Asia proves a point on opening day of EurAsia Cup

About the European Tour

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

About MMC Corporation Berhad

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

Published on February 22, 2013

February 22: Thongchai Jaidee put up a resilient fight against Sergio Garcia before bowing out from the first round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play championship on Thursday.
The Thai ace was trailing by two shots on Wednesday before play was suspended due to a freak snowstorm but returned with a new spring in his step by winning the last two holes to force play into extra holes.
The former paratrooper from Thailand almost took the 19th when his putt lipped out but it was Garcia who birdied the 20th to set-up a second round clash with American Matt Kuchar.
Asian Tour honorary member K.J. Choi was also kicked out by Justin Rose after losing two matches with one more to play to the Englishman.

Published on January 12, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Did you know?

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

Players’ quotes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Published on February 22, 2013

Chonburi, Thailand, February 22: The Asian Tour stars will challenge for four coveted spots in The Open Championship in July at the International Final Qualifying (IFQ) – Asia in Thailand next week.
Some of the leading lights and rising stars from Asia will converge for the two-day qualifying at the majestic Amata Spring Golf and Country from February 28 to March 1.
Anirban Lahiri of India, who finished tied 31st in his Major debut last season, countryman Gaganjeet Bhullar, Prom Meesawat of Thailand, Lam Chih Bing of Singapore and Jonathan Moore of the United States, who both missed out on the final ticket in a play-off last year, will feature in the 78-man field.
Chinese prodigy Guan Tianlang, who will be the youngest player in the field, will be bidding to earn his second Major appearance in 2013.
Fellow countryman Liang Wen-chong, the 2007 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner and Masanori Kobayashi of Japan will also vie for elusive tickets to the year’s third Major tournament played at Muirfield from July 14 to 21.
Lahiri, a two-time Asian Tour winner, won the IFQ – Asia last year to book his place among the game’s elite. He went on to enjoy a stellar debut which was highlighted by his hole-in-one in the third round.
Lahiri’s performance at the 2012 Open Championship also gave him a boost in his confidence as he went on to finish a career high of 11th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
“I won’t be intimidated anymore. If I can come here and hold my ground, I can hold it in any event and any field looking into the future. I’m so much richer from the experience and the confidence I’ve gained. I think I have also gained a lot of respect from the players and I can rate my game a bit higher,” said Lahiri.
Among the other players who will play in the IFQ-Asia include Scott Barr of Australia, Gaganjeet Bhullar of India, Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan and Thai duo Chapchai Nirat and Prayad Marksaeng.
Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant has already qualified for 2013 Open Championship courtesy of his Order of Merit victory last year.
Ends.
About the Asian Tour
In 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

Published on January 11, 2018

THURSDAY, 11^TH JANUARY, 2018

FOURBALL DRAW

(Team Europe first)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published on February 22, 2013

Yangon, Myanmar, February 22: Thai rising star Kiradech Aphibarnrat did not play his best golf but it was enough for a second round five-under-par 67 to take the early lead at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine on Friday.
Kiradech, who was the co-overnight leader, struggled with his putting but scrambled to a 13-under-par 131 total at the US$300,000 event which is the curtain raiser for the 10th Asian Tour season celebrations.
Thai-based Korean Baek Seuk-hyun (68) was a further four shots back courtesy of two late birdies which was matched by Darren Beck (69) of Australia. They share second place on 135 at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club.

Frenchman Lionel Webber, who is playing in his first event as a professional, registered a 69 to trail Kiradech by five shots heading into the final two days. There was heartbreak for title holder Kieran Pratt of Australia when he was disqualified for arriving late at the tee box.
Kiradech, who lost-in a playoff to Pratt last year, put himself in position of winning his second Asian Tour with six birdies against one bogey but he is not thinking of a victory yet.
“I’ve had a lot of experience in the last few years of being in contention and winning. Right now, I’m not thinking about winning yet because it isn’t the last day yet. I have two more rounds and I want to do my best and give myself a chance,” said the 23-year-old.
Having shot a 64 in the opening round, the burly Thai hopes to rediscover his putting touch during the weekend rounds. “Whatever happens, I want to do my best. I feel my putting stroke isn’t as smooth as it was yesterday but I won’t do much change, just tweak a bit of my back swing.”
Baek, 22, took advantage of the ideal scoring conditions and birdied three out of the four par fives to charge into contention for a first Asian Tour win.
“I found all the fairways on the par fives and took advantage of that. I made easy birdies especially on the 14th hole when I missed a five feet eagle chance. You need good tee shots and putting here because the greens are very tricky,” said Baek.
Australia’s Beck, who has won once on the Asian Tour, is preparing for a tough weekend as he expects Kiradech to go even lower.
“I’m in a good position but the guys are playing well out there and Kiradech (Aphibarnrat) likes this course. I played steady and had a couple of bogeys which didn’t faze me. I had two birdies on the last which was nice to get to nine-under,” said the towering Beck.
Ends.

