KIRADECH APHIBARNRAT (THA) – 11-under for tournament through two holes of third round
How does this change things for you?
I feel better. You can say I have more chance. On this course and this weather, it’s not so good for me. But until now, back to 54 holes, a good chance for me to win my first co-sanctioned title. Still have to do my best and tough work tomorrow. Charl is a good player. I have to do well tomorrow.
You led into the final round in 2010 and finished third. How will that help you?
I learned a lot from that. I’ve grown up in three years and I have learned a lot on how to play under pressure and how to play when you need to win. I think I have more experience now and I hope it will help me tomorrow.
What do you need to do tomorrow to win this?
I have play my game and hit it on the fairway and give myself chances to make birdies. That’s the key on the back nine. 11, 12, 13, they are really tough holes. If I can play those in par or under, I think it will be a good chance for me.
Is Charl your main threat?
He’s a top player and he can catch up. I will just do my best. If I can keep playing like how I have been doing in the first two days, I will have a chance.
What have you been doing right?
My irons are very good the past few weeks. My putting is better than last year. If I can put the ball on the fairway, I will have a lot of chances to make birdies.
Does it make a difference to be playing with Charl in the last group?
I played with him at the Thailand Golf Championship last year. He’s a nice guy. I don’t want to force myself and just want to do my best.
WU ASHUN (CHN) – nine-under for the tournament through two holes in the third round

I think I still have a good chance. I’m in the championship group and the leaderboard is very tight. It is three rounds now so anything can happen. I have to go back and sleep! Hopefully I get enough rest and play well. I have to pray hard! My game is in very good shape and I feel confident. Everything is good. I’m just happy to be in this tournament. Any finish is good for me. I don’t want to think about winning yet. I just want to stay happy (smiling).
S. MURTHY (MAS) – six-under for the tournament through four holes in the third round
Honestly, I was quite happy play was suspended. I finished eight holes in the morning (second round) and I was one over after four holes. Now I have time to think about my game and relax a bit. I still want to hit more fairways and make more putts. I’m not thinking about the title at all. I want to do and try my best. I want to take things one shot at a time. It is going to be an interesting final round and I’m not too far from the leader.
GAVIN GREEN (MAS) – Five-under for the tournament through 10 holes in third round.
How does this change your game plan for tomorrow?
I think I’ll just have to play better tomorrow in my last seven holes, try to finish good and see what happens. If it’s good enough, hopefully it’ll be good. We’ll see.
Played well today?
I played well, just didn’t make many putts. I’m okay with that but I’m okay with that. I wished I made some which would have changed things a bit. It’s okay.
Through to the weekend rounds, did anything change for you?
I’m a bit more relaxed but I still want to finish in the top-20. If I can do that, it would help my amateur world ranking. I want to stay in the top-50 so that I get exempt into the US Amateur and all that. That’s what I’m aiming for. I’m 49th right now, so the higher up I finish here, the better for me.
I’m going to try to hit some putts early tomorrow. It’s been so so. Only seven holes to play tomorrow and aim to be more aggressive tomorrow as there are not many holes left for me. We’ll see how it goes. I’m really enjoying the experience.

Kuala Lumpur, February 3: India’s Khalin Joshi and Berry Henson of the United States took advantage of opening eagles to stay in the title hunt after the third round of the Maybank Championship on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Joshi and Henson, who also eagled the last hole, fired matching seven-under-par 65s to trail co-leaders Jorge Campillo of Spain and world number 47 Dylan Frittelli of South Africa by a shot, at the Saujana Golf and Country Club.

Campillo and Frittelli both returned on 66s to set the pace on 15-under-par 201 in a crowded leaderboard at the US$3 million event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

The 52-year-old Prayad Marksaeng turned back the clock after posting a bogey-free 67 while Japanese heartthrob Ryo Ishikawa fired a sparkling 63 to share fifth place. Co-overnight leaders Phachara Khongwatmai (70) and Nino Bertasio (70), Hideto Tanihara (68) and Marc Warren (69) were also tied for fifth.

Joshi was delighted to be in the hunt for a first Asian Tour victory in his debut appearance at the Maybank Championship. The amiable Indian chipped in from 20 yards for an opening eagle and returned with five birdies to stay in the title hunt.

The 38-year-old Henson continued his fine form after finishing eighth and fourth in Singapore and Myanmar respectively in the last two weeks. He has enjoyed an amazing run so far after returning from a wrist injury where he was side-lined for 18 months.

Frittelli, who won the Mauritius Open in December where he defeated Arjun Atwal in a play-off, continued his hot form. He also finished tied 19th and tied sixth place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai before the Maybank Championship to break into the top-50 in the world.

Campillo of Spain eagled the first hole from 35 feet before marking his card with four birdies to head into the final 18 holes with a fighting chance to win his career’s first victory.

Did you know?

• This is Frittelli’s first Maybank Championship appearance. He enjoyed a superb 2017 season where he won twice. Since his win in Mauritius last December, he has battled tooth-and-nail to break into the top-50 in the world.

• After 54 holes, Frittelli has only dropped two bogeys. He was flawless in his round of six birdies today.

• This is Campillo’s third appearance at the Maybank Championship. He finished tied fourth in 2016 and tied 55th in last year’s showpiece.

• Joshi finished 52nd on the Order of Merit last season to secure a full Asian Tour card for the first time in his career. He has missed the cut five times in his last six appearances but has rediscovered his form this week.

• His best finish on the Asian Tour was finishing second last year at the Take Solutions Masters on his home ground in Bengaluru, India.

• Henson won his first Asian Tour title at the 2011 Philippines Open. He is the only player today to shoot two eagles for a round of 65 which was only marred by a double bogey on the 14th hole.

