forward but I came to win and I have a little bit of disappointment now.

Finishing fourth is better than finishing seventh but I feel like I gave away half of the tournament yesterday afternoon and I gave the other half in the last four holes today. If I put eleven-under-par on the leaderboard and have two or three to play, then it will be very difficult for them to play the last three. But this is golf. This is the best game in the world and to finish fourth in the Hero Indian Open is great. 

Shubhankar Sharma (Ind) Fourth Round 75 (+3), Total 284 (-4)

I am disappointed obviously. The good thing today, was that I made a birdie at the last hole. It was a mixed bag. These things happen and it is not an easy course. Even though I started well, I made a few bad swings and in the end it’s alright. I really enjoyed the tournament and I loved the support. I’d like to thank everyone for coming out to support me.

I was just trying to keep up with Matt. He was playing so well. I made a bad swing on the fifth hole, which put me out of contention. I was trying to come back, but I made another bad swing on the seventh. You can’t really drop too many shots on this course and I dropped nine today.

I was five-over-par going into the last hole, but, it’s alright as it’s all part of the game. I’m happy about the way I’ve been playing and that I’m able to get myself into contention every week.

I’m looking forward to playing the 2018 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play tournament. It’ll be a good break from stroke play. The last time I won a matchplay event was the All-Indian Amateur, which was six years ago.

I put in a lot of hard work, and I’m happy with the way things have been. Disappointments are part of the game. It’ll just make me stronger. The next time I’m in this situation, I’ll do better.

Gavin Green (Mas) Fourth Round 71 (-1), Total 288 (even-par)

I made some good putts. Although, a few bad tee shots had cost me during the round. It was an average week and I wished I had played better. I love India and I will want to come back next year.

Towards the end of the round, the putts started to drop and I thought to myself, ‘OK, this isn’t too bad.’ This course is tough, so to walk away with even par is pretty decent.

I’ve made changes to my game and it’s working out so far. Compared to last week, this week a lot better for me. I struck the ball a lot better, my short game got a little strong. I just have to work on my drives, hopefully before my next event.

I’ll be taking a nice break, then probably head over to Morocco and Spain. But for now, I’m going to chill out, have fun and enjoy my break.

April 9: Asia’s history-maker Y.E. Yang believes he has the game to win the Masters Tournament as he seeks to land a second Major victory.
The Korean star, who became the first Asian male golfer to win a Major title when he beat Tiger Woods in a head-to-head duel at the 2009 PGA Championship, has flown under the radar in recent times following a quiet spell of form.
But the Asian Tour honorary member insists that the Masters is “winnable” as he prepares to take his place alongside the world’s elite at Augusta National Golf Club starting on Thursday.
“It is certainly winnable. Apart from the other three Majors, Augusta National does not have tough rough and it is not as long as the other Majors,” said Yang, 41.
“I have come up on the leaderboard at the Masters a few times previously. I have confidence going into the Majors but with Augusta National, it’s different. You play the same course every year and you have a feel of the whole layout and tournament.
“If you can get used to the green speed which is horrendous for the players, I feel it’s the better Major for the Asians to excel. It’s not too long but overall, it’s fairly straight forward. If you can get used to the green speed, it’s really anybody’s game.”
Yang’s best showing at the Masters was a tied eighth finish in the 2010 edition. He followed that up with a top-20 in 2011 and shared 57^th last year. The powerful Korean also finished equal third in the U.S. Open in 2011.
“I don’t know how many more Masters I’ll play in, but within my strength and ability, I’m going to try to go for another win and hopefully it will be the Masters which will be my second Major,” he said.
Yang has not won on the PGA Tour since his life-changing victory four years ago but three top-20s in recent times, including at the Asian Tour’s inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT two weeks ago, have boosted his confidence.
“It’s definitely better than last year. It can only go up and it’s a gradual improvement for me. It’s not great but at the same time, it’s not too terrible but I’m going in the right direction,” he said.
“Last year was more psychological than physical. Technique wise, swing wise and form wise, it wasn’t that bad. I just put too much pressure on myself. The winless run added a lot pressure on me at every tournament
“This year, I’m more relaxed mentally and physically. It’s translated to a better start than last year.”
Countryman K.J. Choi, also an Honorary Member of the Asian Tour, will also tee up at the Masters this year where he will be hoping to improve on his career best finish of third place in 2004 at Augusta National.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf
 
 

New Delhi, India, March 10: Shubhankar Sharma of India kept his emotions in check and carded an even-par 72 to grab a share of the lead with England’s Matt Wallace at the US$1.75 million Hero Indian Open on Saturday.

