Yangon, February 21: Reigning number one Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand got the Asian Tour’s 10th season underway at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine this morning, with the Tour’s Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han hailing it as a “great moment in Asia.”
The region’s premier Tour, which was launched as a players’ organisation in 2004 similar to the PGA Tour and European Tour, is celebrating 10 years of excellence throughout 2013.
Han said: “It’s a great moment in Asia. It has been a fantastic past nine years and golf is booming over here. The interest level in golf is high and we are looking forward to our next 10 years.
“When we started out in 2004, we offered over US$12 million in total prize money and now, it’s US$44 million plus every year and growing. It’s been a big move forward for the Asian Tour.”

The Tour supremo was delighted to see three of the Tour’s leading stars get the historic occasion underway at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club. Thai veteran Boonchu Ruangkit and Singaporean ace Mardan Mamat were in the opening match alongside Thaworn, who holds a record 15 Asian Tour wins.
“Thaworn has been one of the leading stalwarts of the Asian Tour over the years and he deserves the honour of hitting the first shot of our 10th season. It is also fantastic to see Boonchu still going at it as he struck our first tee shot in 2004 while Mardan was one of our early board members when we first launched the Tour.
“These days, it is also great to see young players coming through and it is a good opportunity for them to establish their careers. Back in the 1980s and 1990s, professional golf was a tough career but now, it can be very good for the guys,” said Han, who was Asia’s number one in 1999.
“We used to try to travel abroad to try to play with the top players but these days, the top players are coming over to Asia to play in our tournaments which reflects our appeal. This will help further develop our players and give them the opportunity to beat them.
“We want to continue developing world-beaters.”
Not only did Thaworn hit the opening drive, he also made the first birdie of the Asian Tour’s 10th season on the 10th green.
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

February 21: Thongchai Jaidee was down two matches with three more holes to play against Sergio Garcia of Spain when play was called at the WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship due to a freak snowstorm in the Arizona desert on Wednesday.
Thongchai was trailing the Spanish stalwart heading into the 16th hole when play came to a halt at the The Golf Club at Dove Mountain.
K.J. Choi of Korea was also two-down against his match from Justin Rose of England.

Yangon, Myanmar, February 21: Chapchai Nirat went on a birdie spree for an eight-under-par 64 to take the clubhouse lead in the first round of the US$300,000 Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine on Thursday.
The tenacious Thai was even par after five holes but recovered with eight birdies in his last 13 holes to take a one-shot lead over countryman Prom Meesawat and Joonas Granberg of Finland at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club.
Highly rated Thanyakon Khrongpha of Thailand shared fourth place with Koreans Hwang In-choon and Young Nam on matching 66s at the event which is the curtain raiser for the 10th Asian Tour season.
Reigning Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, who had the honour to hit the first drive to commemorate the occasion, settled for 71.
Chapchai, a three-time Asian Tour winner, holds the world 72-hole scoring record with a stunning 32-under-par 256 winning total in India in 2009 but has yet to win since then.

His tied sixth result in last year’s Zaykabar Myanmar Open led to a successful season where he finished ninth on the Order of Merit and he hopes for an improved performance that will lead him to a victory this week.
“My putting was very good. Last year I struggled with my putter. Usually when you start the first tournament, you feel a bit uneasy but it was different today. Putting is very important for me. If I can putt well, I will feel confident,” said Chapchai, who welcomed his new born son ‘Jedi’ to his family last year.
“The fairways and greens are quite big but the greens are undulating so your iron shots need to be accurate. Yeah, I played well during the end of last season and I’m glad to carry on from where I left off,” added the 29-year-old.
Granberg, who is among three Finnish players this week, shot his best round since winning his first Asian Tour title in 2011 and will take pride in his return to form after a dismal 2012 season.
“This is a very low score already and I just wanted to play and relax. There was nothing special in my round. I hit it very good off the tees and found about 13 fairways. It was solid golf.
“I struggled last year. I had some personal problems and was dealing with that. I’m feeling better this year,” said Granberg, who traded five birdies against one eagle.
Prom fine-tuned his game in the Middle East earlier in the season and was rewarded with a flawless round and an opportunity to end a title drought which dates back to 2006.
“I played in the Middle East earlier in the year and I went there to learn from some of the best players from the European Tour. I played quite well and I feel that I’m carrying that confidence into this event,” said Prom.
“It is a very good start for the tournament and my first Asian Tour event for 2013. My iron shots were good but you have to hit good tee shots. You have to put your tee shots in play and hit good irons. The greens here are tricky so if you hit it close, you will get a better line and score.”
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