• He holed his first eagle from five feet and enjoyed a standing ovation on the 18th when he rolled in his 10-foot eagle putt.

• Prayad is in contention for an 11th Asian Tour title. The Thai veteran changed to a new driver and putter on Friday which helped him to a second round 65 and a 67 today.

• Overnight co-leader Phachara posted three birdies in seven holes. He bogeyed the ninth hole and returned with nine straight pars to trail the leaders by two shots.

• Ryan Fox of Australia holed-out for a magical albatross on the first hole with a six-iron from 213 yards. It was the Maybank Championship’s first albatross and 25th on the Asian Tour.

• Interestingly, the opening hole at Saujana was playing the easiest today as players recorded six eagles, one albatross, 45 birdies, 27 pars and only two bogeys.

Player Interviews:

Dylan Frittelli (Rsa) – Third Round 66 (-6), Total 201 (-15)

It was a good round. I started off a bit slow but some good birdies during the middle part of the round and that kept me going.

I said it yesterday, just patience on the greens. I think a lot of the guys are getting frustrated with the greens and I’m just trying to stay as positive as I can, and just try and speak to them nice and get the ball to go in the hole.

I don’t normally get animated but I just thought those two putts were going in and that’s why I kind had a reaction there but I’m just going to try keep doing that, get as close as I can and roll the putt in and see what happens at the end of tomorrow.

It is super bunched. A lot of Japanese guys up there, a few other Spanish guys, Jorge played great today with me and I’m not sure if we will be drawn together tomorrow but I’m excited to mix it up.

Jorge Campillo (Esp) – Third Round 66 (-6), Total 201 (-15)

It was good. I played solid for most of the round. I had a few tough holes but I managed to make the putts so overall I played solid. It is a good day.

(Eagle on hole 1) I hit a perfect driver and a nice six iron to about four or five metres and made that one. Always nice to start with eagle.

I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. It is a nice position to be and I’m excited.

Khalin Joshi (Ind) – Third Round 65 (-7), Total 202 (-14)

I feel good to play a bogey-free Saturday. I haven’t seen a Saturday in two week so I was really excited to go out there and post a good number. I’ve been making small errors lately but I found some form going into Thursday so I’m feeling good. Things are turning around and the results are showing.

I’m driving the ball well and I’m holing the four, five footer putts. My short game and driving are really showing good results. It is a bunched up leaderboard so you want to go out there and shoot a low number.

It was good to have the start I did. It made me loose a bit. (On the eagle) I hit it short of the green but I hit a perfect chip from about 20 yards into the hole. I had about 237 yards to the hole and I hit a hybrid.

I’m really looking forward to the final 18 holes because my game has finally showed up.

Berry Henson (Usa) – Third Round 65 (-7), Total 202 (-14)

I played great today, you know, I still have one more day, I feel great and my game is good. I am just enjoying playing golf again.

(On the double bogey) I played a pretty safe shot and it came out swirly out of the rough and didn’t save bogey. But I knew I had a couple of birdie holes coming up so I wasn’t too worried about it.

On the first hole, I hit a bomb drive down the middle of the fairway, had about 215 meters, perfect 4-iron for me to the green and just stuck it to five feet and made that putt.

On the 18th hole , I hit a nice drive about down the right side and got a good bounce to the middle of the fairway, had 225 meters to the hole and I hit a 5-iron cut around the trees and got it to about 10 feet and with an easy putt.

I put in a lot of work after I got injured. I am super excited to be back on the Asian tour and to play again. After this week I think I’m going to need a long break since I have been playing a lot of golf since the start of the season.

Prayad Marksaeng (Tha) – Third Round 67 (-5), Total 203 (-13)

I’m very happy because I changed to a new driver and putter on Friday. I’m happy that I changed my putter because the head is heavier. It helps with the putting. The driver has also helped me find more fairways. You need straight drivers here to have a good score. I’ve been struggling with the putter in the last two weeks so that’s why I decided to change.

Phachara Khongwatmai (Tha) – Third Round 70 (-2), Total 203 (-13)

I started very good on the first nine but I missed a few putts on the back. Golf is like this but I’m very happy with my two-under. My game plan is to shoot under-par every day and I’ve done that the last three days.

If I can make putts, anything can happen. Honestly, I’m not feeling very confident because of my putter. On the first day, I struggled with my long irons and started to do well after practising. So now I will go to the practice greens and work on my putting.

Scores after round 3 of the Maybank Championship being played at the par 72, 7135 Yards Saujana GCC course (am – denotes amateur):

201 – Jorge CAMPILLO (ESP) 69-66-66, Dylan FRITTELLI (RSA) 69-66-66.

202 – Berry HENSON (USA) 69-68-65, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-70-65.

203 – Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 71-65-67, Ryo ISHIKAWA (JPN) 74-66-63, Hideto TANIHARA (JPN) 71-64-68, Marc WARREN (SCO) 68-66-69, Nino BERTASIO (ITA) 68-65-70, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 68-65-70.

204 – Yusaku MIYAZATO (JPN) 71-67-66, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 70-67-67, Mike LORENZO-VERA (FRA) 66-71-67, Paul PETERSON (USA) 69-70-65, Benjamin HEBERT (FRA) 69-70-65, Pablo LARRAZABAL (ESP) 70-70-64, Ryan FOX (NZL) 68-68-68, Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 72-62-70.

205 – Shubhankar SHARMA (IND) 70-69-66, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 68-71-66, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 69-67-69, Thomas BJORN (DEN) 68-68-69, Thomas DETRY (BEL) 68-68-69, Romain WATTEL (FRA) 67-73-65, Yuta IKEDA (JPN) 70-64-71.

