Kuala Lumpur, January 31: Thai star Thongchai Jaidee will play in his 200th Asian Tour event at his favourite hunting ground when the US$3 million Maybank Championship starts on Thursday.

The Thai veteran will fittingly mark a new milestone in his career at the Saujana Golf and Country Club, the venue where he won back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005 which subsequently launched his career.

At the age of 48, Thongchai admits that he is preparing for the Seniors Tour where he is eligible to play on at the age of 50.

He is still committed and passionate about the game but will juggle between playing professionally and overseeing the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation. He also has plans to build an international school in his home town in Lopburi.

A return to Malaysia, a country which he calls ‘home’, always brings out the best in Thongchai. He will contend for the prestigious title against a stellar line-up which includes an in-form Li Hao-tong of China, Major champion Henrik Stenson and popular Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat.

Li, who was part of Team Asia in the EurAsia Cup in Malaysia three weeks ago, is full of confidence heading into this week’s Maybank Championship after his spectacular victory in Dubai last week where he defeated four-time Major champion Rory McIlroy.

The win propelled the 22-year-old to 32nd place on the Official World Golf Ranking and became the first Chinese golfer to break into the top-50 in the world.

Shiv Kapur, who won thrice on the Asian Tour last year, hopes to continue his fine form at the Maybank Championship where his wife, Maya, and baby girl, Veda, will cheer for him outside the ropes at Saujana.

The Indian star also hopes to extend his lead on the Panasonic Swing rankings where he leads on 2771.40 points. The Maybank Championship is the penultimate Panasonic Swing event where Asian Tour players have an opportunity to shoot for a share of the lucrative bonus pool.

Did you know?

• Thongchai Jaidee is the only player to win three Asian Tour Order of Merit crowns. He has also won 13 Tour titles and four events on European soil.
• His victory at the 2004 Malaysian Open was his first European Tour win. He successfully defended the title in the following year and since then, he has become one of the most popular golfers among Malaysian fans.
• Thongchai enjoyed a solid outing at the Maybank Championship last year where he shared 12th position. It was one of his best results in a disappointing 2017 season where he finished inside the top-10 twice.
• Thongchai also hosts his own golf event, the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation, on the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
• His countryman Thaworn Wiratchant currently holds the record of playing in 437 Asian Tour events.
• Li is currently the youngest player to feature inside the top-50 in the world thanks to his victory in Dubai last week.
• The Chinese star is also a popular golfer in Malaysia, thanks to his heroics in the EurAsia Cup three weeks ago where he contributed 2½ points.
• Li hopes to better his tied fifth result at the Maybank Championship last year where he finished four shots back of the champion Fabrizio Zanotti.
• Before 2017, Kapur only had one victory on the Asian Tour in 2004, the same year where he was named the Rookie of the Year.
• He was the only golfer to win multiple titles in 2017 at the Yeangder Heritage in Chinese Taipei, Panasonic Open India and Royal Cup in Thailand.
• He placed 12th at the Maybank Championship last year and has a decent record at the Saujana course as an amateur, most notably when he finished second at the 2000 Saujana Amateur Championship after losing in a play-off.
• His wife Maya and daughter Veda have travelled with him to Malaysia.

Player Interviews:

Thongchai Jaidee (Tha)

It feels great to play in my 200th Asian Tour event this week. I never count how many events I play so to find out about this is simply amazing. I feel very good especially when it is at Saujana and in Malaysia.

I come to Malaysia every year and this golf course and country feels like my ‘home’. I’ve won here twice but the golf course has changed now. The course is now playing longer but the most important thing to do is to keep the ball in play.

I struggled with my putting and I didn’t perform in 2017. My rankings took a huge dip last year. I want to forget about 2017 and focus this year. Honestly, my target is the seniors’ tour. I’m 48 this year so I have two more years before joining the senior’s tour.

Golf is my life and I love to play golf. I turned professional late but when I look back at my career, it looks great. The young boys in golf now are so good. They have proper training and equipment. That has made them so successful so early in their career.

Li Hao-tong (Chn)

It’s definitely such a big honour after last week. I gained a lot of confidence and experience, so quite happy I can be out there and in that position.

It gave me a lot of confidence and I am feeling great, especially against Rory on Sunday. I think nothing to lose and staying patient was key.

I think my game is pretty solid and I’m putting very well. This week I will just try to save some energy for the week and hopefully play well and enjoy the pressure.

It’s been really good, especially this course, if you put the ball on the fairway all the time you are going to make a lot of birdies.

Sometimes one week can change everything, I will try my best to play well this week and hopefully have a special week.

