Queenstown, New Zealand, March 2: Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert stayed close with clubhouse leaders Daniel Nisbet and Callan O’Reilly from Australia by signing for a second round four-under-par 67 at Millbrook Resort at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open on Friday. 

The Thai compiled a two-day total of 10-under-par 133 to trail the Australians by four shots as he readies himself for his weekend charge which will be played at Millbrook Resort. 

“I couldn’t be happier as I beginning to hit the ball really well. I haven’t been driving the ball well the last three months but I feel that has changed this week. The greens are soft and they are in very good conditions. They are ideal for attacking the pins.

“My irons are really good too and they have presented me with many birdie opportunities. I did pretty well here at Millbrook today and I’m pleased the weekend rounds are going to stay here.

Playing at The Hills, O’Reilly fired a sizzling 61 to set the course record at the par-72 course while Nisbet, who is chasing his first professional win since 2016 this week, continues to take top spot with a 66.

"To be honest I thought at 10-under I thought I would have the course record but I wasn’t really thinking about it. I was surprised my three-wood went so far. I knew I had to put a good swing on it and make birdies,"said O’Reilly.

Overnight co-leader Jarin Todd of the United States lost his lead after carding a 70 at The Hills while Asian Tour member Simon Yates of Scotland and recent winner Paul Peterson made their moves with matching 68s at Millbrook and the Hills respectively.

“Overall I’m happy to be here for the weekend and not that far off the lead at the moment. If you are hitting fairways and hitting it good and straight off the tee it makes it so much easier. I just had no feeling at the start of the round but by the end of the round I was ok,” said Yates.

Ends.

Chiangmai, Thailand, March 31: Reigning British Open champion Ernie Els believes his game is in good shape for the Masters Tournament in a fortnight after ending his campaign at the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT with a closing two-under-par 70 on Sunday.

The South African star settled for tied 14th position in the US$750,000 full-field Asian Tour tournament at the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai in what was his final tournament before the year’s first Major.

Els reverted to his belly putter for the final round today after using the short stick in the first three rounds.

“I came here to get my swing under control, which I think it did. The short game is not too bad, everything is kind of there. It’s just the confidence search now,” said Els, a four-time Major winner.

Els took 29 putts with the belly putter, which he is phasing out in view of the impending ban on the anchored putting method. The South African star said he will use the belly putter at the Masters but switch to the conventional stick leading up to the U.S. Open in June.

“I just wanted to play (with the belly putter) today since it was my last competitive round before the Masters. Mentally, I was going to do the long putter at the Masters. I wanted to feel what it is like under a little bit of pressure,” said Els.

Although satisfied with his week’s work, the Big Easy was frustrated by the tricky greens at the Alpine course. “I played well especially today but didn’t get anything out of the round. I’m hitting it nice again. I’m really glad I came here. I’ve had a great experience in Chiangmai. The people are just wonderful, and the golf course was good. I just wished I made more birdies,” he said.

Els was also impressed with by quality of young Asian Tour players whom he played with this week. He was paired with India’s Anirban Lahiri in the third round and played with Thai teenager Thitiphun Chuayprakong during the final round, with the youngster outscoring him by one shot.
“Great guys,” enthused Els. “The guy I played with today, he’s a great little guy. He’s got a good game and yesterday as well with Lahiri. I think on the Asian Tour, the players are really good. It’s always good to come here to play,” said Els.

About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistic Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, fashion and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in more than 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in India, China, Brazil and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academy; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com.

Queenstown, New Zealand, March 2: Australia’s Terry Pilkadaris broke clear of the tight leaderboard by carding a second round eight-under-par 64 to take a one-shot lead over the chasing pack at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open on Friday.

The three-time Asian Tour winner backed up his opening 64 at Millbrook Resort with another similar effort at the Hills to enjoy the outright lead with his two-day total of 15-under-par 128.

Australians continued to dominate the leaderboard with Daniel Nisbet and Callan O’Reilly sharing second place on 129 total.

O’Reilly, who finished tied-15th at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open last year, inked his name into the record books when he posted a sensational 61 to set the course record at The Hills.

Asian Tour Qualifying School graduate Travis Smyth secured fourth place with a 67 while overnight co-leader Jarin Todd of the United States slipped to a share of eighth place following a 70.

Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert will head into the weekend rounds five shots back of Pikadaris after he signed for a 67 to take a share of 16th place that also included Scotland’s Simon Yates and Paul Peterson of the United States.

The weekend cut was set at seven-under-par which is also the lowest cut on the Asian Tour.

Ends.

 Did you know?

• Terry Pilkadaris first ventured to Asia in 2002 and finished second in Qualifying School.
• He broke through on the Asian Tour when he won back-to-back titles at the Crowne Plaza Open and Sanya Open in China in 2004.
• Pilkadaris added his third Asian Tour title when he won the 2005 Brunei Open and has made two appearances at the Open Championship in 2007 and 2009.
• Daniel Nisbet first came to Queenstown as a caddy in 2010. He turned professional in 2012 and went on to win his first professional victory in Hong Kong in 2016.
• Callan O’Reilly’s 61 is the lowest score he has ever shot. He just started working with new coach, Gary Barter, who has also worked with leading Australians like Matt Jones.
• He claims he has to play well this week in order to pay for an upcoming fishing trip with his father-in-law.
• Travis Smyth is a recent Asian Tour Qualifying School graduate. He finished tied third to earn his Tour card for 2018.
• Pavit Tangkamolprasert last victory on the Asian Tour dates back to 2016 when he defeated India’s Anirban Lahiri in a play-off to win the Venetian Macao Open.
• His two year’s winner’s exemption on the Asian Tour will end this year. He finished in 48th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season.
• Pavit is also a five-time winner on the Asian Development Tour (ADT)
• Simon Yates represented Scotland as a downhill skier during his youth. He came to Asia on a holiday and decided to stay and play on in the region in 1995.
• He has been living in Thailand for the last 23 years.
• The Scotsman has won twice on the Asian Tour, the 1998 Sabah Masters in Malaysia and 2004 SK Telecom Open in Korea.

 Players’ Quotes:

 Terry Pilkadaris (Aus) Second round Eight-under-par 64, Total 128 (-15)

It was a different condition today as compared to yesterday. It was quite cold with a bit of rain in the morning with no breeze yesterday. It warmed up a bit and I finished with five birdies which was nice. I played at the Hills today and it was a different set-up. The greens were more undulating and it was in the afternoon so the ball was flying its normal distance.  All in all it was manageable and there was nothing scary. I’ve been playing pretty consistent and I was not in too much trouble the last two days. I have to go low to win this tournament but it all depends on the weather this weekend. If the weather was like the last two days, you got to be shooting five, six-under to stay in the mix. But if it changes and it gets windy, cold and rainy, then the scores will come down significantly. Winning again does play on my mind as I have a couple of runner-up finishes since my last victory. To win a golf tournament you got to have a little bit of luck and sometimes you get it and sometimes you don’t.  There are just too many factors. 

Callan O’Reilly (Aus) Second round 11-under-par 61, Total 129 (-14)

I was playing with my good mate and he was not playing great on the front nine and I was hoping he could make a few birdies so I sort of just rode what I thought he would do, and did it myself. I played good golf, gave myself opportunities and made them. It is all you can do. I played solid on the front nine and had three under. To be honest I thought at 10-under I thought I would have the course record but I wasn’t really thinking about it. I was surprised my three-wood went so far. I knew I had to put a good swing on it and make birdies. More of the same going forward. I know I am playing good. It is about keeping my mind in the right centre and enjoying the weekend. I did a little bit of work on Tuesday trying to fix the driver a little bit but it was outstanding today. Hopefully I can keep it all going now.

Daniel Nisbet (Aus) Five-under-par 66, Total 129 (-14)

Today was solid again. I had a bogey early which kind of halted the momentum a little bit, but I still struck the ball really well. I would like to hole a few more putts tomorrow though. It’s magnificent, the course is in great condition, the greens are all nice. They are two very different courses, with elevation changes and things like that. It’s probably a little bit simpler to play this course actually.  It was a couple of misreads and my pace was a little bit off. We started this morning with a little bit of dew on the grass and then it got a bit faster. Keeping up with that adjustment was tricky at times. I think the lead might change. The course is going to be pretty easy if the weather stays like this. I’m not sure what the score will be after today, but it would be good to be in contention going into the weekend. It’s good to be in an area like this, and to be playing good golf is a bit of a bonus. The score is going to be low, so hopefully I can post another good number tomorrow and stay in the hunt. I hit a good one into the fourth and fifth, tap in birdies are always nice.  Just stay on the fairways. There are a couple of fairway bunkers and the rough is pretty long too. You’ve just got to stay on the fairways so you can attack the pins. The birdies are out there if you are in the right position.