206 – Arjun ATWAL (IND) 67-71-68, Andrew JOHNSTON (ENG) 67-71-68, Scott JAMIESON (SCO) 68-69-69, Gavin GREEN (MAS) 68-69-69, Joost LUITEN (NED) 72-68-66, Maximilian KIEFFER (GER) 69-66-71, David LIPSKY (USA) 67-68-71, Chris PAISLEY (ENG) 65-69-72.

About Maybank – Humanising Financial Services

Maybank is among Asia’s leading banking groups and South East Asia’s fourth largest bank by assets. The Maybank Group has an international network of 2,400 offices in 20 countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Hong Kong SAR & People’s Republic of China, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Laos, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, Great Britain and the United States of America. The Group offers an extensive range of product and services, which includes consumer and corporate banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. It has over 44,000 employees serving more than 22 million customers worldwide.

About Asian Tour

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

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Kuala Lumpur, March 23: Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat held a one-shot advantage on Saturday over former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel at the Maybank Malaysian Open which has been reduced to a 54-hole contest.
Organisers were forced to cut short the US$2.75 million championship sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour after thunderstorms disrupted play for the third successive day, with Kiradech holding the lead on 11-under-par through two holes.
The third and final round will resume on Sunday, 9.45am at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. The last time the Maybank Malaysian Open was reduced into a three-round affair was at the same venue in 2006.
Schwartzel, playing in the last group with Kiradech, trails by one while a group of seven players, who include China’s Wu Ashun, three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland, Ryder Cup star Edoardo Molinari and Anders Hansen, are a further shot back on nine-under.
Big-hitting Kiradech, dubbed Asia’s John Daly, is determined to close out the Maybank Malaysian Open after coming close three years ago when he entered the final round as the co-leader only to finish joint third.
“I’ve learned a lot from that. I’ve grown up in three years and I have learned a lot on how to play under pressure and how to play when you need to win. I think I have more experience and I hope it will help me tomorrow,” said the 23-year-old former world amateur champion.

Kiradech returned this morning to complete his second round with a 68 which gave him a two-shot lead. He birdied the first hole of the third round but bogeyed the second before play was called off at 4.02pm when the heavens opened up.
With 16 holes separating him from a second Asian Tour title, the burly Thai, who has been suffering from the effects a lingering thyroid problem, knows he holds an advantage although he expects Schwartzel to mount a big charge on Sunday.
“I feel better. You can say I have more chance to win now that it’s 54 holes. It’s a good chance for me to win my first co-sanctioned title. I still have to do my best and it’ll be tough work tomorrow. Charl is a good player. He’s a top player and he can catch up. I will just do my best. If I can keep playing like how I have been doing in the first two days, I will have a chance,” said Kiradech, who finished fourth in last week’s Avantha Masters in India and also qualified for the British Open last month.
Schwartzel, who won the Thailand Golf Championship in December and has eight European Tour titles under his belt, birdied his opening hole of the third round to signal his intent of winning his first Maybank Malaysian Open title. He also wants to keep the title in South Africa’s hands following last year’s triumph by close friend Louis Oosthuizen.
The 27-year-old Wu, bidding to become the third Chinese to win a co-sanctioned tournament after Zhang Lian-wei and Liang Wen-chong, parred his first two holes of the third round to stay two shots back of Kiradech.
“I think I still have a good chance. I’m in the championship group and the leaderboard is very tight. It is three rounds now so anything can happen. I have to go back and sleep! Hopefully I get enough rest and play well,” said Wu, who became the first Chinese to win in Japan last season.
“I have to pray hard … My game is in very good shape and I feel confident. Everything is good. I’m just happy to be in this tournament. Any finish is good for me. I don’t want to think about winning yet. I just want to stay happy,” added the smiling Chinese, who is playing on a sponsor’s invitation.
India’s Jeev Milkha Singh made a charge up the leaderboard by playing his 11 holes in five under and moving up to eight-under for the championship.
S. Murthy, one of three Malaysians to make the halfway cut, stands at six-under through four holes of his third and final round with 19-year-old amateur Gavin Green a further shot back where he is two under for his round through 10 holes.
Leading third and final round scores
-11: Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) through 2 holes
-10: Charl SCHWARTZEL (RSA) through 2 holes
-9: Anders HANSEN (DEN) through 8 holes, Edoardo MOLINARI (ITA) through 5 holes, Padraig HARRINGTON (IRL) through 4 holes, Victor DUBUISSON through 4 holes, Gregory BOURDY (FRA) through 3 holes, WU Ashun (CHN) through 2 holes
-8: Jeev Milkha SINGH(IND) through 11 holes, Peter LAWRIE (IRL) through 6 holes, Jean GONNET (FRA) through 10 holes, Alastair FORSYTH (SCO) through 8 holes, Rafa CABRERA-BELLO (ESP) through 7 holes, Tommy FLEETWOOD (ENG)

