Yangon, Myanmar, February 20: Thailand’s Prom Meesawat is eager to celebrate his 10th season on the Asian Tour with a long-awaited second victory at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine starting Thursday.
The popular Thai will be joined by some of the leading lights in Asian golf at the US$300,000 event, which is the first Asian Tour event to mark the 10th Asian Tour season, at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club.
Reigning Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant, who will hit the first tee-shot on the 10th tee in the opening round to commemorate the celebration, title holder Kieran Pratt of Australia, Rikard Karlberg of Sweden, a two-time Asian Tour winner and 10-time JGTO winner Yuta Ikeda will feature in this week’s event.
All eyes will also be on newcomers Mithun Perera, the first Sri Lankan to earn an Asian Tour card after finishing inside the top-61 of the Order of Merit last season, Hu Mu of China, Chan Kim of the United States, winner of the 2013 Qualifying School and Jake Higginbottom of Australia.
Prom made his appearance on the Asian Tour in 2004 after earning playing rights through the Qualifying School and has enjoyed the highs-and-lows on the premier Tour in the region.

The biggest highlight in his career to date was winning in 2006 in Korea which laid up a shining pathway in front of him. But his career came to a halt when he was hit by injuries in 2010 and 2011.
“I had some injuries in 2010 and 2011 and kept playing with the injuries. I started hitting it bad and my confidence was gone. My game was gone. When I was on the tee box, I didn’t know where the ball would go. Mentally, I was gone. I felt really bad during that spell,” said Prom.
After seeing a sports psychologist, Dr Pichit, who works with the Thai Olympic boxing team, Prom has found that extra punch in his game which resulted in five top-10s and a sixth placing on the 2012 Order of Merit.
“It’s been a long time since I last won. Everyone wants to win. For me, it’s been a long time. I can say now that there are now many young talents coming up. Every golfer is playing well and the game is getting closer amongst the top guys. It’s only one good week and you can win. I want to try to win on the Asian Tour again,” said Prom.
“Everyone expects me to win more than once on the Asian Tour. But I can’t force it. I lost to Chinnarat (Phadungsil) in a play-off and had a few other close calls and lost to Anirban (Lahiri) last year (SAIL-SBI Open) in another play-off. The fields are getting stronger and it’s difficult to win,” admitted the Thai.
Bangladeshi star Siddikur is another player hoping to end a three-year title drought. His victory at the 2010 Brunei Open is still fresh in his memory but the quality of his game has gone higher by several notches.
“I have the confidence to win another Asian Tour event. I’ve tried very hard to do that but I feel that it is coming closer. I’ve improved a lot since 2010. There’s a big difference in my game so I think it will be very soon before I win again,” said the 28-year-old, the first Bangladeshi to play on the Asian Tour.
Japanese star Ikeda has set his sights on winning his first professional victory outside of Japan at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open. “My goal is to earn more world golf ranking points and I hope to do that this week. My game is not 100% because this is my first professional event of the year. I’ll do my best here but I will not put any high expectations on myself.”
Playing on a sponsor’s invitation, talented Chinese player Hu is determined to make amends for missing the grade at the Asian Tour Qualifying School earlier this year. He is joined by countryman Ye Jian-feng this week.
“I played this event last year and finished around 30th. I like the course and the layout. I think I’m better prepared this time than obviously at Qualifying School. I’m looking forward to the week. There’s a bit of pressure which is good. I’ll to get into a good position at the weekend,” said Hu.

Perera, the son to Nandasena, a famous name on the old Asian circuit during the 1980s and 1990s, surprised even himself when he finished inside the top-61 of the 2012 Order of Merit to become the first Sri Lankan to hold an Asian Tour card.
“It’s a new experience for me. I’ll be aiming for a good start. I didn’t’ expect to finish top-60 as I had only limited events and I’m really lucky to be the first Sri Lankan to get a full card on the Asian Tour. In Sri Lanka, golf is still new. I’ll be flying the flag proudly. I believe that one good week can change your life, it can be this week. I’ll be aiming to win one tournament this year,” said the 26-year-old.
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