Shiv Kapur (Ind)

I have been playing here since I was a junior so I know this course quite well. There have been some changes but I have always felt that this course sets up good for my eye. Back in 2000, I played in the Saujana Amateur Championship and I lost in a playoff and last year I had a good finish at the Maybank Championship. So obviously, this course has a good setup for my game, not terribly long and it’s all about placing your ball on the fairways and hitting good iron shots and that suits my game more.

I think the results in Singapore was just due to a little bit of rust and didn’t have much of an off season so Singapore was just about me trying to find my game. I was struggling with my swing all week and my coach Shane (Tohl) has been helping me the past couple of days. I feel like my ball striking is back where it needs to be and from now on things will be better.

I played three weeks in a row and obviously these are tough conditions with the weather. There hasn’t really been a transition between last season and this season I’m a little fatigue. But I want to play as much as I can between now and the Indian Open.

The Panasonic Swing rankings are very important to me, I’ve altered my schedule to fit into Panasonic Swing events. It’s great to have a lead, but it just takes one of the guys behind me to win or do well this week to take over, no one is safe. It’s always nice to pursue rather than be pursued but I couldn’t have asked for a better golf course to be coming in for a Panasonic Swing event.

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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Kuala Lumpur, January 30: Reigning Asian Tour number one Gavin Green of Malaysia will have a more experienced caddie on his bag when he contends at the US$3 million Maybank Championship which starts on Thursday.

The big-hitting 24-year-old will team up with Mark Crane of Scotland, who previously caddied for Paul Casey and Chris Wood and has the experience of caddying in Majors and in the Ryder Cups.

Gavin and Crane worked together for the first time in Dubai last week and will continue their partnership at the Saujana Golf and Country Club where they will face an elite field which includes Henrik Stenson of Sweden and an in-form Li Hao-tong of China, who won last week.

Gavin’s father Gary, who previously caddied for him, will now be on the bag for his younger brother Galven, who will arrive in Malaysia early Thursday morning before teeing it up in the first round at the Maybank Championship.

Green started his 2018 season in Malaysia at the EurAsia Cup and flew to Singapore where he enjoyed a top-10 finish. In the following week, he travelled to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic where he came in tied-45th.

Newly-crowned Asian Tour winner Paul Peterson of the United States is also riding high on confidence after winning in Myanmar last week which propelled him to the top of the Order of Merit ranking.

The 30-year-old American is bracing himself for the humid weather in Malaysia after struggling in the heat in Singapore earlier this month.

India’s Shubhankar Sharma, who had a stellar 2017 season where he finished four top-10 finishes and enjoyed his first Asian Tour and European Tour victory at the Joburg Open. The 21-year-old will enter the Maybank Championship with good memories after finishing tied ninth last year.

Did you know?

• Gavin Green is the 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner and is the first Malaysian to ever win the accolade.
• Green is ranked first in driving distance in 2017, averaging 314.08 yards off the tees.
• He is a Maybank ambassador and hopes to do well in the event after placing tied 47th in last year’s edition and missing the cut in the inaugural event in 2016.
• Green has a solid track record at the Saujana Golf and Country Club course as an amateur where he won three times.
• Green played college golf at the University of New Mexico where he won eight times and was named All-American multiple times.
• The Malaysian is using a new caddy this week instead of his father on the bag. His father will be caddying for his younger brother, Galven Green.
• Paul Peterson came in tied 29th last year at the Maybank Championship which is his best finish at Saujana Golf and Country Club.
• He won his first Asian Tour event last week at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open that moved him from 198th place to 127th on the Official World Golf Ranking.
• His win also pushed him to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
• Peterson won his first European Tour event under conditional status at the 2016 D+D REAL Czech Masters.
• The 21-year-old Sharma is one of the rising stars in India. He claimed an emphatic victory at the Joburg Open last year where he was the only Indian in the elite field.
• Sharma finished tied ninth at the Maybank Championship last year. It was his third straight top-10 result on the Asian Tour which sealed his card for 2017.
• Interestingly, Sharma has ties with Anirban Lahiri beyond golf. Lahiri’s father, who is a doctor helped deliver Sharma’s sister some years ago!

Player Interviews:

Gavin Green (Mas)

The last 12 months have been a huge learning process for me. Patience is obviously a huge thing in golf, I know everybody says it but it is true. If you don’t have patience, there is no way you will reach success. This is my fourth week in a row and I’m resting as much as I can. I’m hitting it a little bit better as compared to EurAsia Cup so that’s good. I know this course well. I think everybody will have a tough time on the greens. My game has tightened up and I have been working really hard with my coaches. I feel I’m mentally and physically prepared. Definitely there’s a chance (to win) but I need to stay patient and handle the pressure of playing in front of the home crowd. I’m working with a new caddy. We started working together in Dubai last week. His name is Mark Crane (Scotland) and it has been working well so far. He is here this week. He caddied for Paul Casey, Chris Wood and he has experience of being a caddy in the Ryder Cup and Majors. We are trying to get comfortable with each other and so far, it has been good. It is a different chemistry because I had my dad on the bag previously. He understands that you can’t attack all the holes. You got to play it on the safe side, get your par and get out of there. For example, on hole number two. You want your par and get out of there. It is such a tough hole, so why make it tougher? Make it as simple as possible. Somebody of that level telling me that is a different thing. He had an injury and he was out for a while. Now he is on my bag. If my brother (Galven) beats me, I won’t talk to him for a long time! He won’t have a practice round and will only be arriving on Thursday morning. He has requested for a late tee time so if he beats me, I won’t talk to him for a long time. Thankfully, he hasn’t called me and asked for advice but my father will be caddying for him and he has gone out to do his homework.