About Maybank
The Maybank Group is Malaysia’s regional financial services leader with an international network of over 2,200 offices in 20 countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China, Myanmar, Laos, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Great Britain and the United States of America.
The Group offers an extensive range of products and services, which includes commercial banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. It has over 46,000 employees serving 22 million customers worldwide.
About the Malaysian Golf Association
Founded in 1929, the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) as the sole governing body of golf in Malaysia has been entrusted to promote the game while preserving its traditions and integrity.
It’s a non-government organization that runs by volunteers who are passionate about the game with the help of a team of management staff.
The Association’s portfolios have increased over the years ranging from conducting 14 state amateur opens, national amateur open, national amateur close, Malaysian Open to processing handicaps through its National Handicap System to promoting grassroots programs and training of the athletes to represent Malaysia in the international events.
We take our responsibilities seriously in promoting the game in Malaysia while simultaneously upholding the Rules of Golf as prescribed by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A).
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf.
About The European Tour
The European Tour is committed to celebrating the game of golf from the origins of the professional game, building a proud history of achievement, sportsmanship and integrity as well as showcasing our diverse global talent and rich landscapes. The European Tour’s innovative approach enables us to embrace the world, combining championships of tradition with new tournaments in the cities and countries of the future.
The European Tour International Schedule, which from 2009 has incorporated The Race to Dubai, is a thriving global brand which, in 2012, will feature a minimum of 46 tournaments spread across all five continents of the world; the European Challenge Tour focuses on the up and coming players of the future; while the European Senior Tour provides a new start for champions celebrating their 50th birthday.
The European Tour’s corporate identity features the iconic silhouette image of six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon who gives his name to The Harry Vardon Trophy, presented to the player who is crowned European Tour Number One and winner of The Race to Dubai at the end of the season.
About Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) is a member of Sime Darby Property Bhd and a propriety Club wholly-owned and operated by KLGCC Berhad. The club has won numerous accolades from both local and foreign golfing fraternity, the latest being voted the Malaysia’s Golf Club of the Year in Par Golf Awards 2011, No.1 Golf Course in Malaysia and Best Clubhouse in Asia Pacific by Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2011 and HAPA Golf Course of the Year by the prestigious Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards Regional Series 2011 – 2013. Today, it has become a landmark as the most luxurious golf resort development in Malaysia and KLGCC has in recent years hosted numerous international championships such as the Maybank Malaysian Open and the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.
About GlobalOne
GlobalOne is an executive lifestyle sports marketing consultancy. We have in the past created partnerships in golf, motor racing, sailing, tennis, rugby, skiing, athletics, basketball, cycling and skiing. Today, as an event promoter, GlobalOne’s primary focus and area of sports rights ownership is professional golf.
Ends

Kuala Lumpur, February 1: England’s Chris Paisley seized the clubhouse lead at the weather-disrupted US$3 million Maybank Championship on Thursday as former Asian Tour number ones David Lipsky and Arjun Atwal trail closely behind.

The 31-year-old Paisley fired a bogey-free seven-under-par 65 at the Saujana Golf and Country Club to continue his fine form where he won and finished fifth twice in his last three European Tour events in 2018.

The Englishman carded seven birdies to hold a one-shot advantage over countryman David Horsey while Frenchman Mike Lorenzo-Vera was six-under with two holes to play before fading light forced officials to stop play at 7.30 pm local time. The event was suspended earlier by 1 hour and 50 minutes due to lightning.

India’s Arjun Atwal, who is aiming for a third victory in Malaysia, last year’s runner-up and 2014 Asian Tour number one David Lipsky of the United States, Andrew Johnston of England, Korea’s rising star Soomin Lee and Frenchmen Romain Wattel and Alexander Levy were a further two shots back of Paisley.

Paisley won the South African Open in January and followed up on that victory by finishing tied fifth and fifth in Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively. He returned with seven birdies thanks to his sharp-shooting game where he hit 17 out of 18 greens in regulation.

Atwal, a former Asian Tour number one, traded seven birdies against two bogeys to trail the clubhouse leader by two shots while Lipsky, a two-time Asian Tour winner, was in position to redeem himself after finishing second last year.

A total of 40 players will return at 7.50am on Friday to complete round one. The morning round two tee times are delayed by 10 minutes but the afternoon tee times will remain unchanged.

Did you know?

• Paisley is enjoying a good run of form in 2018. He won the South African Open in January and finished tied fifth and fifth in Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively.
• His 65 matched his low opening round in 2018. He also shot a 65 in Dubai last week.
• The Englishman started on the 10th tee and made the turn in 32 before shooting an inward 33.
• This is Paisley’s second appearance at the Maybank Championship. He finished tied 41st last year after opening with a 72.
• He is currently fourth in the Race to Dubai on the European Tour and is 80th on the Official World Golf Ranking. He was ranked 289th in the world at the end of 2017.
• Horsey is a four-time European Tour champion but his last win was in 2015. He hopes to be third time lucky after missing the weekend rounds in his two previous attempts at the Maybank Championship.
• Lipsky has some unfinished business at the Maybank Championship. He settled for second last year after losing by one shot to Fabrizio Zanotti who eagled the 72nd hole.
• He was crowned the Asian Tour number one in 2014.
• Atwal is aiming for a third victory in Malaysia. He previously won the National Open in 2003 and 2008.
• This is his second visit to Malaysia in four weeks after his first stint as Team Asia Captain in the EurAsia Cup.
• This is his third appearance at the Maybank Championship. He missed the cut in the last two editions.
• Lee has a good track record at the Maybank Championship. He finished tied second in 2016 albeit on a different golf course. It was a disappointing defeat for the Korean who double bogeyed 16 and 18 to finish two shots back of eventual winner Marcus Fraser.
• Todd Sinnott of Australia aced the 191 meters fourth hole with a seven iron for his first hole-in-one as a professional. There was no prize on offer.
• He previously shot two hole-in-ones as an amateur.

Player Interviews:

Chris Paisley (Eng) – First Round 65 (-7)

It was great and nice to keep the form going. I just played really solid, hit it well off the tee so gave myself a lot of wedges and short irons into the greens which were really good and gave myself a lot of birdie chances, couldn’t have gone better. That’s the hardest part, it’s very hot and not much wind, so scoring wise it is quite easy but to keep your focus is quite difficult with how tiring the heat is but it is good fun. I was pretty much in the fairway every hole and just felt like I had a lot of 100-yard to 140-yard shots, which is generally my strength, and hit a few stiff and lots to within ten feet so managed to hole a few putts as well.