PROM MEESAWAT (THA)
I’ve been working hard on my fitness, to get myself ready for the new season. I’ve lost a bit of weight and get my stomach stronger. I also worked on getting my back and shoulder stronger as I’ve had some injuries in the past. When I am stronger, it helps a lot with my game and swing. It’s certainly helped my golf. When your body is ready, you can swing it well and do whatever you want. The results tend to become better.
I had a 76 in Abu Dhabi but my game was still okay. I set my goal for the first tournament to make the cut and I was very happy. Then I finished top-20 in Qatar. It was a good start to the season, good experience for me.
I’m going to try to play as much as I can on the Asian Tour for the first half of the year and then I’ll go over to Europe. I’ll do Myanmar, Avantha, Maybank, Chiangmai, Panasonic and possibly CIMB Indonesia. I’m going to play everything to get my ranking up. It would help if I can win early in the year, it would help me so that I can focus on playing well in Europe.
If I can maintain my form as last year, it would be okay.
It’s been a long time since I last won. Every one wants to win. For me, it’s been a long time. I can say now that there are now many young talents coming up. Every golfer is playing well, the game is getting closer amongst the top guys. I can say that if I have a good week in Europe, I can win on the European Tour. It’s only one good week and you can win. I want to try to win on the Asian Tour again.
My first full season was in 2004. Since I was young, I have watched players like Boonchu and Prayad and I wanted to be like them. My dad is also an inspiration. Looking back in the past 10 years, I’m now in the top-20 of the Career Earnings list which is quite an achievement for me.
The win in Korea is still in my memory as it was my first international win for me. It was special as KJ and Jeev were in the field and these guys are winners on the PGA Tour and European Tour. They are amongst the best players in the world.
Everyone expects me to win more than once on the Asian Tour. But I can’t force it. I lost to Chinnarat in a play-off and had a few other close calls and lost to Anirban last year in another play-off. The fields are getting stronger and it’s difficult to win.
I can say that thaworn has a great shot game, one of the best in the world. That’s helped his scores. He can save your scores when you are missing shots. He can scramble so well which is the key thing. Right now, I’m hitting it well but if I don’t make the putts, I won’t make the score. If I can improve my short game to be like Thaworn and to be mentally strong like him, I think I can be like him. I think I have 16 more years to catch what he’s done. I just need to keep working hard.
He has worked hard over the years. He’s very good for the game, an inspiration to me and other Thai players.
I had some injuries in 2010 and 2011 and kept playing with the injuries. I started hitting it bad and my confidence was gone. My game was gone. When I was on the tee box, I didn’t know where the ball would go. Mentally, I was gone. I felt really bad during that spell. Everyone in Thailand expected me to be a very good player but I had a bad two years. I knew I needed to find something. I found the sports psychologist, Dr Pichit, who works with the Thai Olympic boxing team. I worked with him for one year and it really helped my game.
At that time, I didn’t know how to hit the driver. I didn’t have any confidence. He taught me how to think better. If there’s water on the left and OB on the right, why don’t I just think about the fairway and pick a target on the fairway. He gave me some ideas on how to deal with that in my head. When you have a bad feeling, you always think about the bad things.