Shubhankar Sharma (Ind)

Life has changed a lot for me. Two years ago, I had to work very hard to save my card and last year I was very determined in the beginning to get off to a good start. I did start very well with three top-10s including a tied ninth result at the Maybank Championship. That finish here pretty much kick-started things for me because it was my first top-10 on the European Tour and it gave me the confidence. I think that led to the win at the Joburg Open as well because I had the feeling that I belong here. I feel much relaxed this week. I played in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the last two weeks and I made cuts in both events. I’m feeling really good about my game and I have good memories here. I’m going to enjoy myself because I’ve been missing all the fun I had on the Asian Tour. The conditions this week will be the same like the last two weeks in the Middle East. It will be hot and humid. It feels like I’m coming back to ‘home’. I’ve played this course before I don’t have to really learn anything new. (On people branding him the next Indian rising star) I have no pressure, it is just more motivation for me. There have been people before me who have done better or won Majors at my age. There have been a lot of people who have achieved much more at my age so it is something that I can look forward to. I just want to keep putting myself in contention. It motivates me a lot more.

Paul Peterson (USA)

My goal would be to finish top-five here. My game still feels solid from last week and my energy is where I want it to be. I was so exhausted in Singapore but I like where my game is at and I just want to keep this momentum going. I was on the east coast before Singapore Open so I struggled with the drastic change in weather coming to Singapore, which is one of the hottest places I have been to. I was actually very surprised that I struggled in Singapore because I was playing well all through the end of last year and Sentosa is one of my favorite courses. It’s nice to have everything come together, my wedges feel good and I have been hitting a lot of fairways and greens. This course is longer than last week, there are a couple of holes that are tricky, like the second hole and the 14th. But I think I will still be provided with a lot of opportunities to make birdies and if I take advantage of all the par fives and minimize mistakes it will be a good week. I hope that having a bit more time practising in Singapore and Myanmar has prepared me for the weather this week. Just keeping myself hydrated and drinking lots of coconuts.

Ends.

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.

Please visit us at:

www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com
www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf
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Kuala Lumpur, March 22: Prom Meesawat of Thailand hailed the performance of countryman Kiradech Aphibarnrat, the leader in the opening round of the Maybank Malaysian Open, saying he makes golf look ‘easy’.
Prom returned on Friday morning to complete the opening round on four-under-par 68 and trails Kiradech by three shots at the US$2.75 million event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
“Kiradech is playing really good now. We practice a lot together. The way he plays, it makes golf looks easy. Any Thai golfers leading the way, I’m just very happy. When I see a lot of Thais on the leaderboard, I’m happy,” said Prom.
“I came back this morning and completed eight holes. I actually played better yesterday afternoon. This morning was different as the air was heavy which made the course heavy. I was happy to keep under par this morning.”
“The course this year is more difficult as the greens are firm. But the way I played, I just tried to keep par on the tough holes, 11 to 13 and kept the ball on the fairways as much as I could. I stuck to my game plan.”
Prom, who finished tied 29th at last week’s Avantha Masters in India, hopes to overcome his putting woes as he aims to end a title drought on the Asian Tour which dates back to 2006.
“The last couple of weeks, my putting hasn’t worked very well. But this week, when I had a chance for birdies, I could make it. It felt like it’s getting better. Just see what I can keep doing,” said Prom, who finished tied 29th at the Avantha Masters in India last week.
“Every time we’re in Singapore or KL, there will be delays. You just need to stay calm and not think too far ahead. Keep it shot by shot and stay where you are.”
Ends.

Kuala Lumpur, January 30: Poom Saksansin had a chance to say ‘thank you’ to Henrik Stenson of Sweden at the Maybank Championship after receiving a memorable gift from the Major champion earlier this month.

Poom met his golf idol Stenson at the EurAsia Cup in Malaysia three weeks ago and together with his teammate Sunghoon Kang, they caused one of the biggest upsets of the week by defeating the Swede and Alexander Levy 5&4 in the opening fourball match.

Team Europe eventually won the showdown but Poom emerged as one of the standout performers where he also defeated Paul Casey of England in the Singles match.