Yangon, Myanmar, February 21: For local amateur player Soe Thein Naing, the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine affords him with the opportunity to dream big.
The lanky player, who worked in a driving range by picking up golf balls before learning the game, produced the shot of the day when he sank a hole-in-one in the opening round of the US$300,000 Asian Tour event.
He rifled his seven iron on the par three third hole before his ball landed on the green and rolled 20-feet into the hole at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club.
The ace provided the impetus for the 25-year-old to finish the round on two-under-par 70, six shots from the clubhouse leader Chapchai Nirat of Thailand. The best player from Myanmar was Naing Soe Kyaw, who shot a 68 to lie in 22nd place.
Soe is harbouring hopes of representing his country in the South East Asian Games in December and is eager to gain the experience and fly his country’s flag high.
However, the pathway was not always rosy for Soe, who had to quit playing golf in 2002 to 2008 because of family issues.
“I come from a poor family so I didn’t have the chance to play much. I just hit some balls at the driving range which I was working at,” said Soe.
Golf is known to be one of the fastest growing sports in the country and support is flowing in through the Myanmar PGA and Asian Tour to boost the popularity.
Soe is one of the fine examples to break through the ranks and is highly tipped to lead the next generation of Myanmarese golfers on the Asian Tour.
Ends.

New Delhi, February 21: Four-time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar of India is hoping his attachment to Jaypee Greens Golf Course will give him an advantage when the New Delhi venue hosts the Avantha Masters for the first time from March 14-17.
Bhullar recently signed a three-year deal with the Greg Norman-designed Jaypee Greens GC which will see him act as a brand ambassador for the club for the next three years.
Bhullar has won as an amateur at Jaypee Greens GC but not since joining the professional ranks in 2006, and would dearly love to make his breakthrough with a win at his ‘home’ club.
By his own high standards, Bhullar’s record in the Avantha Masters is moderate; but having recently finished in a tie for eighth place behind his compatriot Shiv Kapur in the Gujarat Kensville Challenge on the European Tour’s Challenge Tour, the 24 year old is confident of enhancing his burgeoning reputation when the fourth edition of the €1.8million event takes place next month.
Bhullar said: “My record in the Avantha Masters could be better, but my health wasn’t great for the last two tournaments, so I’m hoping for much bigger and better things this time. There will be a bit of pressure on me to play well given my attachment to the club, but I put pressure on myself to perform every time I tee up.”
Bhullar reinforced his growing reputation on the Asian Tour last season with two victories in Taipei and Macau. Both victories came during a hot six-week streak which also included a runner-up finish in Malaysia. The talented Indian also enjoyed four other top-10s and ended the year in a career fifth place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
With the Avantha Masters being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India, Bhullar is relishing the opportunity to serve notice of his talent at the high-profile event.
“I’ve been playing pretty well lately, so my form is good and my confidence is pretty high. Mentally, I’m feeling very sharp and positive, so hopefully I can get into contention coming down the stretch. I’ve won as an amateur at Jaypee Greens, so to get my first European Tour win there would be a dream come true,” said Bhullar.
Jaypee Greens GC’s 7,347 yards, par 72 layout was the longest course in Asia when it opened in 2000, and is still the longest – and the only Greg Norman design – in India.
One of Bhullar’s main strengths is his long, straight hitting from the tee, and he is hoping his intimate knowledge of the course will stand him in good stead as he bids to become the second home player – after the 2011 champion SSP Chowrasia – to lift the Avantha Masters trophy.
He said: “Obviously I was delighted when I found out that Jaypee Greens would be hosting the Avantha Masters. We’ve been playing at DLF [Golf and Country Club] for a few years now, so it will make a nice change to move to Jaypee Greens. I’m sure all the European Tour players are going to love playing there.
“It’s a beautiful layout, and it probably favours longer hitters, which plays to my strengths. But the greens can be very tricky to read, so you have to be really on your game to shoot low. Because I know
the course well hopefully I’ll have a bit of an advantage, but the quality of the field is so strong I’m sure the other guys will get up to speed very quickly.
“The Avantha Masters has become a really strong tournament on The European Tour. The prize money has been gradually increasing and we’re getting more sponsors on board, and because of that the strength of the field has increased and the crowds have got bigger. So it should be another great week.”
Vidya Basarkod, President (Sales & Marketing) of Jaypee Greens, said: “We are delighted that the 2013 Avantha Masters will be played at our course, and it is a matter of great pride and prestige to host India’s biggest golf event. I’m sure the course will be a real challenge for the players, especially if the wind picks up.
“Gaganjeet has been in good form, and we hope he wins his first European Tour event on our course as he is the brand ambassador for Jaypee Greens. We wish all the players best of luck for the event, and look forward to welcoming them to India.”
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

Yangon, Myanmar, February 21: Kiradech Aphibarnrat fuelled his hopes of erasing last year’s play-off defeat at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine when he tied for the opening round lead with Chapchai Nirat on eight-under-par 64 on Thursday.
The Thais produced a classy performance at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club as they lead by one-shot over countryman Prom Meesawat, who is searching for a long-awaited second Asian Tour victory and Joonas Granberg of Finland.