During my down time, my wife and family were very supportive. All friends supported me and asked me what was happening and showed concern. They stood behind me which helped me get back to my game.
My wife told me not to worry. She said everyone goes up and comes back down sometimes. I never thought that I would never find my game again. When I lost my card, I knew it would be tough to get the card back as I wasn’t in the co-sanctioned events. The fields were getting stronger and I knew I had to play well in the smaller events and had like five top-10s in 2011 which made my year easier.
In the monastery, you have to be pray before 8am and you can’t have food after 12 noon. You can have only two meals per day. You read the books by Buddha and meditate and pray. I’ve been a monk for 20 days when I was 20 years old, which is a Thai tradition for a young man where you have to do this for your family. And my second trip, I went to India for eight days.
When I was young, I always watched my dad play and it helped me a lot. He was a top player in Thailand and he had to fight as he wasn’t from a rich family. I think I’m a bit lucky as my dad’s winnings, when I was seven years old. He basically set up everything for me. I have also very good support from Khun Santi, who supported my dad and family. He saw me since I was very young and my first golf set was from him. I’m lucky to have my dad’s support including from Khun Santi and Singha. I had more opportunities that Thaworn and Prayad.
I want to give back to the kids, set up an academy one day when I retire. But before I do that, I want to win a Major championship. That’s my lifelong goal. I have many years to try to achieve it. I’ve played only once in the British Open and I’m going to give it a shot and try to move up the world rankings.
PETER RICHARDSON (ENG)
I played the course and it is really nice. It is kind of like an American style layout. It is pretty straight forward. You hit driver on a lot of holes. Hopefully I can make a lot of birdies.
I’ve been trying to get my physical health back a bit. I was struggling last year with my back so I’ve been seeing specialists and physiotherapists to see what sort of exercises I can do. It (back) is okay but I still feel a bit of pain. It is not going to cause me any discomfort. Hopefully there will be no more issues going forward.
It is coming along quick (when asked how he felt earning an Asian Tour card through the Asian Development Tour). I think it just sunk it in the last couple of weeks. It is going to be exciting because I’ll be playing on new courses and facing new challenges. I’m looking forward to playing with the big guys.
Playing well is my number one priority. I want to enjoy it and if I can do that and relax then hopefully I can play my best golf and get some good results early on. I want to try to get off to a good start and hopefully ride on that in the next few months.
KIRADECH APHIBARNRAT (THA)
I’m on form right now. I won a local event a few weeks back. I know this golf course quite well and I usually play well on courses with wide fairways. I try to play my best and see how it goes during the weekend.
The course is quite wide open so big-hitters like Scott Hend and I played well. I didn’t practice much during the off season because of sickness. I’ve been working a lot with my coach and I’m doing well. This is my first Asian Tour event of the year so everyone wants to do well or win. I just changed a bit of my back swing with my coach.
I had a problem with my thyroid and it made me tired when I play golf. Now I have to exercise regularly to strengthen my muscle. It is getting better after taking some medications. I have to see if it gets better after six months or I’ll have to go through an operation.
I went for a holiday for a month without any golf. I travelled around Thailand with my girlfriend. I felt very relax during the off season which was good.
BERRY HENSON (USA)
I had six weeks at home but I took a couple of days off before I started training for this year. I didn’t take much time off and hit the gym really hard. My coach came in town later and we made some changes for this year. I worked really hard during the off season and went to Thailand last week to get used to the heat and grasses again.
I’m looking forward to Myanmar and a fun week. If you look at it on paper, it wasn’t that bad. I didn’t have a win and didn’t reach some goals which I set myself. I felt my game deteriorated as the year (2012) went on so I tried to figure out how to make things better this year.
I created a new shot that I call it the ‘Chucky Three Sticks’ like Charles Howell! I feel that if I can hit my eight iron to 140 yards with a low trajectory. If I can do that throughout my bag then I think it will help at some weeks where we get a lot of wind.
I really worked hard on making different shots on the golf course and making those changes is going to help and make me more versatile.
When I got home, my short game coach had everything written out. He had my stats and we compared with Thaworn’s stats. Obviously he killed everybody in putting last year. We figured out what to attack during the off season and how to get better this year.
No, my luggage still hasn’t arrived yet! I think it is lost. I hope it shows up next week.
SIDDIKUR (BAN)
It is a great golf course. I played in Myanmar in 2010 but it was on a different golf course. You need to putt very well here because the fairways are wide here. All long hitters will have an advantage because there are very little rough. It will come down to the putter.

I didn’t do much. I just did some workout and practised on my game. It was bad toward the end of 2012. I think I played in too many tournaments but I won’t make the same mistake again this year.
I have the confidence to win another Asian Tour event. I’ve tried very hard to do that but I feel that it is coming closer. I’ve improved a lot since 2010. There’s a big difference in my game so I think it will be very soon before I win again.
YUTA IKEDA (JPN)
I feel the course is very difficult because there’s a lot of water around the golf course. My game is not 100% because this is my first professional event of the year. I’ll do my best here but I will not put any high expectations on myself. My goal is to earn more world golf ranking points this week and I hope I can do that.
HU MU (CHN)
I played this event last year and finished around 30th. I like the course and the layout. I think I’m better prepared this time, than obviously at Qschool. I’m looking forward to the week. There’s a bit of pressure which is good. I’ll to get into a good position at the weekend.
MITHUN PERERA (SLK)
It’s a new experience for me. I’ll be aiming for a good start. I didn’t’ expect to finish top-60 as I had only limited events and I’m really lucky to be the first Sri Lankan to get a full card on the Asian Tour. In Sri Lanka, golf is still new. I’ll be flying the flag proudly. It’s great to be in a tournament with Thaworn and Siddikur, they are my two favourite players. I believe that one good week can change your life, it can be this week. I’ll be aiming to win one tournament this year.