Despite his heroics in the tournament, Poom was still too shy to ask for an autograph and photo but Stenson was gracious to sign a shirt with the words “To Poom, thanks for kicking my @$$”.

“We need to rename him assassin instead of Saksansin!” said Stenson, who will headline the US$3 million Maybank Championship which starts on Thursday. “Alex and I got a heavy beating there and deserved it.”

“Afterwards I got one of the team shirts and signed it for him because I heard he is a bit of a fan. I don’t think he needs to be shy at this point. He is a good player and they played fantastic the first round. They beat us fair and square,” he added.

It was a simple but meaningful gesture by Stenson which Poom, a two-time Asian Tour champion, will remember and cherish for a long time to come. He also had a chance to take a photo with Stenson at the Maybank Championship today.

“I received this Henrik Stenson autographed shirt from Arjun Atwal in Singapore. I wanted to get it from Henrik at the EurAsia Cup but Arjun told me to beat him first and I did it. After that I was too shy to ask it from him,” Poom recalled.

“I’m so happy Arjun helped me to get this autographed t-shirt. Henrik is my idol because he looks so cool and never smiles. I like him a lot because he is world class and he signed this shirt,” he smiled.

World number 12 Stenson will be among the star studded names to play in the Maybank Championship at the Saujana Golf and Country Club. He will be joined by defending champion Fabrizio Zanotti and reigning Asian Tour number one Gavin Green.

For more information on Maybank and its initiatives visit www.maybank.com. For more updates on the upcoming Maybank Championship 2018 visit www.maybankchampionship.com.

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.

Please visit us at:

www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com
www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf
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Kuala Lumpur, March 22: Prom Meesawat brilliantly bounced back from a poor start to salvage a second round of one-under-par 71 and stay in the title chase at the US$2.75 million Maybank Malaysian Open on Friday.
The burly Thai returned early in the morning to complete eight holes of his interrupted first round in 68 but struggled early on in his second round with three bogeys in his opening six holes at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
However, the 28-year-old, who has two top-10s in the championship, fought back with birdies on 18, two, three and seven, leaving him four shots behind clubhouse co-leaders Charl Schwartzel of South Africa and China’s Wu Ashun, who lead on nine-under-par 139.
“It has been a tough day. I finished 26 holes. I dropped three shots after six holes but it was a good fight back from me. I told myself that it will be a long and tiring day. I stayed calm and tried to give myself birdie chances,” said Prom, who is nicknamed the Big Dolphin due to his physique and the fact that he hails from a coastal town.
A four-foot birdie on the 18^th hole sparked his fight back. Coming in, Prom, who is searching for his second Asian Tour title since his lone win in 2006, played superbly as he peppered the pins with some wonderful iron play.
“I had a good birdie putt on the 18th hole and that made my back nine a bit easier. That was the turning point because after that, I birdied the second and third holes,” he said.
Prom, who finished tied 29th at last week’s Avantha Masters in India, hopes to wield a hot putter over the weekend to challenge for the Maybank Malaysian Open title.
“The last couple of weeks, my putting hasn’t worked very well. But this week, when I had a chance for birdies, I could make it. It felt like it’s getting better. Just see what I can keep doing,” said Prom.
He was especially pleased that he finished his second round before play was suspended due to a lightning storm at 3.20pm.
“If I needed to come back tomorrow to finish one hole then it would have been boring. At least now I can rest and relax,” he said.
Countryman Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who led overnight with a 65, could manage only one hole of his second round when players were called back in due to the inclement weather.
Prom was not surprised at all to see Kiradech, who finished fourth at the Avantha Masters in India last week and third in the Zaykabar Myanmar Open last month, in contention at the Maybank Malaysian Open, which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
“Kiradech is playing really good now. We practice a lot together. The way he plays, it makes golf looks easy. Any Thai golfers leading the way, I’m just very happy. When I see a lot of Thais on the leaderboard, I’m happy,” said Prom.
 
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.

Yangon, January 28: Paul Peterson of the United States secured his maiden Asian Tour title when he outclassed the field with a two-shot victory at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open on Sunday.

Despite dropping two bogeys in his closing four holes, Peterson ensured victory would belong to him by closing with a birdie on 18 to sign off with a five-under-par 66. 

The 29-year-old started his final day two shots off the lead, but stormed out quickly with two birdies and an eagle in his opening five holes. Peterson’s lead was briefly threatened when he dropped two shots on 15 and 17 but the American maintained his composure by sinking a crucial birdie at the last hole for his Asian Tour breakthrough.

Japan’s Satoshi Kodaira set the course record at the Pun Hlaing Golf Club with a stunning 63. However his final day heroics were not enough to overtake Peterson, leaving him to settle for a share of second place with compatriot Tomoyo Ikemura with his four-day total of 11-under-par 273 at the US$750,000 event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO). 