Travis Smyth (Aus) Second round Five-under-par 67, Total 130 (-13)

I teed off on the back nine and got away with a birdie and got things rolling again. I ended up having like five birdies in a row on my first nine. I felt very comfortable out there and had another awesome round, like I did yesterday. One of my best mates from back home on the south coast of Wollongong, paid the money and he’s out here with me having a ball. It’s awesome to see that we are running top-five as a pair. I really just want to make this experience awesome for him because I play a lot of pro events in my time, but there’s not too many events where a friend of mine can be a part of it. Whatever position, I’m playing well and I know if I play well over the weekend I can take this thing out. I’m just going to try and do what I’ve been doing the last two days and have fun out there. It’s my first time in Queenstown and I’m loving it. I’m staying with a friend of mine near town and it’s awesome after golf just going into town and looking around and getting coffees and different places, it’s a neat place. Courses like The Hills and Millbrook are pretty generous off the tee so it’s kind of target golf, and there’s pretty soft conditions as well. The best player is going to go to the top of the leaderboard this week, there’s really no trick to either course. I’ve been struggling a little bit the last couple of weeks, so it’s awesome to be one off the lead going into the weekend at such a big event. It’s all coming together at the right time.

 Jarin Todd (Usa), Second round Two-under-par 70, Total 132 (-11)

Playing at The Hills was good. I just didn’t play as well as I would have liked as I got a couple of penalty strokes there. I played the par-threes well yesterday and I managed to do well on those par-three here again. I’ll go back to the range to practise but sometimes you hit bad shots and that’s how it goes. I just got to stick to my game plan and not worry too much about how it goes. I’m still in a good spot.

Pavit Tangkamolprasert (Tha), Second round, Four-under-par 71 Total 133 (-10)

I couldn’t be happier as I beginning to hit the ball really well. I haven’t been driving the ball well the last three months but I feel that has changed this week. The greens are soft and they are in very good conditions. They are ideal for attacking the pins. My irons are really good too and they have presented me with many birdie opportunities. I did pretty well here at Millbrook today and I’m pleased the weekend rounds are going to stay here. I just want to play my best and get the ball onto the fairways as much as I can. After all, my irons are good and I want to take advantage of that. My pro-am partner (Liza Sutrisno) is a good player. I think the tees are tougher for ladies as there’s not much difference from the pros. But she’s doing very well.

Simon Yates (Sco), Second round Three-under-par 68, Total 133 (-10)

Yesterday I played great for the first 12 holes to be eight-under but I made a couple of three-putts because I was so far away. Today I started slow, I was cold and I was rushing.

But on the back nine I played really good. I didn’t make as many putts but I did have a couple of tap-ins for birdies. Overall I am happy to be here for the weekend and not that far off the lead at the moment. If you are hitting fairways and hitting it good and straight off the tee it makes it so much easier. I just had no feeling at the start of the round but by the end of the round I was ok. The main thing is to hit your driver good here. I have lived in Thailand for 24 years, more than half my life. I love the heat. I am not a true Scotsman anymore.

This is such a beautiful place and such a great atmosphere. It only took us 4hr 5mins, so it is a great format when the amateurs are playing quick. Our guys were just brilliant. There are a lot of good Asians now and a lot coming through. Asian golf is in good shape. We just need the Asian Tour to get a few more tournaments in the main tour, and it will just get better and better.