The 21-year-old stayed patient throughout the entire round. Sharma, a two-time Asian Tour winner, dropped five shots today which included a double bogey at the 17th hole. But, responded with five birdies to get to the top of the leaderboard on seven-under-par 209 at the DLF Golf and Country Club.

Wallace carded a 70 to share first place with Sharma. He scored an eagle and four birdies against four bogeys. The pair will go into Sunday with a one-shot lead over Stephen Gallacher of Scotland, who is in lone third place after carding a 67.

Emiliano Grillo of Argentina, the halfway leader, had a day to forget as he signed for a 78. He is in tied-fourth with Austria’s Matthias Schwab (68) and England’s Andrew Johnston (73).

Andrew Johnston of England

Crowd favourite Johnston was scrambling throughout Saturday. The Englishman did not score any birdies but kept pace with the leaders with an eagle on the fourth hole, as well as numerous up-and-downs and long putts for pars. 

Sihwan Kim of the United States adopted an aggressive, yet calculated approach to card a 72. He is in tied-seven and just three shots behind the leaders along with Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal.

Did you know:

• Shubhankar Sharma is the highest-ranked player in the field. He is 66th on the Official World Golf Ranking list.
• Before his win in Johannesburg, Sharma’s best result in 2017 was tied-fourth at the Bashundhara Bangladesh Open 2017.
• Sharma finished seventh on the 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit. Last year, he earned US$381,149.
• He won the All India Amateur Championship at the age of 16 and he was India’s number one junior prior to turning professional in 2013.
• Matt Wallace enjoyed a wire-to-wire victory at the 2017 Open de Portugal at Morgado Golf Resort, a European Tour event.
• He uses Manchester United mascot as a driver cover.
• Wallace won five times in five consecutive starts on the Alps Tour, developmental professional golf tour based in Continental Europe.
• Emiliano Grillo is a big fan of football team River Plate and he catches the games at the stadium if his schedule permits.
• He was an accomplished junior golfer. For one, Grillo won the prestigious Callaway Junior World Golf Championships in 2009.
• His best finish on the European Tour is second, at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in 2014.
• Andrew Johnston is a one-time winner on the European Tour. He won the Real Club Valderrama Open de España, hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation in 2016.
• Sihwan Kim enjoyed three top-10 finishes on the Asian Tour in 2017. He was tied-ninth at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open 2017, eighth at the Bashundhara Bangladesh Open and tied-sixth at the Indonesian Masters.
• He finished 56th on last year’s Asian Tour Order of Merit, securing his card for the 2018 season.
• Only nine players broke par in round three of the Hero Indian Open.

Player interviews:

Shubhankar Sharma (Ind) Third Round 72 (even-par), Total 209 (-7) 

It was very windy today. The first two days were surprisingly calm. The course played really tough and I’m very happy with a 72. It was a mixed bag as everything happened. I holed out at the second, made a few good birdies and got a bad bounce on the 17th. I’m very pleased with the birdie at the last, which allowed me to grab a share of the lead. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.

At the second hole, where I holed out, I had a bad lie in the bunker. It was downslope and I didn’t want to duff it, as I’ll have no chance of an up-and-down if that happened. I caught it just on the ball which went over. The ball just came out three yards in front and it went to the centre of the cup.  At the fifth hole, as soon as I hit it, I knew I had a birdie chance.

I kept telling my caddie that this is our home course. You can’t overpower this course. So, I told myself, just hang in there. I will hit a few bad shots and I understand that it’s all part of the game. You just have to stay patient.

I was one-under-par after nine holes, which was crucial. I’m happy to be able to come back with birdies on seven and eight. The birdie on 10th was fantastic as the hole was played off the back tees. I have always played the 10th from the front tee box.