American Berry Henson continued his amazing return from injury by carding a 64 to finish in fourth place while Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan, who led for the first two rounds, closed with a 69 to share fifth place with 2016 Leopalace21  Myanmar Open champion Shaun Norris of South Africa and Japan’s Yusaku Miyazato.

Did you know?

·       Paul Peterson’s last win came in 2016 at the Czech Republic on the European Tour.

·       The Leopalace21 Myanmar Open is Peterson’s first win on the Asian Tour.

·       Peterson had carded a total of 22 birdies and one eagle over four days at the Pun Hlaing Golf Club.

·       He also made a total of 39 pars and had nine bogeys and one double-bogey.

·       Satoshi Kodaira set a new course record with his final round 63, smashing the previous ones set by Australia’s Todd Sinnott and Japan’s Yusaki Miyazato who carded a 64 during the third and second round respectively at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open last year. 

·       Berry Henson’s serious wrist injuries caused him to stay out of competitive golf for 18 months.

·       The American’s last victory on the Asian Tour was in the Philippines in 2011.

·       He made his first start since returning from injury with a tied-eighth finish in Singapore last week. 

Players’ Quotes:

Paul Peterson (Usa), Fourth round Five-under-par 66, Total (-13) 271

This victory is very special as the Asian Tour is where I started and to be able to get a win here really means a lot. I had to make that transition from Asia to Europe and I was trying to play in as many events as I could. So it just feels right that I’m finally able to have a win under my belt out here in Myanmar. I felt like I made some good putts yesterday like on 17 and 18 although I three-putted there. The greens got so fast and slippery and my putts just didn’t go in. But I tried to put that out of my mind because I’ve been playing such consistent golf this week. I was like even if those bogeys came at the end of the round or at the beginning, it didn’t really matter as this golf course has shown its tough because even an even par didn’t move me anywhere far off the lead. So I was confident of myself and I knew I had a chance to win. And I did.

Satoshi Kodaira (Jpn), Fourth round Eight-under-par 63, Total (-11) 273

I’m really pleased with how I’ve played all week. It’s a good feeling especially when you know you can set a course record. Although I didn’t win, it’s still a good week as I know I’m capable of playing my best golf. 

Berry Henson (Usa), Fourth round Seven-under-par 64 Total (-10) 274

I’m Mr. Sunday. It’s awesome. My game has been so good and I just needed to trust myself. I trusted myself last week in Singapore and shot a 65. I trusted myself again today and I felt good. I knew the last few holes were going to be tough and I had to make a charge. I didn’t know if I was ever going to play golf again. I went through two pretty major wrist surgeries but I stayed positive. My doctor told me I was going to be fine and I worked hard on my body and did everything I could to get back out here. The people who worked hard to get me back into the game were awesome. I feel so strong now and my body feels great. As I started to play golf again, I could see the changes in my swing and I was shooting some really good numbers. I knew tournament rust was not going to be too much of an issue and it was basically believing in my abilities to play at the highest level again. 

Rattanon Wannasrichan, (Tha), Fourth round Two-under-par 69, Total (-9) 275

I did not putt well today. If I putted better, that could have made the difference. But overall, I’m happy with the result as this will give me lots of confidence going into next week’s event in Malaysia. You need a strong performance to know that your game is heading in the right direction and I’m glad I had that this week in Myanmar. 

Leading Scores after round 4 of the LeoPalace21 Myanmar Open 2018 being played at the par 71, 7103 Yards Pun Hliang GC course (am – denotes amateur):

271 – Paul PETERSON (USA) 68-66-71-66.

273 – Satoshi KODAIRA (JPN) 69-69-72-63, Tomoyo IKEMURA (JPN) 71-66-69-67.

274 – Berry HENSON (USA) 68-71-71-64.

275 – Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 65-69-72-69, Shaun NORRIS (RSA) 67-70-69-69, Yusaku MIYAZATO (JPN) 71-65-68-71.

276 – Tatsuya KODAI (JPN) 69-70-71-66, Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 67-68-70-71.

277 – Scott VINCENT (ZIM) 68-73-70-66, Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 68-71-71-67, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 70-72-66-69, Arjun ATWAL (IND) 70-68-68-71.

278 – Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 69-69-72-68, Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 69-69-72-68, Shugo IMAHIRA (JPN) 70-68-72-68, Mikumu HORIKAWA (JPN) 68-71-70-69, Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 70-67-68-73.

279 – Toshinori MUTO (JPN) 71-67-72-69, Masashi HIDAKA (JPN) 70-69-71-69.

Ends.

About Leopalace21

Founded in 1973, Leopalace21 is a real estate company which constructs and rents apartments, currently managing 560 thousand rooms in Japan. The company also owns and operates a 36-hole golf course and resort facility in Guam, as well as 15 overseas offices which introduce residences and offices to Japanese companies advancing into the ASEAN region.