Paul Peterson (Usa) Second round Four-under-par 68, Total 133 (-10)

Today it was all about staying patient. I started out with 12 straight pars and just wasn’t able to convert my chances on the front-nine. The greens are a little subtle and not breaking as much as I saw. I was happy I was able to make some adjustments on the back-nine and saw some putts go in. I would have been in for a rough day if I had made 18 straight pars. I’m pleased as 68 is never a bad day in the office. My eyes seem to match my speed a little better over at Millbrook. I was playing with too much breaks visually and I’ll try to get back on those greens as the speed is a little different there and I’ll try to dial that back in for tomorrow. I hit 18 greens and I putted 18 times yesterday. I missed one green today and when you’re putting that much, you’re not going to make more. You do your best and I feel it’s just a matter of making good strokes and getting around these courses which are new to me. I’m just trying to stay patient and keep doing what I’ve been doing. The laws of averages will tell me if I keep hitting as many greens as I’ve right now, I should be in for a good weekend. Queenstown is unbelievable. It’s beautiful and you got keep you head up and look around even when you are frustrated. You cannot let your golf get in the way of such an unbelievable place.

Chiangmai, March 31: China’s Hu Mu believes he can compete with the world’s best players after finishing ahead of Major winners Ernie Els and Y.E. Yang following a career first top-five outing on the Asian Tour at the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT on Sunday.
The 23-year-old Hu made a brave final round charge with a solid four-under-par 68 to finish fourth for his best result since taking up membership on the region’s premier Tour which is celebrating its milestone 10th season in 2013..
His four-day total of 15-under-par 273 was five shots behind champion Scott Hend of Australia but he took pride with the fact that he finished three and two shots ahead of South Africa’s Els and Korea’s Yang respectively in the US$750,000 full-field Asian Tour event.
“I think I can play with the best players, Kiradech (Aphibarnrat), Yang, Ernie and Prayad (Markssaeng) – they are all here this week. If I can play my best, I can compete with them,” said Hu, who will feature in the next Asian Tour event in the Philippines in two weeks’ time.
The talented Hu, touted as the next great Chinese hope, turned in 36 but a birdie on the 10th hole sparked a strong finish as the Chinese birdied 13, 14 and 17 to move up the leaderboard at the majestic Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai.
“I set my goal at 15-under to win the tournament. The scores were better than I thought. I did my best and I stuck to my game plan. Today was such as slow start. I was even through nine,” he said.
After missing his Asian Tour card from Qualifying School, Hu is determined to make full use of his limited playing opportunities on the Asian Tour. His strong showing in Chiangmai has moved him up to 25th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit with earnings of US$39,187 from two starts.
“It’s a huge thing for me. I’m trying to get into the top-60 (to earn full playing rights for 2014). I failed to get my status at the Q-school and I got a few sponsors’ invites and have managed to make a splash which is great,” he smiled.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistic Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf
About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, fashion and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in more than 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in India, China, Brazil and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academy; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com.

Chiangmai, Thailand, March 30: Australia’s Scott Hend charged from six-shots back to win the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT by three strokes after a stunning eight-under-par 64 in the final round on Sunday.
Big-hitting Hend earned his third Asian Tour title in front of large crowds at the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai, taking home the winner’s cheque of US$135,000 with his four-day total of 20-under-par 268.
South African newcomer Bryce Easton, playing in his first Asian Tour event, also shot a 64 to take second place while a faltering Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand, who led by five overnight, settled for third on 272 after a day to forget when he soared to a 74 in the US$750,000 full-field Asian Tour tournament.

The growing emergence of China’s Hu Mu continued as he took fourth place following a 68 as he posted his first top-five finish on the region’s premier Tour which is celebrating its milestone 10th season in 2013.
Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, who needed a victory to have a chance of qualifying for the Masters Tournament in a fortnight, settled tied 10th position after a 72 while South Africa’s Ernie Els, using the belly putter after three days with the short stick, finished tied 14th in the Chiangmai Golf Classic which was offering the highest world ranking points in Asia this week.
“To be honest, I didn’t think I had a chance to win,” said the 40-year-old Hend. “I played with Prayad the first two rounds and he was hitting the ball great and putting great. And obviously he played great yesterday again and I thought he would continue with the way he was playing.
“I was just looking for a solid top-five finish. Obviously it all fell together and I played quite well. Unfortunately for the other guys, they didn’t quite keep the pace going which was good for me.”
Despite a bogey on three, Hend sparked his round at the next hole with a 30-foot eagle conversion, which led to four more birdies over his next five holes. “From there, I just played pretty solid golf and holed the putts that I missed in the first three days. That was the difference. This win is fantastic. To shoot 20 under helps you believe in yourself that you’ve got the game.”
His two previous wins on the Asian Tour also were come-from-behind victories. He stormed from five back to win the 2008 Indonesian Presidents Invitational and was four behind when he won the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic last season.
“I never had the chance to lead from the front. I would love to lead into the last round by three and see if I can hold the guys off. But you’ll take anything you can get. To shoot eight under on the Sunday, I’m pretty proud of it,” said Hend, who credited his caddie and former Tour regular Tony Carolan for his triumph.