I made a few bad swings coming in, got a bad bounce on the 17th, but other than that, I think I played pretty solidly.

I smashed my driver on the 18th. I’m happy that I had a short club in. It was a pretty easy chip from the greenside rough. Even though I didn’t hit the chip perfectly, the ball still rolled next to the pin and I’m happy to make that putt.

I’m just looking forward to playing out there again. I just want to have fun. It’s the second week in the row I’m in the leading group. I’m going to draw from my experiences last week. I know it’s going to be a battle out there tomorrow and I’ll be ready for it.

Matt Wallace (Eng) Third Round 70 (-2), Total 209 (-7)

It was hard. I played really nice. That 17th hole was brutal today. I mean, we all played it differently and managed to find ourselves in the same position. I hit a lob wedge in there and couldn’t hold the green, so yeah, it was tough. The wind was gusting around in different directions. I’m pretty happy with my score.

Every hole is a test. Like I said yesterday, every hole is a double bogey waiting to happen. I just took every hole as it came and played it as well as possible. That eagle on nine was probably the highlight of my week, and year, so far.

I’m very happy. There are some brilliant players up there on the leaderboard. You know, there is going to be a charge tomorrow and someone is going to play well. I just have to go out there and try to execute like I did today and see how it goes.

I’m going to rock up tomorrow and do the same as I’ve done all week. It’s such a hard golf course that you have got to play well. I’ll try to get a good night of sleep tonight and go from there.

Andrew Johnston (Eng) Third Round 73 (+1), Total 211 (-5)

My round was not too bad. I felt that I didn’t play too well today, but I scrambled really well. I made a lot of good up and downs. It was not my best golf but being one-over-par still hasn’t put me out of the tournament. So, it was a good day.

You see the scoreboard and see a lot of people going backwards. The pins were tricky and the winds picked up. You just have to be patient. I made a chip-in for eagle and no birdies the whole round. It was a lot of scrambling. I made a lot of six to 10 footers for par.

I was happy to be level par after three holes. I hit two lovely shots at the fourth, and I hit a chip shot that went in, so happy days!

Being three off the lead is good!

In the final round, you have to wait and see where the pins and things like that and take it from there. You have to play your own game. If I have a day like yesterday (when he carded 66) tomorrow, then we’ll see what happens.

Sihwan Kim (Usa), Round three 72, Total 212 (-4)

Not bad. I made a few errors coming in. It was tough out there so I’m happy with the results. It was a grind out there. Whoever grinds better will win the tournament. You can’t get defensive on this course. You have to be aggressive but know where to miss it, what’s ok and what’s bad.

There were some good pin positions today. There were some that were challenging, but it was the same for everyone. Every green has a place where you can put it for birdie.

For tomorrow, we’ll see. I’ll just keep on playing aggressively and see how it goes.

I had two chip-ins. Those were on sixth and 16th. With the wind, I couldn’t get anything close to the hole. Those two chip-ins helped my round immensely.

Scores after round 3 of the Hero Indian Open 2018 being played at the par 72, 7379 Yards DLF GcC course (am – denotes amateur):

209 – Matt WALLACE (ENG) 69-70-70, Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 73-64-72.

210 – Stephen GALLACHER (SCO) 72-71-67.

211 – Matthias SCHWAB (AUT) 71-72-68, Andrew JOHNSTON (ENG) 72-66-73, Emiliano GRILLO (ARG) 65-68-78.

212 – Sihwan KIM (USA) 70-70-72, Pablo LARRAZABAL (ESP) 67-71-74.

213 – Aaron RAI (ENG) 71-73-69, Ricardo GOUVEIA (POR) 69-73-71, Paul PETERSON (USA) 67-73-73.

214 – Hideto TANIHARA (JPN) 74-68-72, Joost LUITEN (NED) 71-69-74.

215 – Clement SORDET (FRA) 72-72-71, Steven BROWN (ENG) 74-71-70, Jinho CHOI (KOR) 72-71-72, Jamie DONALDSON (WAL) 71-70-74, Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 69-70-76.

216 – Anthony WALL (ENG) 71-73-72, Jarin TODD (USA) 72-74-70, Sebastien GROS (FRA) 69-71-76.