Leopalace21 Corporation: http://eg.leopalace21.com/

Leopalace Resort Guam: http://www.guam.ne.jp/

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.

Please visit us at:

www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com 

www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf 

www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf  

www.youtube.com/theasiantour 

www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

Kuala Lumpur, March 22: Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat birdied the ninth hole to hold a one-shot edge over second round clubhouse leaders Wu Ashun of China and former Masters winner Charl Schwartzel of South Africa at the energy-sapping Maybank Malaysian Open on Friday.
First round leader Kiradech completed only nine holes of his second round when play was suspended at 7.25pm due to fading light at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club following another day of weather disruptions.
The burly Thai, fourth at the Avantha Masters in India last week, stood at 10-under for the US$2.75 million tournament sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour after making birdies on the third, fourth and ninth holes.

Before the afternoon storm rolled in, self-taught Wu produced a solid four-under-par 68 to tie Schwartzel, who also carded a 68, on nine-under-par 135 after both players laboured to 26 and 27 holes respectively.
Italy’s Edoardo Molinary was a further shot back on eight-under after playing five holes of his second round in two under. A total of 75 players will return on Saturday morning to complete the round. The penultimate round will not commence before 1.15pm.
Liang Wen-chong, China’s first Asian Tour number one when he won the Order of Merit in 2007, fired a 68 to move up into contention as the might of Chinese golf came to the fore at the Maybank Malaysian Open.
Wu, who is playing on a sponsor’s invitation, is enjoying a purple patch. He qualified for his maiden appearance at The Open Championship through the International Final Qualifying – Asia in Thailand earlier this month and put himself in contention to win his first Asian Tour title.
“I like this course and I’m very happy to visit my old Asian Tour friends,” said Wu, who finished tied 19th during his last visit to Malaysia in 2010.

“I think it’s important to play with a strategy in mind and choosing the right clubs will matter as well. I’ve been in a good form lately and I hope to maintain that.
“It is great that I have the opportunity to play in this co-sanctioned event. It’s going to be very competitive because we’ve got all the top players from the Asian Tour and European
Tour in the field,” added the 27-year-old, who won on the Japan Tour last season.
Schwartzel completed his first round in the morning with a 67 and then got off to hot start for his second round when he birdied the opening two holes. However, with the high humidity and heat putting a toll on the players, the slender South African dropped shots on six and seven after making mental errors.
“I can’t be too hard on myself because it’s extraordinarily hot out there. I lost a bit of concentration towards the end and made bad decisions on the sixth and seventh – poor club selections. I was in the middle of the fairway both times and made bogey,” said Schwartzel, winner of the Thailand Golf Championship on the Asian Tour last December.
“There are no excuses and you just have to get on with it. I’m glad to have given myself a chance. It’s been a very long day but through it all, I thought I played pretty well. If I had been a bit sharper, I could have separated myself from the field.”
Liang, who finished third at the Avantha Masters, continued his impressive form and believes he needs to stay patient to contend for the Seagram Trophy, which is handed to the winner of the Maybank Malaysian Open.
“I have a big chance again but I need to have more patience. I feel that my form is good. Just need to get in more short putts. I missed some two to three footers yesterday and today. My putting stroke hasn’t been too steady,” said Liang.
“Wu is a very good player. I think he’s got a chance as well. Wu always try very hard. Last year, he has got more confidence as he won in Japan which was good for him.”
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

Yangon, January 27: France’s Lionel Weber enjoyed a flawless third round five-under-par 66 to top the leaderboard at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Frenchman was in his elements as he tamed the challenging greens at the Pun Hlaing Golf Club with his three-day total of 10-under-par 203 to take a slender shot lead over Japan’s Yusaku Miyazato. 

Miyazato, who played in the final group last year, will head into his final 18 holes in the same group again as he aims to break into the world’s top-50 with a strong finish at the US$750,000 event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).

Thailand’s Suradit Yongcharoenchai, nicknamed ‘Art’ painted a rosy picture of his title ambitions as he signed for a 68 to stay two shots back of Weber in tied-third place with overnight co-leader Paul Peterson of the United States and Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura.

India’s Arjun Atwal stayed in the mix with a 68 that placed him in a share of sixth place that also includes 2016 Leopalace21 Myanmar Open champion Shaun Norris of South Africa.

Did you know?

·       Lionel Weber graduated from the Asian Tour Qualifying School in 2013. He finished in 55th place at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open last year.

·       Weber’s best result and sole top-10 result in 2017 was a tied-sixth finish in Indonesia.

·       The Frenchman ended his 2017 season in 56th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

·       Yusaki Miyazato held the lead for two days at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open last year. He played in the final group but eventually finished tied-sixth.