Thanyakon Khrongpha cemented the Thai presence by sharing fifth place with Australia’s Darren Beck and Koreans’ Hwang In-choon and Young Nam and at the US$300,000 event which is the curtain raiser for the 10th Asian Tour season.
Reigning Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, who had the honour to hit the first drive to commemorate the occasion, settled for 71 together with title holder Kieran Pratt of Australia.
The big-hitting Kiradech was six-under through eight holes but his confidence took a dent when he missed a 10-foot birdie putt on the 10th hole. He gradually recovered and took advantage of the par fives where he birdied 14 and 18.
“I missed a big putt on the 10th hole. I had a 10 feet uphill straight putt but I pulled it. After that I lost some confidence with the putter. I was lucky get to get two birdies in the next par fives,” said the 23-year-old, who is hunting for a second Asian Tour victory.
Last year’s play-off defeat was agonising for Kiradech but the man nicknamed ‘Asia’s John Daly’ for his rip-it and grip-it style of play, believes he has grown into a better player.
“I always try to get better and better. I lost in a play-off last year and I even lost in the pro-am on countback this week (to Pratt)! But my game is better than last year. This year I’m hitting it better,” smiled Kiradech.
The tenacious Chapchai was even-par after five holes but recovered with eight birdies in his last 13 holes to share the lead. He holds the world 72-hole scoring record with a stunning 32-under-par 256 winning total in India in 2009 but has yet to win since then.
“My putting was very good. Last year I struggled with my putter. Usually when you start the first tournament, you feel a bit uneasy but it was different today. Putting is very important for me. If I can putt well, I will feel confident,” said Chapchai, who welcomed his new born son ‘Jedi’ to his family last year.

Granberg, who is among three Finnish players this week, shot his best round since winning his first Asian Tour title in 2011 and will take pride in his return to form after a dismal 2012 season.
“This is a very low score already and I just wanted to play and relax. There was nothing special in my round. I hit it very good off the tees and found about 13 fairways. It was solid golf. I struggled last year. I had some personal problems and was dealing with that. I’m feeling better now,” said Granberg, who carded five birdies and one eagle.
Playing on minimal Asian Tour events in the last three years, Nam rediscovered his love for golf at the right time and was tied for the lead before dropping shots in his last two holes.
“Golf wasn’t really on my mind in the last three years or so. I’m here to enjoy the game now. I’m not getting any younger. There’s pressure out there but less pressure. Playing with a free mind has made golf a little bit easier for me,” said the 39-year-old.
Scores after round 1 of the ZAYKABAR MYANMAR OPEN being played at the par 72, 7218 Yards RMGcC course (a- denotes amateur):
64 – Chapchai NIRAT (THA), Kiradech APHIBARNRAT (THA).
65 – Joonas GRANBERG (FIN), Prom MEESAWAT (THA).
66 – Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA), HWANG In-choon (KOR), Young NAM (KOR), Darren BECK (AUS).
67 – Mardan MAMAT (SIN), CHOO Tze Huang (SIN), Chawalit PLAPHOL (THA), Antonio LASCUNA (PHI), HUNG Chien-yao (TPE), CHAN Shih-chang (TPE), Sam BRAZEL (AUS), Carlos PIGEM (ESP), HU Mu (CHN), Rikard KARLBERG (SWE), BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR), Gunn CHAROENKUL (THA), Lionel WEBER (FRA).
68 – Sattaya SUPUPRAMAI (THA), Arnond VONGVANIJ (THA), Danny CHIA (MAS), Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA), Marcus BOTH (AUS), Prayad MARKSAENG (THA), Sam CYR (USA), Yuta IKEDA (JPN), Soe Kyaw NAING (MYN), Miguel TABUENA (PHI), Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS).
69 – Koichi KITAMURA (JPN), Jaakko MAKITALO (FIN), Panuwat MUENLEK (THA), Dodge KEMMER (USA), Stephen LEWTON (ENG), Chris RODGERS (ENG), Matthew STIEGER (AUS), Angelo QUE (PHI), Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA).
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