Arjun Atwal (Ind) – First Round 67 (-5)

It was hot, very hot. I don’t remember the last time being this hot. I’m pleased, it was a solid start to round one. Everything was pretty okay, I can’t pinpoint which part of my game was better. Everything was solid, I hit a lot of fairways and greens. I hit it close a few times and made some putts so it was good. It has been a while since I won in Malaysia but I always love coming back here. It has been fun.

David Lipsky (Usa) – Round one 67 (-5)

It was pretty good today I hit the ball really well today, but I didn’t make enough putts if not I could have gone even lower but I am pretty happy with my round. It was fairly easy in the morning but the wind picked up in the afternoon and got a little trickier. I’m pretty happy with my round and I just want to keep it going for the next few days.

Soomin Lee (Kor) – First Round 67 (-5)

It was very exciting. I really love this country and that’s why I always play well. I’m not feeling healthy. I hope that I can feel better in the next three days. My stomach feels upset. I don’t know what I ate wrongly.

I love this golf course, the fairways are narrow. I just want to keep my ball on the fairway. Actually I love playing on Asian golf courses. I drove the ball so well on the front nine but I struggled on the back. I just practice a bit more on the pace of my putting and I should be okay.

Todd Sinnott (Aus) – First Round 70 (-2)

It was playing 191 meters and it was playing uphill so you can’t see the green. I just hit a seven iron draw and I asked my caddy for the putter and he said I probably won’t need it and I laughed.

We walked up and Daisuke Kataoka was ahead of us and when he reached the green he said it was not in but he was joking so that was it. I’ve had two hole-in-ones as an amateur so this is my first professional hole-in-one.

When I got up to the green and knew I had the ace, I looked back at the tee to see if I won a car or something but nothing unfortunately!

Scores after round 1 of the Maybank Championship being played at the par 72, 7135 Yards Saujana GCC course (am – denotes amateur):

65 – Chris PAISLEY (ENG). 66 – David HORSEY (ENG). 67 – Andrew JOHNSTON (ENG), David LIPSKY (USA), Arjun ATWAL (IND), Romain WATTEL (FRA), Soomin LEE (KOR), Alexander LEVY (FRA). 68 – Ryan FOX (NZL), Chris HANSON (ENG), Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND), Robert KARLSSON (SWE), Thomas DETRY (BEL), Scott JAMIESON (SCO), CHAN Shih-chang (TPE), Thomas BJORN (DEN), Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA), Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA), Nino BERTASIO (ITA), Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN), Gavin GREEN (MAS), Fabrizio ZANOTTI (PAR), Bowen XIAO (CHN). 69 – Mohd WAFIYUDDIN (MAS), Adilson DA SILVA (BRA), S.S.P. CHAWRASIA (IND), Thongchai JAIDEE (THA), Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA), Adrian OTAEGUI (ESP), Dylan FRITTELLI (RSA), Soren KJELDSEN (DEN), Antonio LASCUNA (PHI), Berry HENSON (USA), Carlos PIGEM (ESP), Ben LEONG (MAS), Daniel IM (USA), Jorge CAMPILLO (ESP), Maximilian KIEFFER (GER), Benjamin HEBERT (FRA), Gregory BOURDY (FRA), Eddie PEPPERELL (ENG).

About Maybank – Humanising Financial Services

Maybank is among Asia’s leading banking groups and South East Asia’s fourth largest bank by assets. The Maybank Group has an international network of 2,400 offices in 20 countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Hong Kong SAR & People’s Republic of China, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Laos, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, Great Britain and the United States of America. The Group offers an extensive range of products and services, which includes consumer and corporate banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. It has over 44,000 employees serving more than 22 million customers worldwide.(www.maybank.com)

About Asian Tour

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

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www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf
www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf
www.youtube.com/theasiantour
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Kuala Lumpur, February 2: Thai teenager Phachara Khongwatmai charged into contention at the halfway stage of the US$3 million Maybank Championship after shooting a sparkling seven-under-par 65 on Friday.

The 18-year-old, whose name Phachara means ‘diamond’ in Thai, marked his card with seven birdies as he shared the lead with Italy’s Nino Bertasio (65) on 11-under-par 133 on a low scoring day at the Saujana Golf and Country Club.

A red-hot Lee Westwood of England fired 11 birdies against one bogey for a stunning 62 to lie a shot back in third place alongside Japanese star Yuta Ikeda (64), Marc Warren (66) and overnight leader Chris Paisley (69) at the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

The sweet-swinging Phachara posted two birdies in his outward nine and enjoyed a superb run when he made five straight birdies from the 11th hole thanks to a hot putter. He was joined by Bertasio, who was in the last group of the day, at the top of the leaderboard when the Italian returned with eight birdies against one blemish.

Westwood continued his affinity with Asia where he has won nine times including the Malaysian Open in 1997 at Saujana. He is in position again to win at the course where he was a former touring professional from 1996 to 1999.

Ikeda, the world number 43, fired eight birdies to stay in the hunt to secure a first victory outside of Japan where he has won 19 times.

The halfway cut was set at four-under-par 140 with a total of 81 players making the weekend rounds.

Did you know?