·       Miyazato topped the money list on the JGTO with his four victories last year.

·       He is currently ranked 54 in the world.

·       Suradit Yongcharoenchai had two top-10s in 2017 on the Asian Tour.

·       The Thai missed the cut at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open last year.

·       Arjun Atwal captained Team Asia at the recent EurAsia Cup. His team led for two days but lost after being outplayed in the Singles matches.

·       Atwal won the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2003 and also made history by becoming the first Indian golfer to win on the US PGA Tour in 2010.

·       Atwal’s last win on the Asian Tour came in Dubai in 2014.

Players’ Quotes

Lionel Weber (Fra) Third round Five-under-par 66, Total (-10) 203

It has been a long time since I’ve been in this position. I didn’t play well last year and I only had one top-10 so it feels good to be back in this position. I was really focused on my game today and I got the right technique to do that. I’m not scare of anyone and I just want to play a good round of golf tomorrow and we’ll see what happens. It feels good to know I had a bogey-free round. I had a lucky bounce on one hole which could have gone into the water. I feel I can strike the ball better today but I had a very good course management.

Yusaku Miyazato (Jpn) Third round Three-under-par 68, Total (-9) 204

My putting was terrible today but I’m happy I managed to return with a bogey-free round. I don’t plan to change any aspect of my game and will stick to what I’ve been doing the last three days. I tried to stay positive when I was not making any birdies after the first hole and maintained my tempo. It was good when I managed to finish with two birdies on 17 and 18. There are a lot of Japanese people here in Myanmar and hopefully I can make them happy with a win tomorrow.

Suradit Yongcharoenchai (Tha) Third round Three-under-par 68, Total (-8) 205

I started off really well with an opening birdie and continued that momentum with those three birdies on holes seven, eight and nine. I think I’ll be feeling a little nervous tomorrow but I hope to play my own game and not think too much. I hope I can handle the pressure tomorrow.

Arjun Atwal (Ind) Third round Three-under-par 68, Total (-7) 206

The greens were pretty tough to putt on today but nevertheless I’m pleased with how I played today. The EurAsia Cup captaincy was a good experience but I still like playing and being in control of the situation as a player. I like the laid-back attitude here in Myanmar and I love the golf course here. I want to win tomorrow as my goal has always been to win.

Leading Scores after round 3 of the LeoPalace21 Myanmar Open 2018 being played at the par 71, 7103 Yards Pun Hliang GC course (am – denotes amateur):

203 – Lionel WEBER (FRA) 68-69-66.

204 – Yusaku MIYAZATO (JPN) 71-65-68.

205 – Suradit YONGCHAROENCHAI (THA) 70-67-68, Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) 67-68-70, Paul PETERSON (USA) 68-66-71.

206 – Arjun ATWAL (IND) 70-68-68, Shaun NORRIS (RSA) 67-70-69, Tomoyo IKEMURA (JPN) 71-66-69, Rattanon WANNASRICHAN (THA) 65-69-72.

207 – Toru NAKAJIMA (JPN) 69-68-70, Micah Lauren SHIN (USA) 69-66-72.

208 – Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA) 71-70-67, Rikuya HOSHINO (JPN) 68-70-70, Gaganjeet BHULLAR (IND) 70-72-66.

209 – Mikumu HORIKAWA (JPN) 68-71-70, Narutoshi YAMAOKA (JPN) 70-71-68, Casey O’TOOLE (USA) 68-69-72.

210 – Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND) 70-70-70, Poom SAKSANSIN (THA) 68-71-71, Berry HENSON (USA) 68-71-71, Masashi HIDAKA (JPN) 70-69-71, Tatsuya KODAI (JPN) 69-70-71, Toshinori MUTO (JPN) 71-67-72, Shugo IMAHIRA (JPN) 70-68-72, Miguel TABUENA (PHI) 69-69-72, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 69-69-72, Satoshi KODAIRA (JPN) 69-69-72, Junwon PARK (KOR) 68-67-75.

Ends.

About Leopalace21

Founded in 1973, Leopalace21 is a real estate company which constructs and rents apartments, currently managing 560 thousand rooms in Japan. The company also owns and operates a 36-hole golf course and resort facility in Guam, as well as 15 overseas offices which introduce residences and offices to Japanese companies advancing into the ASEAN region.

Leopalace21 Corporation: http://eg.leopalace21.com/

Leopalace Resort Guam: http://www.guam.ne.jp/

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.