The 25-year-old Easton, who missed his Asian Tour card by one shot at Qualifying School in January, was nine under for the round through 14 holes but double bogeyed the par three 15th when his tee shot found the lake. He missed a birdie chance at the closing par five 18th and was eventually passed by a fast-chaging Hend.
“I played great. The goal was to sneak into the top-five to get into next week (Panasonic Open India). I got going nicely and got into a position to win. I hit a few shots close early on and made a couple of putts and kept building on that. I just kept heading in the right direction but made some mistakes in the end,” said Easton, whose runner-up cheque of US$82,500 is expected to be enough for him to get a full Tour card for 2014.
After three days of imperious golf, Prayad lamented a poor start where bogeyed the third and then found water en route to a double bogey on the par five seventh. A missed putt for from close range on nine for an outward 39 left him with an uphill task.
“My irons were no good. The second shots were always reaching the fringe on almost every hole. My feeling was okay when I started the final round. I’m not angry now although I had a chance to win,” said the 47-year-old veteran star.
Scores after round 4 of the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT being played at the par 72, 7,471 Yards Alpine GR course (a- denotes amateur):
268 – Scott HEND (AUS) 68-69-67-64.
271 – Bryce EASTON (RSA) 68-67-72-64.
272 – Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 65-67-66-74.
273 – HU Mu (CHN) 66-69-70-68.
274 – Jbe KRUGER (RSA) 71-69-70-64, BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) 69-69-68-68, SIDDIKUR (BAN) 69-67-69-69, Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 71-67-66-70, Matthew STIEGER (AUS) 68-67-68-71.
275 – MO Joong-kyung (KOR) 70-67-71-67, Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 68-70-68-69, Digvijay SINGH (IND) 67-67-70-71, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 69-65-69-72.
276 – KIM Gi-whan (KOR) 71-70-69-66, Chris RODGERS (ENG) 72-66-71-67, Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 71-69-68-68, Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS) 70-68-69-69, Jaakko MAKITALO (FIN) 72-66-69-69, Ernie ELS (RSA) 69-71-66-70.
277 – Tetsuji HIRATSUKA (JPN) 70-68-71-68, Mithun PERERA (SRI) 70-66-71-70, Wade ORMSBY (AUS) 70-70-67-70, Jason KNUTZON (USA) 67-69-70-71, Y. E. YANG (KOR) 69-68-67-73, Anton HAIG (RSA) 72-66-66-73.

About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistic Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf
About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, fashion and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in more than 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in India, China, Brazil and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academy; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com.

SCOTT HEND (AUS) – FINAL ROUND 64 (-8), TOTAL 268 (-20)
At the start of the day I didn’t think I had much of a chance to win. I played with Prayad (Marksaeng) in the first two rounds and he was hitting the ball really well. He was putting extremely well. Six shots in front of me, I thought he would carry on his present form. I guess fortunately for me, he (Prayad) might have been a little bit tired after winning two weeks ago.

When I got into the fourth hole, I hit driver and five wood on the green and rolled in a 30-foot putt for eagle just after I bogeyed the third hole. From there I just played pretty solid golf and holed the putts which I missed on the first three days. I guess that was difference in my round.

This win is fantastic. I played great at Avantha Masters (India) and didn’t finish the job. I missed the cut in Malaysia so to come back and shoot 20-under sort of helps you believe in yourself that you still got the game and can hole the putts. I had Tony Carolan as my caddy and he is a former Asian Tour member. It is great to share this win with Tony because he is a great friend and will be forever.