• Phachara credited a hot putter in a round of seven birdies. He totaled 27 putts and his highlight of his round was making five straight birdies from the 11th hole.
• This is the first time he has co-led in an event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
• This is Phachara’s second 65 in the tournament. He opened with a 65 in last year’s Maybank Championship but eventually finished in tied 20th place.
• He enjoyed a superb 2017 season where he finished second thrice. In the season-ending Indonesian Masters, he shot a 21-under and lost by eight shots to Justin Rose.
• Phachara was part of Team Asia in the EurAsia Cup three weeks ago. He contributed two points and only lost in the Singles match against Bernd Wiesberger.
• Phachara is searching for a first victory on the Asian Tour and European Tour. He holds the record as the youngest amateur player at the age of 14 to win a professional tournament. He is also the youngest player at 15 to win on the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
• He has played in The Open twice in 2016 and 2017.
• Phachara’s name in Thai translates to ‘Diamond’. He is also known as ‘Thai Diamond’ in Thailand.
• Bertasio is aiming for a first career victory. He traded eight birdies against one bogey to charge into the share of the lead.
• Westwood shot the low round in the tournament’s three year history. It is his second lowest score in Asia following a 60 at the 2011 Thailand Golf Championship which he won.
• He played solidly from tee-to-green, missing only one fairway, one green-in-regulation and totaled 26 putts.
• The Englishman became the world’s number one golfer when he won the 2012 Indonesian Masters.
• Ikeda is a 19-time winner in Japan. He is searching for his first victory outside of his country this week.
• This is the first time Ikeda is playing at the Maybank Championship.
• He made his debut appearance at the EurAsia Cup three weeks ago where he contributed three points and remains unbeaten.

Player Interviews:

Phachara Khongwatmai (Tha) – Second Round 65 (-7), Total 133 (-11)

I’m very happy with my score. My plan is to shoot under-par every day and play against the course. I don’t want to think ahead or compare my score to another player. It is only two rounds so the tournament is not over yet. I want to focus day by day and hole by hole.

I learnt a lot at the EurAsia Cup. My partner Hideto Tanihara taught me a lot and he calmed me down because I was very nervous.

It has been a long time since I’ve been bogey-free. I putted very well because I didn’t hit the ball close to the hole. Overall putting was the key. Honestly I didn’t realise I had five birdies in a row. I was just focussed on each hole.

Nino Bertasio (Ita) Second Round 65 (-7), Total 133 (-11)

It was very easy to be honest. I’ve been playing the par fives so a couple of birdies here and there, on the par fours and par threes and here I am at 11 under. It is actually quite easy to make bogeys here. The greens are quite tricky, and I think I only missed three greens, so I made it quite easy to be honest. I have been having fun on the golf course and playing well, so I’m looking forward to it.

Lee Westwood (Eng) – Second Round 65 (-7), Total 134 (-10)

I played alright the first three weeks of the year, I mean I missed the first two cuts but I sort of got in my own way mentally, not sure the reason for that but today I just freewheeled really and had fun out there.

Until the eighth hole, my 17th, I hadn’t holed anything over five feet. Tee to green it was brilliant, one bogey and 11 birdies, and now in contention.

It was enjoyable, there were a lot of birdies going in out there. It’s nice to be in contention and to know this golf course well. I won the Malaysian Open here 21 years ago now, and I’ve won this tournament and was touring pro for this course, so I’ve probably played it more than most and I know where to hit it.

I hit it close a lot and a pretty pain free round. Gave myself a lot of birdie chances, so it was a really good ball striking round and I holed out well as well. I was pleased with the way today went and hopefully we can build on that more.

Yuta Ikeda (Jpn) – Second Round 64 (-8), Total 134 (-10)

I’m very happy. I played very well with eight birdies and no bogeys. There was a huge crowd of Japan and Malaysian fans so I like coming here to play golf.

My short game and putting were very good but I really kept things simple. It is very important to find the fairways here to give yourself a chance to reach your target. If it was a more difficult hole, I would just aim for the centre of the green, make a two putt and leave with a par. If I’m lucky I would have a birdie.

I played the same yesterday but I had more birdie chance today so it was very good. I struggled on the greens (on Thursday) because it was so tricky. I couldn’t judge the lines on the greens. Now I’m in a good position and I’m glad to finish 36 holes.

Scores after round 2 of the Maybank Championship being played at the par 72, 7135 Yards Saujana GCC course (am – denotes amateur):

133 – Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 68-65, Nino BERTASIO (ITA) 68-65. 134 – Lee WESTWOOD (ENG) 72-62, Yuta IKEDA (JPN) 70-64, Marc WARREN (SCO) 68-66, Chris PAISLEY (ENG) 65-69. 135 – Stephen GALLACHER (SCO) 70-65, Daisuke KATAOKA (JPN) 68-67, Hideto TANIHARA (JPN) 71-64, Dylan FRITTELLI (RSA) 69-66, David LIPSKY (USA) 67-68, Maximilian KIEFFER (GER) 69-66, Jorge CAMPILLO (ESP) 69-66. 136 – Andrew DODT (AUS) 71-65, David HORSEY (ENG) 66-70, Ryan FOX (NZL) 68-68, Danthai BOONMA (THA) 70-66, Robert KARLSSON (SWE) 68-68, Thomas DETRY (BEL) 68-68, Thomas BJORN (DEN) 68-68, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 69-67, Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 71-65, Soren KJELDSEN (DEN) 69-67, Soomin LEE (KOR) 67-69. 137 – Alexander LEVY (FRA) 67-70, Gavin GREEN (MAS) 68-69, Fabrizio ZANOTTI (PAR) 68-69, Mike LORENZO-VERA (FRA) 66-71, Andy SULLIVAN (ENG) 71-66, Khalin JOSHI (IND) 67-70, Scott JAMIESON (SCO) 68-69, CHAN Shih-chang (TPE) 68-69, Matthieu PAVON (FRA) 70-67, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 70-67, Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 69-68, Berry HENSON (USA) 69-68.