Kedah, Malaysia, February 21: James Bowen of the United States continued his good form when he posted a seven-under-par 65 to take a share of the second round lead with Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert at the PGM Sime Darby Harvard Masters on Thursday.
The American posted a two-day total of 13-under-par 131 and is determined to play his way back into the main Tour after missing the cut at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage last month.
Pavit returned with the day’s lowest score of 63 to move atop the leaderboard after starting the day in tied-fifth while Chinese Taipei’s Hsieh Chi-hsien, a one-time Asian Development Tour (ADT) winner is three shots back in third place on 134.
Malaysia’s S. Siva Chandhran, who won the ADT Order of Merit in 2010, traded seven birdies against one bogey to take equal fourth with Canada’s Lindsay Renolds and Thailand’s Jakraphan Premsirigorn on 135 at the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) ADT event which is held at the Harvard Golf and Country Club this week.
After missing out on the opportunity to earn his Asian Tour card at Qualifying School, Bowen believes the best way to prove himself again would be to excel on the ADT.
“Coming from the States, I heard a lot of good things about the Asian Tour and that’s why I decided to brave the long journey to come out here and compete,” said Bowen.
“I shot rounds of 71 and 76 and missed the cut in Q School. I’m trying to regain my confidence and play my way back into the Asian Tour again. Hopefully my performance over two rounds this week would allow me to do that,” said the American who hit 17 greens in regulation his opening round where he signed for a 66.
Siva is also on a mission of reclaiming his place among the best players on the region’s premier Tour again.
Despite being crowned as the ADT’s best player in 2010, Siva could not carry his best form over to the main Tour.
After winning his second ADT title in Malacca in 2011, he only had one top-10 to show for on the Asian Tour that year.
Siva made two cuts in eight attempts on the Asian Tour in 2012 and lost his card after finishing in 103rd place on the Order of Merit.
“It was a huge setback to have lost my card. I had limited playing opportunities and it was not a nice feeling,” said the Malaysian who was once ranked as the country’s best amateur.
“But today’s performance brought back the confidence and belief that I’m still able to play my best golf. I need such performances to lift my spirits and be in the position to be ranked as one of the best in the game again,” added Siva whose otherwise flawless card was marred by a lone bogey on the par-five three.
Jakraphan made up grounds by moving 34 places up to tied-fourth when he fired a sparkling 64.
Starting the round in tied-38th place, the Thai, who opened with a 71, got off the blocks quickly with a birdie-eagle-bogey in his opening five holes.
He then fired three successive birdies starting from the 16th hole before turning in 31.
Jakraphan continued his birdie blitz on the third hole before dropping two shots on the fourth hole.
He responded well by carding four birdies in his closing five holes to reach home comfortably in 64.
“I started off in the back-nine and had a really solid run there. I was five-under at the turn and was really feeling excited about my game,” said Jakraphan.
“I made a costly error on the fourth hole but was fortunate enough to make five birdies there. I putted really well today and I just can’t wait to go back there again to finish off the last 36 holes,” 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 second round scores
131 James BOWEN (USA) 66-65, Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA) 68- 63
134 HSIEH Chi-hsien (TPE) 68-66
135 Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 65-70, S. Siva Chandhran (MAS) 69-66, Jakraphan PREMSIRIGORN (THA) 71-64,
136 Spencer SHISHIDO (USA) 67-69
137 Anthony CHOAT (AUS) 68-69, Akhmal TARMIZEE (MAS) 68- 69, Zurie HARUN (MAS)70-67, Zanie Boy GIALON (PHI) 71-66
138 Clement RAMEAUX (FRA) 70- 68, Shaifubari MUDA (MAS) 65-73, Wasin SRIPATTRANUSORN (THA) 70-68, Ratchapol JANTAVARA (THA) 69- 69, Hafiy SUHAILI (MAS) 69-69, James LAM (PHI) 69-69
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.