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

Published on January 11, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ends.

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Published on February 22, 2013

Kedah, Malaysia, February 22: James Bowen of the United States cemented his lead atop the leaderboard when he carded a four-under-par 68 to secure the third round lead at the PGM Sime Darby Harvard Masters on Friday.
The American posted a three-day total of 17-under-par 199 to take a two-shot lead over Thailand’s Jakraphan Premsirigorn who returned with a 66 to take second place at the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.
Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert, who shared the second round lead with Bowen, slipped two places down to third after he signed for a 72 at the Harvard Golf and Country Club.
Bowen, who missed out on the opportunity to earn his Asian Tour card at Qualifying School last month, remained on course to seal his maiden ADT breakthrough and potentially a spot on the region’s premier Tour.
The top three players at the end of the ADT season will earn their Asian Tour cards for 2014.
“I played solid golf all day and I’m pleased with how things are going for me. I just need to maintain my focus for the last 18 holes and hopefully, it’ll be enough for me to seal a win this week,” said Bowen.
Bowen started his round strongly by carding two birdies in his opening three holes. He dropped two shots on the fourth and fifth holes but managed to recover quickly by making further birdies on the eighth and ninth holes.
The American bogeyed the 12th but stormed home with three birdies on holes 13, 15 and 18.
Meanwhile Jakraphan remains hopeful that he can make a final day charge and seal a memorable win in his ADT debut.
“This is the first time I’m playing in the ADT and I really want to do well,” said Jakraphan, who mixed his card with three bogeys, seven birdies and an eagle.
“I’m only two shots back and anything can happen in golf. Hopefully, I can play well and luck is on my side tomorrow,” added the Thai.
The PGM Sime Darby Harvard Masters is the second event on the ADT to receive world ranking points in the new 2013 season.
Starting in 2013, all events on the burgeoning ADT, which is the secondary circuit of the Asian Tour will receive Official World Golf Ranking points.
These points will be used to determine the field when golf makes a return to the Olympics in Rio De Janeiro in 2016.
All winners on the ADT will receive a minimum of six world ranking points while the top-six players and ties will earn points based on a sliding scale.
Leading third round scores
199 James BOWEN (USA) 66-65-68
201 Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA) 71-64-66
203 Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 68-63-72
204 Ratchapol JANTAVARA (THA) 69-69-66, Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 65-70-69
206 Wasin SRIPATTRANUSORN (THA) 70-68-68, Zanie Boy GIALON (PHI)71-66-69, S. Siva Chandhran (MAS)69-66-71, Malcolm KOKOCINSKI (SWE) 70-69-68, Akhmal TARMIZEE (MAS) 68-69-70, HSIEH Chi-hsien (TPE) 68-66-73
207 Shaifubari MUDA (MAS) 65-73-70
Ends.
About the Asian Development Tour
The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Nationwide Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading three players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. The ADT will also receive Official World Golf Ranking points from 2013.