217 – CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 71-71-75, Gavin GREEN (MAS) 69-73-75, Casey O’TOOLE (USA) 74-66-77, Danthai BOONMA (THA) 71-76-70.

218 – Gregory HAVRET (FRA) 73-72-73, Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND) 68-76-74, Jeunghun WANG (KOR) 69-71-78, Jens DANTORP (SWE) 69-70-79.

Ends.

About Asian Tour

As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Panasonic (Official Consumer Electronics), Habitat for Humanity (Official Sustainable Development Partner), ECCO (Official Footwear Sponsor), Titleist and FootJoy (Official Web Partner), Bloomberg TV (Official International Media Partner), Bloomberg Businessweek Chinese (Official International Media Partner), Wall Street Journal (Official International Media Partner) and Sentosa in Singapore which is the Home of the Asian Tour which also has an office in Kuala Lumpur.

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Manila, April 9: Filipino star Angelo Que hopes to be the ace of the pack when he vies for a fourth Asian Tour title with a new set of equipment at the inaugural US$300,000 Solaire Open which gets underway on Thursday.
Que, a multiple Asian Tour winner but not since 2010, leads a strong line-up of local talents which includes decorated veteran golfer Frankie Minoza, Elmer Salvador, Jay Bayron, Antonio Lascuna and highly rated Miguel Tabuena at the venerable Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.
The bubbly Que reverted to a new set of equipment at the start of the 2013 Asian Tour season which resulted in a fourth place finish at the season-opening Zaykabar Myanmar Open in February.
Que insists there is still room for improvement in his game after missing his first cut in four Asian Tour events two weeks ago. He said he will need a bit of ‘luck’ to emulate his victory at the 2008 Philippine Open, which was staged at the same venue.
Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines
“So far I’m getting there with my new equipment. It is still early in the year. Every time you change equipment, you need time to adapt. I think I need a lot of luck to get my fourth win. I think anybody that wins need it. You also need every aspect of your game to click,” said the 34-year-old.
Que goes through a unique pre-game routine where he does not practice at the driving range as he believes in more ‘quality’ and not ‘quantity’ practice.
“I think one reason why I don’t exert so much effort in the driving range is because I’m not young anymore. I’ve always believed in quality and not quantity practice. I only spend time at the range when I’m working on something. If I don’t have anything to work on then I just chip and putt (20 or 30 minutes) before I play.
“Ever since I was a kid I’ve been doing that. In the Philippines back then, a lot of courses didn’t have driving ranges. It has been a routine since I was a kid so I didn’t want to change anything,” he smiled.
Tabuena is relishing a return to Wack Wack where he was in contention heading into the final round of the 2012 ICTSI Philippine Open before shooting an 81 to finish tied 11^th. The 18-year-old has learnt from that experience and recently notched his third victory on the local circuit three weeks ago.
“It is nice being a host in your home country rather than just playing in an event. It’s a new event on the Asian Tour. I think it’s really good for the players as well as for the Asian Tour. I hope this tournament will go on for a long time,” said Tabuena.
“I know my priorities for this week which is to concentrate and get in position on Sunday. There are more expectations when you play at home. Your family come out and watch as well. It is nice to have your family around. Hopefully I can play well in front of them,” he added.
Unho Park of Australia, who is part of the 22 different nationalities this week, was delighted with the addition of the Solaire Open, which is one of two new Asian Tour events this year. The region’s premier Tour is also celebrating its 10^th season in 2013.
“It’s great to have a new event on Tour. It’s not a new venue. We’ve played here for a couple of times over the years. I’ve been struggling with my golf game lately but I’ve had a bit of off time and rested for a bit. I just hope to make it up there somewhere during the week,” said Park, who has been an Asian Tour member since 2001.
Filipino veteran Lascuna, who finished a career high of 12th placing on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season, struggled with a back injury earlier this year but is 80% recovered after returning to his hometown in Davao for a therapeutic massage.
“I needed to rest my body last week. I feel good now. Last year was a really good year for me and it all comes down to practice. I still hit at least 500 golf balls a day and play five times of golf a week. I think if I can get off to two good rounds, I can win this event,” said the 42-year-old, who is aiming for a first Asian Tour win.
Ends.
About Solaire Resort and Casino
Solaire Resort and Casino is the first to open in the highly anticipated Entertainment City project along the Philippine’s famed Manila Bay.
The first phase includes approximately 500 luxuriously appointed rooms, suites and bayside villas as well as resort-style pool facilities, bars and entertainment lounges. In addition, there is a state-of-the-art ballroom and meeting space, and a fully equipped spa and fitness center.
The resort also features a world-class dining experience at our signature, casual and quick serve restaurants. The new dining avenues are headed by world-renowned chefs and showcase a comprehensive selection of authentic local and international flavors to cater to even the most discerning palate.
And to give you the ultimate Las Vegas gaming experience, Solaire’s expansive 18,500 square-meter casino area stretches two levels of gaming space, including premium VIP salons and an outdoor themed casino and entertainment bar – all loaded with the most popular slot machines and table games, such as Baccarat, Blackjack, Pontoon and many more!
About the Solaire Open
The Solaire Open is a new event on the 2013 Asian Tour Schedule. It is title sponsored by the Solaire Resort and Casino and supported by DOT (Department of Tourism), Hyundai, the Official Mobility, Pru Life UK, the Official Insurer, Nescafé Dolce Gusto, the Official Coffee and Omega, the Official Timekeeper. The suppliers for the event include Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, the Official Hotel, Johnnie Walker, the Official Whiskey, Asahi Super Dry, the Official Beer, Srixon, the Official Ball, Panasonic, the Official Television Provider, Canon, the Office Solutions Provider and PepsiCo, the Official Water and Sports Drinks.
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
 