About Maybank – Humanising Financial Services

Maybank is among Asia’s leading banking groups and South East Asia’s fourth largest bank by assets. The Maybank Group has an international network of 2,400 offices in 20 countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Hong Kong SAR & People’s Republic of China, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Laos, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, Great Britain and the United States of America. The Group offers an extensive range of products and services, which includes consumer and corporate banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. It has over 44,000 employees serving more than 22 million customers worldwide.(www.maybank.com)

About Asian Tour

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

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Chiangmai, March 23: The Asian Tour’s young guns are eager to make an impression at the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT when they challenge an elite field which includes eight players inside the world’s top-200 next week.
Upcoming Thai Gunn Charoenkul, who earned his full Asian Tour card last season by finishing 32nd on the Order of Merit, Hu Mu of China, Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka and Quincy Quek of Singapore, who are all in their early 20s, will feature in the US$750,000 full-field Asian Tour event.
Multiple Major winner Ernie Els of South Africa, currently ranked 24th in the world, Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand (59th), Gaganjeet Bhullar of India (85th), Y.E. Yang of Korea (139th), Kenichi Kuboya of Japan (157th), Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand (170th), Prom Meesawat (178th) of Thailand and South African Jbe Kruger (192nd) will also feature at the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai.
The depth of the field, which includes 46 Asian Tour winners, will serve as an inspiration for Gunn, who was born into a family with strong sporting background as his father and mother represented Thailand in football and volleyball respectively.
He made the best of his limited playing opportunities on the Asian Tour last year when he missed only one cut in eight starts to earn a full card. This year, he is tipped to shine again.
“It was a brilliant season for me last year. Honestly I didn’t expect it as I was only hoping to play my way into a country exemption spot or maybe just finish inside the top-60. But I played much better than I had expected,” smiled Gunn.
“The Asian Tour has given me the opportunity to play in big events and it has opened doors for me. I get to play against the better players and hopefully I can become a better player as well,” he added.

Sri Lanka’s Perera, whose father Nandasena is a famous name on the old Asian circuit during the 1980s and 1990s, hopes the Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT will be a special week.
“I think everybody has a chance to win a tournament. All you need is one good week. If you can go really low then you have a chance to win. I feel that I can do that as well. My father Nandasena is a legend and he is my coach too. The Sri Lankan people cheer for me and give me a lot of well wishes. I’m so happy to be the first Sri Lankan to have a full Asian Tour card,” said Perera.
Rikard Karlberg of Sweden, Anirban Lahiri of India, winner of the SAIL-SBI Open in India two weeks ago, Arnond Vongvanij of Thailand, Masanori Kobayashi of Japan, David Lipsky of the United States and bit-hitting Kiradech Aphibarnrat are also in the elite field.
Former US Open champion Michael Campbell of New Zealand will also feature in the Chiangmai Golf Classic as with Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand, winner of the season-opening Zaykabar Myanmar Open.
Other local hopes include Prom Meesawat, Boonchu Ruangkit and Prayad Marksaeng, all winners on the Asian Tour which is celebrating its milestone 10th season in 2013.
Ends.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), 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. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Perth, Australia, February 2: A contingent of young Asian Tour champions will be heading to the A$1.75 million (approx. US$1.25 million) ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth that starts at the Lake Karrinyup Country Club in Perth, Australia next week.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, who is arguably one of the most successful golfers of his generation, will be leading the Asian Tour charge down under when the event gets underway from February 8 to 11.

At 29 years old, Bhullar is the youngest-ever golfer to win eight Asian Tour titles and is widely expected to do well against a strong field that features 2016 Masters Tournament champion Danny Willett and former world number one, Lee Westwood of England.

“The golf course and the tournament were my favourites on the Asian Tour last year. I missed going into the fourth round match-play by a shot, but on the whole, I had a great time in Australia,” said Bhullar.

The Indian has enjoyed a decent start to 2018, finishing tied-27th and tied-10th in Singapore and Myanmar respectively.

He is looking forward to playing in the novel format that combines 54 holes of traditional stroke play across the first three days, with an exciting six-hole knockout match play format for the fourth and final round.

“When it comes to preparing for the format, there’s nothing I would do differently. The target, as usual, is to hit more fairways, more greens and make more putts. I like the course layout at Lake Karrinyup (Country Club) and I’m riding high on confidence,” said Bhullar.

Joining Bhullar in the 156-man field is an exciting group of recent Tour winners in their 20s. They include Jazz Janewattananond, Poom Saksansin, Rattanon Wannasrichan and Pavit Tangkamolprasert from Thailand, Paul Peterson of the United States, Nicholas Fung of Malaysia, Todd Sinnott of Australia, Daisuke Kataoka of Japan as well as Ajeetesh Sandhu of India.

Other established players to look out for include Shiv Kapur of India, who won three times on the Asian Tour in 2017 and veteran golfer Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand, a 10-time winner on Tour.

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

Ends.