Published on

February 22: Read what players have to say after the second round of the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine.
KIRADECH APHIBARNRAT (THA) – SECOND ROUND 67, TOTAL 131 (-13)
I’m happy with the score. It isn’t bad for a second round effort. I have to change a bit of my putting stroke. The greens were faster yesterday.
I don’t want to practice. I want to rest and get my body ready for the last two rounds. I’ll play the same as I’ve been doing in the last two days.
I’ve had a lot of experience in the last few years of being in contention and winning. Right now, I’m not thinking about winning yet because it isn’t the last day yet. I have two more rounds and I want to do my best and give myself a chance.
Whatever happens, I want to do my best. I feel my putting stroke isn’t as smooth as it was yesterday but I won’t do much change, just tweak a bit of my back swing.
THANYAKON KHRONGPHA (THA) – SECOND ROUND 67 (-5), TOTAL 133 (-11)
I’m very happy with how I played. I putted very well. My driver and iron were just okay. I had one long putt on the fourth hole from 40 yards. It was a lucky putt. I’m very happy to see my name on the leaderboard. The last time I won was on the Asian Development Tour in 2010! It has been a long time.
MARCUS BOTH (AUS) – SECOND ROUND (-6), TOTAL 134 (-10)
It was nice. It might sound very stupid but I didn’t play that well. I sort of hit everything nicely on the greens and holed everything. I had nine one putts on the front nine. That was pretty much the reason why. I hit it okay but not amazingly well. It sort of caught up with me on the back nine.
There’s a certain way to play this course and I didn’t execute it that well. It is a bit disappointing because the score was certainly out there. The course and weather is perfect so there are no excuses. I hit it bad on the back nine but still a nice way to finish.
I needed to do quite a little bit of technical work after the end of last year. My game wasn’t in good shape so I was working really hard at the end of last year but with a lot of thoughts in my head. I missed a few cuts right at the end of the year and there was only one way to get out of it and it wasn’t to take a holiday. I kept on playing and managed to win some money from my good friends at home.
I played okay, don’t get me wrong. I holed a lot of putts. I hit a couple of mediocre iron shots in and some nice ones. I drove the ball poorly on the last couple of days and I need to sort that out to have a chance during the weekend. You know a guy like Kiradech is going to go out and smash the drives down the middle of the fairways. You can’t compete coming off the rough.
JOONAS GRANBERG (FIN) – SECOND ROUND 69 (-3), TOTAL 134 (-10)
I had a bit of a stomach discomfort earlier in the morning and I was feeling a bit lazy but the round was solid. It isn’t too bad when I was playing.
It is nice to play well. I’m feeling a bit confident and playing good seems easy now. I didn’t played my best golf last year but my game is beginning to feel solid again. I didn’t hit my irons that well but it is okay. Hopefully my name will be on top the leaderboard tomorrow.
DARREN BECK (AUS) – SECOND ROUND 69 (-3), TOTAL 135 (-9)
Yes, I’m in a good position. The guys are playing well out there and Kiradech (Aphibarnrat) likes this course. I played steady and had a couple of bogeys which didn’t faze me. I had two birdies on the last which was nice to get to nine-under.
I didn’t do anything special. I just played solid. I had three weeks off and got back to playing golf. I played really good and was afraid I peak a bit too early. When the time got closer to the tournament, I kind of peeled off a little bit and didn’t play that well.
I come into this a little bit underprepared but I feel relaxed and chilled out. I thought to myself that something must be wrong here because I should be a bit nervous of excited but I was really laid back.
BAEK SEUK-HYUN (KOR) – SECOND ROUND 68 (-4), TOTAL 135 (-9)
I’m happy I played quite okay. I had some mistakes on my tee shots but made good saves. I gave myself a lot of birdie chances.
I found all the fairways on the par fives and took advantage of that. I made easy birdies especially on the 14th hole when I missed a five feet eagle chance. You need good tee shots and putting here because the greens are very tricky.
I’ve learnt a lot because this is my fourth year on the Asian Tour. I know now that you can’t attack all the time. My game plan and how I’ve improved are all thanks to my experience on the Asian Tour.
MARDAN MAMAT (SIN) – SECOND ROUND 69 (-3), TOTAL 136 (-8)
I’m happy with the way I’m hitting the ball but I couldn’t hole a lot of putts. I’m pleased to come back with a 69. Yeah, I’m still in it with a chance and if I can hole some putts I hope to be in contention until Sunday. I knew I needed to train my fitness level during the off-season because age is catching up and you need to be fit to compete with these young men.
ANGELO QUE (PHI) – SECOND ROUND 68 (-4), TOTAL 137 (-7)
I’m always pleased when I shoot under-par especially today because I only hit four fairways so I was chipping and putting really well. Being in contention in the first tournament of the year is a good feeling even though I’m a few shots back. I think it is because it is a short course this year and you can really score if you hit good tee shots. The key here is holing putts. The greens are so hard to read. There are so many breaks on the greens and sometimes you don’t even see the lines.
HU MU (CHN) – SECOND ROUND 70 (-2), TOTAL 137 (-7)
It was a very frustrating round. I struck the ball very nicely and found 17 greens with 12 fairways. I was flawless with my ball striking but I couldn’t make any putts. Not at all. I missed my putts from about three feet and couldn’t make birdies from inside 10 feet. Somehow my round came out okay. I’m pleased with a 70.
I’m a bit further back but I can inch closer if I can get the putter rolling. The conditions were good. It was calm in the morning but a little bit hotter so scoring conditions were easier.
Myanmar is like any other South East Asian countries. I’m okay with it and I play well here so I’m liking it.

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Yangon, Myanmar, February 22: Kiradech Aphibarnrat is in position of winning a second Asian Tour title after shooting a five-under-par 67 for a two-shot lead in the halfway stage of the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine on Friday.
The Thai rising star, who was the co-overnight leader, struggled with his putting but scrambled to a 13-under-par 131 total at the US$300,000 event which is the curtain raiser for the 10th Asian Tour season celebrations.
Thai duo Thanyakon Khrongpha and three-time Asian Tour winner Chawalit Plaphol, who shot a 67 and 66 respectively, were a further two shots back on 133 at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club.
Marcus Both of Australia blitzed the front nine with seven-under-par 29 to tie for the second lowest first nine score on the Asian Tour. He eventually settled for a 66 to share fourth place with Joonas Granberg (69) of Finland and Hung Chien-yao (67) of Chinese Taipei on 134.