Shubhankar Sharma (Ind) Third Round 72 (even-par), Total 209 (-7)

It was very windy today. The first two days were surprisingly calm. The course played really tough and I’m very happy with a 72. It was a mixed bag as everything happened. I holed out at the second, made a few good birdies and got a bad bounce on the 17th. I’m very pleased with the birdie at the last, which allowed me to grab a share of the lead. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.

At the second hole, where I holed out, I had a bad lie in the bunker. It was downslope and I didn’t want to duff it, as I’ll have no chance of an up-and-down if that happened. I caught it just on the ball which went over. The ball just came out three yards in front and it went to the centre of the cup.  At the fifth hole, as soon as I hit it, I knew I had a birdie chance.

I kept telling my caddie that this is our home course. You can’t overpower this course. So, I told myself, just hang in there. I will hit a few bad shots and I understand that it’s all part of the game. You just have to stay patient.

I was one-under-par after nine holes, which was crucial. I’m happy to be able to come back with birdies on seven and eight. The birdie on 10th was fantastic as the hole was played off the back tees. I have always played the 10th from the front tee box.

I made a few bad swings coming in, got a bad bounce on the 17th, but other than that, I think I played pretty solidly.

I smashed my driver on the 18th. I’m happy that I had a short club in. It was a pretty easy chip from the greenside rough. Even though I didn’t hit the chip perfectly, the ball still rolled next to the pin and I’m happy to make that putt.

I’m just looking forward to playing out there again. I just want to have fun. It’s the second week in the row I’m in the leading group. I’m going to draw from my experiences last week. I know it’s going to be a battle out there tomorrow and I’ll be ready for it.

Matt Wallace (Eng) Third Round 70 (-2), Total 209 (-7) 

It was hard. I played really nice. That 17th hole was brutal today. I mean, we all played it differently and managed to find ourselves in the same position. I hit a lob wedge in there and couldn’t hold the green, so yeah, it was tough. The wind was gusting around in different directions. I’m pretty happy with my score.

Every hole is a test. Like I said yesterday, every hole is a double bogey waiting to happen. I just took every hole as it came and played it as well as possible. That eagle on nine was probably the highlight of my week, and year, so far.

I’m very happy. There are some brilliant players up there on the leaderboard. You know, there is going to be a charge tomorrow and someone is going to play well. I just have to go out there and try to execute like I did today and see how it goes.

I’m going to rock up tomorrow and do the same as I’ve done all week. It’s such a hard golf course that you have got to play well. I’ll try to get a good night of sleep tonight and go from there.