Yangon, February 20: The 10th Asian Tour season kicks off with the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine on Thursday and it promises to be another thrilling season as the region’s premier Tour grows from strength to strength. Asiantour.com takes a look at the contenders and dark horses who we think will make the headlines over the next 10 months of non-stop golfing action.
THE CONTENDERS
1. Thaworn Wiratchant (Tha)
As the reigning number one, the 46-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down in his career. He won three times in 2012 to win the Order of Merit for the second time in his career, becoming the oldest man to achieve the feat. Expect him to contend throughout the course of the season and all eyes will be on him too when he participates in the Masters Tournament, World Golf Championships and British Open.
2. Masanori Kobayashi (Jpn)
The powerful Kobayashi will be eager to build on his successful rookie season when he finished fourth on the Order of Merit last year, thanks to one win at the Asia Pacific Panasonic Open in Japan. With greater knowledge now of the golf courses around Asia, expect him to challenge for titles, especially in the co-sanctioned ones with Europe and Japan.
3. Jonathan Moore (USA)
The talented American, a former Walker Cup star, enjoyed a fantastic season in 2012 after getting his card by winning the Asian Development Tour in 2011. Although he did not win, he posted several top finishes at the Venetian Macau Open and Iskandar Johor Open. Has the length and short game to break through for his first victory on the Asian Tour.
4. Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind)
Bhulllar has established himself as one of the top stars on the Asian Tour, winning twice last season to finish fifth on the Order of Merit. He has the distance from off the tee to take any golf course and the determination in his veins to shine once more. Expect him to contend or win one of the co-sanctioned tournaments this season which will be his goal.
5. David Lipsky (USA)
Lipsky got off to a great start to his career on the Asian Tour, winning the Qualifying School and then the Handa Faldo Cambodian Classic. Produced several other top-10s to finish 11th on the rankings. With his go-for-broke style of play, we may not see him at some weekends but when his game clicks, he’ll be right up there contending for a second Asian Tour title.
6. Scott Hend (Aus)
After earning his second Asian Tour title last year in Singapore, big-hitting Hend can be expected to power his way onto the leaderboards in 2013. He has the ability to take on the best on any given day.
7. Thongchai Jaidee (Tha)
The three-time Asian Tour number one has enjoyed a solid start to his campaign in 2013 with some strong results in the Middle East. While he will focus on the European Tour, he will continue to feature on the Asian Tour whenever possible and this is where he will be keen to end a winless drought in Asia.
8. Mardan Mamat (Sin)
We expect the veteran Singaporean to shine this year. His solid all-round game will be key in tough courses like the Delhi Golf Club, Taiwan Golf and Country Club or Santiburi Samui Golf Club.
9. Prom Meesawat (Tha)
It is a surprise to many that Prom has only won once on the Asian Tour, which was in 2006 in Korea. He showed that he was back to his best form last year where he came close on several occasions, including losing in a play-off at the SAIL Open. Money is on him to win this year.
10. Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind)
The two-time Asian Tour number one will focus in Europe where he won a third title in Scotland last year. However, Singh will always be amongst the frontrunners and expect him to challenge at the co-sanctioned events in Asia, especially on his home soil.
THE DARK HORSES
1. Antonio Lascuna (Phi)
The quiet Filipino finished a creditable 12th on the Order of Merit last season, thanks to some fine finishes. He possesses a fluid swing which could translate into a maiden Asian Tour victory in 2013.
2. Scott Barr (Aus)
The Singapore-based Barr came agonizingly close at the SAIL Open last year, leading all the way until the penultimate hole which dashed his hopes of a first victory on the Asian Tour. Subsequently finished 21st on the Order of Merit. He will be keen to finally land a first title here in 2013.
3. Thitiphun Chuayprakong (Tha)
The young Thai was a great revelation last year, contending at the Venetian Macau Open and Thailand Golf Championship which helped him finish 25th on the rankings. Not the longest hitter of the golf ball on Tour but makes up for it with wonderful iron play.
4. Javi Colomo (Esp)
The slightly built Spaniard enjoyed a terrific rookie season in 2012 with several top-10s which saw him finish 26th on the Order of Merit. We like his chances of building on his great first year and challenging in several tournaments this year.
5. Baek Seuk-hyun (Kor)
The Thai-based Korean is a wonderful prospect. After establishing himself on Tour two years ago, he has consistently played well to finish 31st on the Order of Merit. He could well be a potential winner this season with his aggressive style of play.
6. Gunn Charoenkul (Tha)
The young Thai is another rising star coming out from Thailand. He earned his full status for 2013 despite playing in only six tournaments. While he may not be on the winner’s rostrum in 2013, we expect him to feature on the leaderboards in many tournaments.
7. Marcus Both (Aus)
The two-time winner will always be a threat if his game clicks at the right time and the right place. Meticulous and steady. Should have a great year in 2013.
8. Ben Fox (USA)
The American had a flying start to his 2012 season before taking his foot off the pedal. Expect the same when he launches his campaign in Myanmar this week and he could well contend on golf courses which demand accuracy from off the tee.
9. Mithun Perera (Slk)
Son of the famous Nandasena, Mithun earned his card for 2013 despite his limited appearances on the Asian Tour last season. He is steady and calm and could well enjoy several top-10s if not a maiden win in 2013.
10. Danny Chia (Mas)
It’s been over 10 years now since Chia won his maiden Asian Tour title in the Taiwan Open. With age, he seems to have steadied the ship in his search for more victories. Expect him to contend on several occasions this season.