I want to go back to see my two six-year-olds and my wife. I haven’t seen them since January. For the rest of the year hopefully I win another one or two titles on the Asian Tour. I’m trying to qualify for the CIMB and HSBC events so this is a good start for that.

The Asian Tour has been a fantastic place for me to be in. This is the Tour in the region and in my eyes it is the only Tour in the region. It is a fantastic breeding ground of the young players and the middle aged players such as myself. Everyone wants to come out and forge a good living and play in good tournaments and try to move to the next level. This is a great place to be and a place to play on.

My best form of defence is attack. I’m an aggressive golfer and I play better when I’m aggressive. I guess I’m just lucky that when I’m in position I make the birdies and give myself a chance to win. I guess all the cards fell into place for me.

The last five years for me have been amazing because of my children. I grew up in Australia but I get to experience all the culture in Asia. It is a massive learning curve for me. It is interesting to see all the different cultures in different countries and embracing the culture. I found it very enlightening and I’ve enjoyed it immensely.

Obviously, I want to play on the PGA Tour but I like playing here as well. I like the people and culture. It has been fantastic.

BRYCE EASTON (RSA) – FINAL ROUND 64 (-8), TOTAL 271 (-18)

I played great today. The goal was to sneak into the top-5 to get into next week. That was all I was trying to do. Got going nicely and got into a position to win. That’s what we all want to do. Made a few putts. Yesterday, I shot level par which was disappointing. I gave myself a lot of chances but missed many chances. Today, I hit a few close early and made a couple of putts and kept building on that. Just kept heading in the right direction.

It’s my first Asian Tour event. Played nicely at home on the Sunshine Tour. I’m trying to get some status out here. Just trying to get the opportunity to play. Obviously I got the exemption this week and to take advantage of that and have a chance of winning was great.

I just like the idea of playing in Asia. I’m from Durban. I don’t mind the climate. I think the Asian Tour is growing in each and every year and it’s going to keep getting better.

I was disappointed to miss the Qschool by one shot. Won stage one and had two nightmare rounds in final stage which was quite tough. Hopefully this week is enough to get into next week and try to take advantage of my opportunities.

PRAYAD MARKSAENG (THA) – FINAL ROUND 74 (+2), TOTAL 272 (-16)

My irons were no good today. The second shots were always reaching the fringe on almost every hole.

On three, I hooked my tee shot and the ball ended in a divot. Didn’t have shot. On the seventh hole (where he double bogeyed), the ball was sitting on the second cut rough and I hit it too high and the wind caught the ball and it ended in the water. On nine, I rushed my par putt and missed it.

My feeling was okay when I started the final round. I’m not angry although I had a chance to win.

HU MU (CHN) – FINAL ROUND 68 (-4), TOTAL 273 (-15)

I set my goal at 15 under to win the tournament. The scores were better than I thought. I did my best. I stuck to my game plan. Today was such as slow start. I was even through nine. Made a terrible bogey on seven with a two iron from the fairway. I’d birdied the hole everyday. I still stuck to my game plan and it worked out well.

Back nine, I still missed birdied chances on every hole. They were all on the lips. I think I can play with the best players, Kiradech, YE, Ernie, Prayad, they are all here this week. If I can play my best, I can compete with them. I’ll play my next event in the Philippine event.

It’s a huge thing for me. I’m trying to get into the top-60. I failed to get my status at the Qschool and got a few sponsors’ invites to a few events and have managed to make a splash which is great.

ERNIE ELS (RSA) – FINAL ROUND 70 (-2), TOTAL 276 (-12)

Frustrating. Played well especially today but didn’t get anything out of the round. I’m hitting it nice again. I’m really glad I came. I’ve had a great experience in Chiangmai. People are just wonderful, course was good. I just wished I made more birdies.

I just wanted to play today, it was my last competitive round before the Masters. Mentally, I was going to do long putter at the Masters. I wanted to feel what it is like under a little bit of pressure.

Great guys. The guy I played with today, great little guy. Good game. Yesterday as well. I think the Asian Tour, the players are really good. It’s always good to come here.

I came here to get my swing here under control, which I think it did. Short game is not too bad, everything is kind of there. It’s just the confidence search.