Please visit us at:

www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com 

www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf 

www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf  

www.youtube.com/theasiantour 

www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

WU ASHUN (CHN) – SECOND ROUND 68 (-4), TOTAL 135 (-9)
Q. Can you talk a bit about your day?
I’m very happy today and my putting is good. I read the lines very well and that made me relax out there. That worked for me which explain my good score.
Q. You must like the golf course?
I played here before. I finished tied 19th. I like this course and I’m very happy to visit my old Asian Tour friends. I like this golf course a lot. I’ve played here before a couple of years back. I think it’s important to play with a strategy in mind this week and choosing of the right clubs to use will matter as well. I’ve been in a good form lately and I hope to maintain that.
Q. What have you been doing during the off season?
I went to see my (Joe Thiel) coach in the United States. He helped me a lot. We’ve been working together for three years. He is a good guy. I’m very happy working with him. He has a lot of experience teaching professionals and he has helped me improve in my game. My mental and short game has improved under him.
Q. How do you rate your game now and back in 2010 when you were last here?
Honestly, there’s not much difference. I’m just more happy and relaxed.
Q. What does it mean to you to play in a co-sanctioned event with the Asian Tour and European Tour?
It’s great that I have the opportunity to play in this co-sanctioned event this week. It’s going to be very competitive because we’ve got all the top players from Asian Tour and European Tour in the field.
CHARL SCHWARTZEL – SECOND ROUND 68 (-4), TOTAL 135 (-9)
I can’t be too hard on myself because it’s extraordinarily hot out there. I lost a bit of concentration towards the end and made bad decisions on the sixth and seventh – poor club selections. I was in the middle of the fairway both times and made bogey. I hit a very poor shot on the seventh.
It’s been a very long day but through it all I thought I played pretty well. At least I’ve given myself a chance. I’m playing consistently and if I had been a bit sharper today I maybe could have separated myself from the field. But I know I’m playing well and I’m feeling good.
It was slow the whole day, and when Chris (Wood) pulled out we had to wait a little longer. It’s very difficult with the heat and going slowly – it takes its toll, especially if you’ve been out there for many holes, like we were today.
But there are no excuses and you just have to get on with it. I’m glad to have given myself a chance. It looks like it’ll be a long time before I tee off again and I’m not sure the afternoon boys will get finished today.

LIANG WEN-CHONG (PRC) – SECOND ROUND 68 (-4), 138 (-6)
It was good. I feel good this week. Yesterday, I had some trouble at the start with some early bogeys which made me feel so-so. I made some good up and downs and was a bit worried with the score. But after finishing two under yesterday, I took it step by step and just wanted to make sure that I made the cut. I was quite relaxed in the second round today which was enjoyable.
I hit a lot of good shots. I need more patience on this course. Also need to practice more on my putting. I’m hitting it good but need to putt better. I’ve played here for many years and know the course fairly well.
I have a big chance again. Need to have more patience. I feel that my form is good. Just need to get in more short putts. Missed some two to three footers yesterday and today. My putting stroke hasn’t been too steady.
Wu is a good player. He’s a very good player. I think he’s got a chance as well. Wish him good luck. This past few years, Wu always try very hard. Last year, he got more confidence, he won in Japan as well which was good for him. He can play very well in this tournament, which could be natural for him.
Anything can happen this week. If I can do well and concentrate on my own game, we may get into the last pairing on Sunday.
SCOTT JAMIESON – SECOND ROUND 72, TOTAL 138 (-6)
It was disappointing to shoot level par this afternoon. I played just as well as I did in the first round from tee to green, but I didn’t putt as well.
We finished just in the nick of time, so at least we’ll have a nice long break now and some time to recover. The hooter sounded just as I was signing my card, so it was perfect timing for our group.
It’s frustrating when you’re hitting good shots and you can’t turn them into birdies, but you just have to keep plugging away. It’s a nice position to be in. Obviously the other guys still have to finish their second round, but no one is running away with it and six under is right up there.
PROM MEESAWAT (THA) – SECOND ROUND 71 (-1), TOTAL 139 (-5)
Q. You must be the happiest player now?
Yes of course (finished the second round after the rain suspension)! It has been a tough day. I finished 26 holes. I dropped three shots after six holes but it was a good fight back from me.
Q. How did you motivate yourself after dropping those shots?
I told myself that it will be a long and tired day. I told myself to stay calm and try to give myself birdie chances. I had a good birdie putt on the 18th hole from about four feet and that made my back nine a bit easier. That was the turning point for me because then I birdied second and third.
Q. How important is it to finish your round?
I finished 26 holes. If I needed to come back tomorrow to finish one hole then it would be boring. At least now I can rest and relax.
GAVIN KYLE GREEN (MAS) – SECOND ROUND 68 (-4), TOTAL 141 (-3)
I played well in the second round. First round was a bit shaky. I got more comfortable with the course and didn’t do much mistakes compared to the first round. I just got to play my game again. If I can do that, I know I will be okay.
It was nice playing with Matteo and Gaganjeet. Their irons are really good, always straight at the pin. I really want to break the top-20, that’s my goal right now.