Stephen Gallacher (Sco) Third Round 67 (-5) Total  210 (-6)

It’s getting tougher now – the wind has picked up and they put a few tees back today so it was playing its full length. So, I’m delighted with that. I just played really solid the whole day, to be honest.

I’ve played good all week, I’ve just not taken my chances. Today there were a few pins that were really tough. As I said, the tees were back, it was playing its longest, swirling winds. Anything under par was brilliant and I had a good finish there so it sets me up for tomorrow.

I just hit quality shots really. Just went up the middle and gave myself a chance. I was on the greens. I think I only missed a couple of greens today and a couple of fairways.

Sometimes you’ve just got to take it on the chin, play away from the pins and leave yourself a bit of a longer putt. I left myself some nice numbers and got it pin high. That’s all you need to do.

On 17 it was a five iron, eight iron to twelve feet and then holed it. Just a bit different from yesterday. I doubled it yesterday but it’s one of these holes – if you get good numbers you can birdie it but if you’re a wee bit out and need to manufacture something you can score anything.

On 19 I just laid up and hit a sand wedge to about eight feet and holed it.

It’s just a tough course. You’ve got to play well, it’s as simple as that. You’ve got to be a bit strategic in places about where you leave it and you’ve just got to hit solid shots.

I’m knackered, I’m going back for a sleep. You just can’t let up on any shot. It’s like playing a major kind of style. Even if you hit a good tee shot you’ve got to work hard on your next shot and your next shot. It’s mentally tough.

If I play like that tomorrow I’ve got to have a chance.

Andrew Johnston (Eng) Third Round 73 (+1), Total 211 (-5)

My round was not too bad. I felt that I didn’t played too well today, but I scrambled really well. I made a lot of good up and downs. It was not my best golf but being one-over-par still hasn’t put me out of the tournament. So, it was a good day.

You see the scoreboard and see a lot of people going backwards. The pins were tricky and the winds picked up. You just have to be patient. I made a chip-in for eagle and no birdies the whole round. It was a lot of scrambling. I made a lot of six to 10 footers for par.

I was happy to be level par after three holes. I hit two lovely shots at the fourth, and I hit a chip shot that went in, so happy days!

Being three off the lead is good!

In the final round, you have to wait and see where the pins and things like that and take it from there. You have to play your own game. If I have a day like yesterday (when he carded 66) tomorrow, then we’ll see what happens.

Sihwan Kim (Usa), Round three 72, Total 212 (-4)

Not bad. I made a few errors coming in. It was tough out there so I’m happy with the results. It was a grind out there. Whoever grinds better will win the tournament. You can’t get defensive on this course. You have to be aggressive but know where to miss it, what’s ok and what’s bad.

There were some good pin positions today. There were some that were challenging, but it was the same for everyone. Every green has a place where you can put it for birdie.

For tomorrow, we’ll see. I’ll just keep on playing aggressively and see how it goes.

I had two chip-ins. Those were on sixth and 16th. With the wind, I couldn’t get anything close to the hole. Those two chip-ins helped my round immensely.

Paul Peterson (Usa), Round Three 73 (+1), Total 213 (-3)

I felt that I played really well. There were some good putts that didn’t quite go for me on the back nine but, I tried to stay as patient as I could. I played a smart bogey on the 17th. The pin positions were pretty difficult today, especially with the winds picking. All in all, it was a good day. So many things can happen on the golf course. So, to be a few places back may be a good position to be in. It’s good to have some freedom to chase those guys down. So, I’m looking forward to it.

I’ll be aiming to hit more fairways and greens, managing anxieties when you have them. Here, you have to freewheel it. You must aim to play golf, not try not to play golf. You have to grab the bull by the horns and see what comes from it.