DIGVIJAY SINGH (IND) – FINAL ROUND 71 (-1), TOTAL 275 (-13)

Birdied 15 and 18. Didn’t putt very well. missed a short one on eight and missed a par save on nine. Missed a few short putts. Didn’t feel good with the putting. My putting speed was out. My line reading was a bit out. Overall a good week. Quite happy with how I held myself on the course. Icing on cake was two birds coming in. Looking forward to next week. I needed this week, really looking forward. A lot of excitement about next week. Don’t think I’m going to be nervous at 41 years old. Definitely like to enjoy the week.

Chiangmai, March 30: China’s Hu Mu lamented another day of missed opportunities as he scrambled to a two-under-par 70 in the third round of the inaugural US$750,000 Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT on Saturday.

The 23-year-old, who took up membership with the Asian Tour this season, was frustrated on the tricky greens at the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai as his three-day total of 11-under-par 205 left him in tied 10th place, seven shots behind runaway leader Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand.

Hu needed 32 putts as he made four birdies against two bogeys in the Asian Tour’s newest tournament, which is offering the highest world ranking points in Asia this week.

“I played well. 70 is not a bad score here. I missed a lot of opportunities. Maybe I wanted it too much. I was still hitting good putts but the speed or lines were just a bit off. If I can be a bit more relaxed and focus on hitting good putts than trying to make them, hopefully I will be better tomorrow,” said Hu.

The young Chinese, touted as the country’s next great hope as he seeks to qualify for the Olympics in 2016, intends to stick to his game plan to finish as high up as possible on Sunday. While he is seven shots behind Prayad, he is only two back of Thongchai Jaidee and Matthew Stieger, who share second place on 203.

“At the moment I’m trying to follow my game plan. The past three days, even though I didn’t make any putts, I am still playing well. Yesterday and today, I had chances to go low. I just need to take my chances but I need to stay relaxed on the golf course,” said Hu.

About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistic Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, fashion and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in more than 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in India, China, Brazil and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academy; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com.

Queenstown, New Zealand, March 1: Australia’s Andrew Dodt shared the early limelight with compatriot Andrew Martin after they took the first round clubhouse lead with matching eight-under-par 64s at the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open on Thursday.

Playing his opening round at The Hills, Dodt, a two-time Asian Tour winner, started promisingly with an opening birdie in his first hole. He dropped his only shot of the day at the par-three fourth but recovered quickly with another birdie on seven to reach the turn in 35.

Dodt’s game then sprung to life starting from the 13th hole where his birdie would mark the start of an amazing run. He fired four consecutive birdies before adding more gloss to his score card with an eagle-three on 17 before closing with another birdie on 18.

“It was a slow start, the conditions were a bit easy and I was only one under through 13 holes so I was starting to get a little anxious thinking I needed to start making some putts soon.

“I got a little hot from the 14th, birdied 14, 15, 16, driver three wood on 17 to 10 feet and birdied the last.

Maybe I was trying to force it a little bit too much early, because you know that conditions are easy, you should be making birdies and when you’re not you try and force it a little bit. I just tried to relax and a little less was more, let it come to me rather than go and chase it and it clicked into gear,” said Dodt.

Martin also enjoyed another good round at The Hills, a venue he has done consistently well over the years.

“All the boys give me a bit of grief about how well I play at The Hills. I just feel really comfortable on the course, everything suits my eye.

“It was a pretty stress free round for me, I know my lines and I was hitting good shots in to give myself lots of chances to drop a few putts,” said Martin.

Ends.

Chiangmai, March 30: South African Ernie Els hit his lowest round of the season with a six-under-par 66 at the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT on Saturday, declaring he was on the right track in his preparation for the Masters Tournament.
The four-time Major winner made it look easy with seven birdies against a lone bogey in his third round at the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai as he moved to tied 15th with his three-day score of 10-under-par 206, eight shots from the third round leader Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand at the US$750,000 full field Asian Tour event.
Australian Marcus Both and India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar shot matching 65s as the early session players enjoyed a day of low scoring.
Els, who is wielding a short putter this week in place of his regular belly putter which he used to win the British Open last July, felt he could have gone much lower after taking 27 putts, his lowest on the greens so far this week.
“Yeah. Obviously I could have done a little bit better. I gave myself chances. The greens were nice and smooth and a little bit quicker. I made a couple of putts and was trying to squeeze some birdies out of the course on the last couple of holes but didn’t hit good shots,” said Els.
“It is getting better. I haven’t had a good year up to now. I haven’t played great rounds. I needed this and I’ve been working hard on the short putter. Obviously, today was a little easier on the greens. Hopefully I can build on that. I wanted to go low but I’m going in the right direction with a 66. Maybe I’ll go a little bit lower tomorrow.”
Els has said that he will revert back to his belly putter for the Masters Tournament in two weeks’ time.
Ends