About the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth

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

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

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

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

About ISPS HANDA

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

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

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

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

About Asian Tour

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

Kuala Lumpur, March 23: All it needed was a good night’s sleep and a stunning seven iron shot for a glorious eagle to lift Malaysia’s S. Murthy back into contention at the halfway stage of the Maybank Malaysian Open on Saturday morning.
The 42-year-old veteran, who heads into the third round later this afternoon four off the pace, is emerging as the surprise package at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club although his tournament appeared to be slipping from out of his grasps when he soared to three over through eight holes of his second round before being saved by fading light on Friday.
A disappointed Murthy regrouped last night and came out charging in the morning, shooting an eagle on the sixth holes, four birdies and a bogey for a two-under-par 70 and a seven-under-par 137 total to lie in tied seventh place.
“This is golf,” explained Murthy about his quick turn in fortunes.
“I kept my focus, kept aiming at fairways and greens. I holed out from 170 yards with a seven iron on the sixth hole (for eagle). It was dead centre and it went in the hole. It was a nice feeling. And then I birdied eight and nine. I need to stay focused. Two more rounds to go.”
With his best finish being tied 56^th  in 1999, Murthy could well provide the silver lining as Malaysia has never produced its own champion at the Maybank Malaysian Open. Murthy is game to give it a shot but reckons he needs the crowd support to give him a lift as he challenges the likes of leader Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Wu Ashun and Charl Schwartzel for the Seagram Trophy.
“Since I’m already in this position, there’s nothing to lose,” he said.
“I always enjoy the crowd support. Looking forward to some crowds in the third round following my group.”
With the typical Malaysian afternoon thunderstorms being a bane for players, Murthy knows he must remain patient to keep up his glorious run.
 
“I waited so long (to tee off yesterday) and it wasn’t the weather’s fault that I played poorly. It was my own fault for the bad start. As a player, you have to prepare well. I hit a few good shots but made two three putts on 11 and 14 for bogeys. Suddenly, I was three over for the day. Then play stopped which was quite good for me,” said Murthy.
“As a golfer, you deal with the weather problems. I prepared myself. I hit a few balls yesterday while waiting for my tee time (2.50pm) and then started to eat a bit and have some drinks to relax myself. Hit some balls again and kept warm.”
He arrived at KLGCC a bit earlier than usual this morning to spend more time at the practice putting green, which paid off as his putter got hot on the back nine.
“After last night, I felt bad. I couldn’t really take it especially the 11^th hole. It is a tough par three but I hit the green and then made a three putt. I felt bad after that and then missed again on 14. When I came back this morning, I spent a bit more time on the practice green. I just tried to stay calm.
“I’m swinging it good, it feels great. I was putting well this morning.”
Since turning 40, Murthy has enjoyed a new lease of life by winning twice on the local PGM Tour. He credited his coach, whom he knows only as “Mathy”, for his turn around in golfing fortunes.
“I’ve been working on my back swing with my coach. Previously, it was more inside and now it’s more parallel. I’ve worked with Mathy for two years now. I saw him and then started winning two local tournaments. It’s helped a lot.”

Kuala Lumpur, March 23: Thai rising star Kiradech Aphibarnrat is in position of erasing his defeat at the Maybank Malaysian Open three years ago when he pulled two shots clear with a four-under-par 68 in the second round on Saturday.
The big-hitting Thai known for his grip-it and rip-it style of golf which somewhat mirrors John Daly’s game, returned this morning to finish the second round after play was abandoned on Friday.
The halfway cut was set an even-par 144 with 73 players making the cut. World number three Luke Donald of England will not feature in the last two rounds after shooting a three-over-par 147.
Kiradech made eight straight pars when play was resumed at 7.45am at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club but kept a cool head on a rather steamy morning. He was rewarded for his patience with a birdie on 18 after hitting an exquisite approach to three feet.
“I enjoyed my game. I had to cool myself down out there because I only had my first birdie of the day on the last hole. It was a good finish. I tried to stay calm out there because of the heat. I need to save my energy,” said the 23-year-old, who totalled 11-under-par 133.
He holds a two-shot lead over former Masters Tournament winner Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, Wade Ormsby of Australia, Gregory Bourdy of France and China’s Wu Ashun at the US$2.75 million event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
The memory of finishing third in 2010 after going into the last day as the joint leader is still fresh in his mind but Kiradech says he is more experienced now to seal the deal for a second Asian Tour win since 2011.
“I was very excited three years ago but I’ve learned a lot since then. I’m much older now and I learned a lot on the Asian Tour. I hope to finish better than 2010,” said Kiradech, who qualified for his first Open Championship debut through the International Final Qualifying – Asia earlier this month.
“I’ve been playing very well since the start of the year and my game has stayed up there. My iron and approach shots are better compared to last time. My driver isn’t working as well as I would like it to be so hopefully it will work in the last two days.”
The penultimate round will start at 1.15pm with the leading flight going off at 3.05pm which gives Kiradech time to rest and preserve energy. “I want to go back to the hotel and rest, take a shower and relax to save energy.”
Ends.
About Maybank
The Maybank Group is Malaysia’s regional financial services leader with an international network of over 2,200 offices in 20 countries namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China, Myanmar, Laos, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Great Britain and the United States of America. The Group offers an extensive range of products and services, which includes commercial banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, stock broking, insurance and takaful and asset management. It has over 46,000 employees serving 22 million customers worldwide.
About the Malaysian Golf Association
Founded in 1929, the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) as the sole governing body of golf in Malaysia has been entrusted to promote the game while preserving its traditions and integrity. It’s a non-government organization that runs by volunteers who are passionate about the game with the help of a team of management staff. The Association’s portfolios have increased over the years ranging from conducting 14 state amateur opens, national amateur open, national amateur close, Malaysian Open to processing handicaps through its National Handicap System to promoting grassroots programs and training of the athletes to represent Malaysia in the international events. We take our responsibilities seriously in promoting the game in Malaysia while simultaneously upholding the Rules of Golf as prescribed by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A).
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Saxo Capital Markets (Official Statistics Partner), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf.
About The European Tour
The European Tour is committed to celebrating the game of golf from the origins of the professional game, building a proud history of achievement, sportsmanship and integrity as well as showcasing our diverse global talent and rich landscapes. The European Tour’s innovative approach enables us to embrace the world, combining championships of tradition with new tournaments in the cities and countries of the future.