Angelo Que (Phi)
I played in four Asian Tour events and made three cuts. I started well when I finished fourth in Myanmar. I slowed down after that. I missed the cut in Chiangmai two weeks ago but I think I was mentally tired there. It was my third straight event.
So far my game is getting better every year and week. I’m working on my putting more. That’s always been my weakness. I’m sort of finding my groove after with my new driver which I changed this year.
It is nice to play at home. I sleep in my own ‘hotel’ which is my house. My family is here. I get to see them every night. I think it is the greatest feeling.
I think I need a lot of luck to get my fourth win. I think anybody that wins need it. You also need every aspect of your game to click.
When I won my third title, I went through some changes (went for yoga and abstained from meat). It could have been coincidence but I think it helps. In this line of work, in this game, anything can work just as long as you believe in it. If you don’t then why even bother trying? For me, I just go with the flow. I don’t really think too much of anything.
So far I’m getting there with my new equipment. It is still early in the year. Every time you change equipment it is always like that. I was with Callaway for six or seven years and now I’m with Bridgestone.
I’ve been playing here since I was 10 years old. The course hasn’t change much except for some holes where they lengthened it. The greens are better and I know it well. I’m more experienced now so I think that will help.
In a year we play 20 or 26 tournaments a year. I think one reason why I don’t exert so much effort in the driving range is because I’m not young anymore. I’ve always believed in quality and not quantity practice. I don’t spend that much time at the range. I only spend time at the range when I’m working on something. If I don’t have anything to work on then I just chip and putt (20 or 30 minutes) before I play. That’s how it has always been.
Ever since as a kid I’ve been doing that. In the Philippines back then, a lot of courses didn’t have driving ranges. It has been a routine since I was a kid so I didn’t want to change anything.
Unho Park (Aus)
It’s great to have a new event on Tour. It’s not a new venue. We’ve played here for a couple of times over the years. I’ve been struggling with my golf game lately but I’ve had a bit of off time and rested for a bit. I just hope to make it up there somewhere during the week. I’m continually working hard on my game and trying to improve every week.
Miguel Tabuena (Phi)
It’s a new event on the Asian Tour. I think it’s really good for the players as well as for the Asian Tour. I hope this tournament will go on for a long time. I played in a local event about a few weeks ago and I won. That really boosted my confidence and I hope to bring my good form to the Asian Tour on Sunday.
Being in contention last year, I’ve learnt to manage my nervousness better. I’ve been wanting to win on home soil. You’ve to hit the fairways and greens to have a good score here.
This is slightly different because there are more expectations when you play at home. Your family come out and watch as well. It is nice to have your family around. Hopefully I can play well in front of them.
Hopefully some of my fans come out as well! I’ve tweeted about this week’s event so I’m looking forward to seeing some of them at the course.
I brought a couple of Asian Tour staff for dinner on Monday and it was good! We got to bond and I know them a bit better. My mum told them that she cooked but actually she didn’t (laughs).
It is nice being a host rather than just playing in an event. It is a new experience for me. We don’t get many events in the Philippines. It is nice because you don’t have to wait for the bus and stuff like that. It is a more relaxing week.
I know my priorities for this week which is to concentrate and get in position on Sunday. I have a week off next week so that’s when I see my friends.
Choo Tze Huang (Sin)
I’m not really happy with how I’ve been playing. I’ve been struggling a little bit. It is a bit of a rookie thing because I’m coming out on Tour for the first time. I made only one cut in Myanmar. I had a good start there and struggled a bit in India and did pretty well in Chiangmai but missed by one. My game is getting better but I need to work on my mental side and try to go out there and play golf instead of worrying so much.
I’ve been thinking a lot about keeping my Tour card and trying to do well. I’m putting too much pressure on myself and expecting a bit too much. I think I need to believe in myself and hopefully things go well.
I last played here (Wack Wack Golf and Country Club) about 10 years ago as a junior. I played a lot of junior golf here. I have good memories here and won a couple of junior events. It is a tough and tricky course. Hopefully it will be a good week.
There was one victory when I played against Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Thailand). We were playing for the overall title and it was one of those good memories that I have here. The scores weren’t good back then because this course is tough for juniors but I caught Kiradech by a few shots and won. I was about 13 or 14 years old so it was a very long time ago!
Lam’s (Chih Bing) result was good last week. He struggled last year and he is starting to play good golf again. I was watching him on television on the last couple of days and he was playing really well. It was unfortunate what happened on the third day but I think he still played great golf and it will be a good boost in confidence for him. I think he will be back to his best this year.
I haven’t had the time to talk to him but when I do, I will definitely give him a pat on the back.
Antonio Lascuna (Phi)
I needed to rest my body last week. I feel good now. Last year was a really good year for me and it all comes down to practice. I still hit at least 500 golf balls a day and play five times of golf a week. I think if I can get off to two good rounds, I can win this event.