Sentosa, Singapore, March 1: Americans Berry Henson, Casey O’Toole and Indonesians George Gandranata and Danny Masrin are taking on ambassadorial roles to advocate for low income families in need of decent shelter, announced Habitat for Humanity, Asian Tour’s official sustainable development partner.

Henson, a one-timer winner on the Asian Tour, expressed his delight as it will give him the opportunity to promote the global non-profit housing organization whose mission is to work with families to build or improve a place they can call home.

“I am honored and excited to support Habitat for Humanity. I’ve known this organization for quite a long time since coming to Asia. It is an awesome opportunity for me to help not just the communities around me but also around the world,” Henson commented.

The 38-year-old Henson signaled his arrival in Asia when he claimed his breakthrough Asian Tour title in the Philippines and became the rookie of the year in 2011. Henson was sidelined by a career-threatening wrist injury for a year before he returned to competitive golf last December.

Henson got his 2018 season off to a flying start by notching three straight top-10 finishes in Singapore, Myanmar and Malaysia to sit in fourth place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, which is the Asian Tour’s season-long Order of Merit.

“Habitat for Humanity was started in the United States by millionaire businessman Millard Fuller who wanted to help humanity. It’s the kind of thing that I want to be involved in. It gives me an opportunity to help people in need in the region. Being a professional golfer, coming to Asia has been an awesome opportunity for me.

“It is about getting chances to give back. I’m glad to be associated with an organization that helps people in over 70 countries. It will be cool to travel around the world and let everybody know about Habitat for Humanity,” Henson added.

2015 Asian Development Tour Merit champion Casey O’Toole of the United States shared his thoughts on being an avid supporter of Habitat for Humanity. “I am excited about being an advocate for Habitat for Humanity. I have been able to see first-hand the impact it is making on people’s lives, and it is something I am very humbled to represent and be a part of,” he said.

George Gandranata of Indonesia, who has been a supporter for Habitat for Humanity since 2015, welcomed Henson as the latest advocate for the organization.

“Berry is an experienced player on the Asian Tour. He will definitely be setting a great example to the younger guys out there to do more to give back to the community,” said Gandranata.

“Habitat for Humanity has always championed a worthy cause of building decent homes and sustainable communities so that families can have better lives. It has been an honor for me to be associated with them. The experience I have had with Habitat has been unbelievable.”

Indonesia’s rising golf star Danny Masrin is another strong supporter for Habitat for Humanity. He will continue to volunteer and ultimately donate his time and talents to create awareness of the need for housing in the Asia and Pacific region, alongside Henson, Gandranata and O’Toole.

“We want to thank Berry, Casey, George and Danny for their willingness to raise the visibility of the Habitat for Humanity name. We hope that when they promote, participate and speak to others about Habitat, the overall impact would help more families to build the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to improve their lives,” said Rick Hathaway, Asia-Pacific vice president for Habitat for Humanity

By aligning with the Asian Tour, Habitat for Humanity will leverage the Asian Tour’s global presence to promote its vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. The partnership serves to highlight the work of Habitat for Humanity and in turn, create awareness among a key demographic group to raise funds, attract volunteers and highlight the plight of those in need of decent shelter in Asia and around the world.

With the support of partners and volunteers, Habitat has helped more than 13.2 million people around the world obtain a safer place to sleep at night, along with the strength, stability and self-reliance to build better lives. In the Asia-Pacific region, Habitat operates in more than 17 countries including the Philippines, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand which are all markets that host Asian Tour tournaments.

Ends.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported more than 2.4 million people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org/asiapacific.

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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