There was heartbreak for title holder Kieran Pratt of Australia, who was disqualified for arriving late for his tee time while overnight leader Chapchai Nirat of Thailand shot a 72.
Kiradech, who lost-in a playoff to Pratt last year, is on the right path to erase that defeat but he is wary of the talented challengers, who are hot on his heels.
“I’ve had a lot of experience in the last few years of being in contention and winning. Right now, I’m not thinking about winning yet because it isn’t the last day. I have two more rounds and I want to do my best and give myself a chance,” said the 23-year-old.
Having shot a 64 in the opening round, the burly Thai hopes to rediscover his putting touch in the weekend. “Whatever happens, I want to do my best. I feel my putting stroke isn’t as smooth as it was yesterday (Thursday) but I won’t do much change, just tweak a bit of my back swing.”
Thanyakon has not tasted victory since his 2010 win on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) and was clearly delighted to be within touching distance of his compatriot.
“I’m very happy to see my name on the leaderboard. The last time I won was on the Asian Development Tour in 2010! It has been a long time. I hope I can keep up with Kiradech,” said the 22-year-old.
Australia’s Both needed only nine putts on his superb front nine but wobbled on his return when he bogeyed 16 and 17 before adding his eighth birdie of the day on the last.

“It might sound very stupid but I didn’t play that well. I sort of hit everything nicely on the greens and holed everything. I had nine one putts on the front nine. That was pretty much the reason why. I hit it okay but not amazingly well. It sort of caught up with me on the back nine,” said the two-time Asian Tour winner.
Korea’s Baek Seuk-hyun, 22, took advantage of the ideal scoring conditions and birdied three out of the four par fives for a 68 and 135 total to trail Kiradech by four shots going into the penultimate round.
“I found all the fairways on the par fives and took advantage of that. I made easy birdies especially on the 14th hole when I missed a five feet eagle chance. You need good tee shots and putting here because the greens are very tricky,” said Baek.
The halfway cut was set at three-under-par 141 with a total of 68 players making the weekend rounds.
Scores after round 2 of the ZAYKABAR MYANMAR OPEN being played at the par 72, 7218 Yards RMGcC course (a- denotes amateur):
131 – Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA) 64-67.
133 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA) 66-67, Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA) 67-66.
134 – Joonas GRANBERG (FIN) 65-69, Marcus BOTH (AUS) 68-66, HUNG Chien-yao (TPE) 67-67.
135 – BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR) 67-68, Darren BECK (AUS) 66-69, Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA) 68-67.
136 – Lionel WEBER (FRA) 67-69, Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 67-69, HWANG In-choon (KOR) 66-70, Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 64-72.
137 – David LUTTERUS (AUS) 70-67, HU Mu (CHN) 67-70, Angelo QUE (PHI) 69-68, CHOO Tze Huang (SIN) 67-70, Prom MEESAWAT (THA) 65-72, Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 71-66.
138 – Rikard KARLBERG (SWE) 67-71, Berry HENSON (USA) 70-68, Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND) 70-68, Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 71-67, Koichi KITAMURA (JPN) 69-69, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 70-68, Danny CHIA (MAS) 68-70, Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 70-68, KIM Seng-yong (KOR) 72-66.
Ends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ends.

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February 22: Thongchai Jaidee put up a resilient fight against Sergio Garcia before bowing out from the first round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play championship on Thursday.The Thai ace was trailing by two shots on Wednesday before play was suspended due to a freak snowstorm but returned with a new spring in his step by […]

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

Did you know?

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

Players’ quotes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Chonburi, Thailand, February 22: The Asian Tour stars will challenge for four coveted spots in The Open Championship in July at the International Final Qualifying (IFQ) – Asia in Thailand next week.Some of the leading lights and rising stars from Asia will converge for the two-day qualifying at the majestic Amata Spring Golf and Country […]

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

THURSDAY, 11^TH JANUARY, 2018

FOURBALL DRAW

(Team Europe first)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yangon, Myanmar, February 22: Thai rising star Kiradech Aphibarnrat did not play his best golf but it was enough for a second round five-under-par 67 to take the early lead at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine on Friday.Kiradech, who was the co-overnight leader, struggled with his putting but scrambled to a 13-under-par 131 […]

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

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

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

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

Ends.

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