April 9: Miguel Tabuena is ready to put behind last year’s defeat at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club where he was in contention before settling for tied 11^th. He is ready to challenge for honours at the inaugural Solaire Open where he plays host to the Asian Tour players and staff. In this latest blog, he talks about growing up and taking the Tour’s staff out for dinner.
By Miguel Tabuena
The Solaire Open is a new event on the Asian Tour. I think it’s really good for the players as well as for the Asian Tour. I hope this tournament will go on for a long time. I played in a local event about a few weeks ago and I won. That really boosted my confidence and I hope to bring my good form to the Asian Tour on Sunday.
Being in contention last year (at the ICTSI Philippine Open), I’ve learnt to manage my nervousness better. I’ve been wanting to win on home soil. You’ve to hit the fairways and greens to have a good score here.
It is slightly different because there are more expectations when you play at home. Your family come out and watch as well. It is nice to have your family around. Hopefully I can play well in front of them.
Hopefully some of my fans come out as well! I’ve tweeted about this week’s event so I’m looking forward to seeing some of them at the course.
I brought a couple of Asian Tour staff for dinner on Sunday and it was good! We got to bond and I know them a bit better. My mum told them that she cooked but actually she didn’t (laughs).
It is nice being a host rather than just playing in an event. It is a new experience for me. We don’t get many events in the Philippines. It is nice because you don’t have to wait for the bus and stuff like that. It is a more relaxing week.
I know my priorities for this week which is to concentrate and get in position on Sunday. I have a week off next week so that’s when I see my friends.

Johor Bahru, Malaysia, April 9: Australian Luke Bleumink is looking forward to a successful title defence at the PGM-Maybank Johor Masters which starts on Wednesday despite being short of tournament sharpness.
The 27-year-old Bleumink headlines the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event at the challenging Johor Country Club which includes current Order of Merit leader James Bowen of the United States, local favourite Nicholas Fung, Chinese Taipei’s Hsieh Chi-hsien, who was fourth on the Merit list last season, and ADT winner Ryan Bulloch of Australia.
Last year, Bleumink secured his maiden professional victory in Johor by two shots, winning with a seven-under-par 281 aggregate after a closing round of 71.
After missing out on an Asian Tour card at Qualifying School in Hua Hin, Thailand earlier in January, Bleumink, who turned professional in 2010, has played in only two domestic events in Melbourne.
He has been working outside the ropes in between his golf to ensure he has enough funds to play regularly on the ADT, which is the feeder circuit to the established Asian Tour.
“It’s a weird feeling coming back to defend. I haven’t played too much golf this year but the game is feeling good,” said Bleumink today. “The golf course is in good condition and I think it is playing a bit easier this year as it was very fast and firm when I won here. I expect scores to be better this week.”
After seeing countrymen Scott Hend and Wade Ormsby triumph on the Asian Tour over the past few weeks, Bleumink believes the ADT is the best route to the region’s premier Tour which is celebrating its milestone 10^th season in 2013.
“I have been doing some labouring work back home to earn some money for my travels and I will take it as it comes.  I missed out at the Asian Tour Qualifying School but I’m going to try to play as much as I can on the ADT which provides a good chance for players like me to get onto the main (Asian) Tour,” he said.
This year, the ADT, which was launched in 2010, will offer Official World Golf Ranking points for the first time. This is seen as a major boost for the development of the game in Asia.
Malaysia’s Fung will lead the local assault where he is eager to launch a title charge after coming close on several occasions to a first ADT win. He finished runner-up in the last ADT stop at the PGM Northport Glenmarie Masters in Kuala Lumpur last month.
The top three players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn an Asian Tour card for 2014.
About the Asian Development Tour
The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Nationwide Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading three players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. The ADT will also receive Official World Golf Ranking points from 2013.