Yangon, Myanmar, February 20: Asian Development Tour (ADT) graduates Jay Bayron, Peter Richardson and Hsu Mong-nan will face their next big challenge when they play at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Air Bagan starting Thursday.
The trio was the top-three players on the ADT Order of Merit last season which earned them valuable Asian Tour cards for 2013.
Filipino Bayron, who capped the season with two ADT victories and finished as the top player on the Order of Merit, was clearly delighted to be among the established field at the US$300,000 event, which is the curtain raiser for the Asian Tour’s 10th season celebrations.
“I’m feeling really excited. First event for me in Myanmar and looking forward to a good week. It’s a good golf course, greens are challenging. If I can shoot three under every day, I’ll be happy. It’s wide open and players will need to have good iron play.
“There are a lot of good players on the Asian Tour. Playing on the ADT has been helpful as we get to play in tournaments which help prepare us for the Asian Tour,” said the jovial Filipino.
Englishman Richardson is relishing the opportunity to play with the ‘big boys’ which include reigning Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, title holder Kieran Richardson of Australia, Singaporean veteran Mardan Mamat and rising star Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who finished second in last year’s edition.

“It is coming along quick (when asked how he felt earning an Asian Tour card through the Asian Development Tour). I think it just sunk it in the last couple of weeks. It is going to be exciting because I’ll be playing on new courses and facing new challenges. I’m looking forward to playing with the big guys,” said Richardson.
“Playing well is my number one priority. I want to enjoy it and if I can do that and relax then hopefully I can play my best golf and get some good results early on. I want to try to get off to a good start and hopefully ride on that in the next few months.”
There was only one setback in Richardson’s successful 2012 ADT campaign where he suffered a back injury in the middle of the year which forced him to withdraw from several events.
“I’ve been trying to get my physical health back a bit. I was struggling last year with my back so I’ve been seeing specialists and physiotherapists to see what sort of exercises I can do. It (back) is okay but I still feel a bit of pain. It is not going to cause me any discomfort. Hopefully there will be no more issues going forward,” said Richardson.
Jonathan Moore of the United States, winner of the 2011 ADT Order of Merit, enjoyed a successful Asian Tour campaign last year, carding two runner-up finishes to finish seventh on the Order of Merit.
Ends.

Yangon, February 20: The road to Rio de Janeiro begins at Yangon for China’s Hu Mu as he lines up against the region’s top stars at the Asian Tour’s season-opening Zaykabar Myanmar Open on Thursday.
The 23-year-old, touted as the next great Chinese hope, is tipped by many to feature in the Olympics when golf makes a return into the programme in three years’ time. But the tenacious Hu knows he must take it one step at a time as he prepares his long march.
A final day meltdown at the Qualifying School in Thailand last month cost Hu dearly but he is determined the right the wrongs which cost him a top-40 finish and an Asian Tour card. He entered the last day in tied seventh place but staggered home with a disappointing 78.
“There is a bit of pressure which is good,” said Hu on the eve of the US$300,000 Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine. “I don’t have full status and I need to have a good start. I’ve worked on something, especially mentally after my meltdown in the Q-school final day. I want to get into a good position and see if I can improve on that over the weekend.”

Hu, who trains under American swing guru David Leadbetter, has taken up membership and one of China’s country exemptions with the Asian Tour this season which will give him limited starts. However, he knows the only way he can start featuring in the big events will be to win a tournament or post good finishes in the early events to get his re-ranking up.
“Definitely I want to try to get into more events through the re-ranking. I just have to play as many as I can. I think I’m capable of doing well here but it’ll be one tournament a time for me,” he said.
“I played here last year and finished around 30th. I like the course and layout. I think I’m better prepared this time than at Q-school and I’m looking forward to it.”
Hu won’t be too caught up with the Olympics just yet but knows he needs to get around the world’s top-200 mark to stand a chance of making the 60-man field in 2016.
“One of my goals is to get to the top-500 in the world this year. I think I need a win to get there. I’m not going to think about the Olympics as its three years’ away. It’s step by step. I think if you get into the top-200, you can get a Chinese golfer into the Olympics,” said Hu, who is also keen to play in the secondary Asian Development Tour which will offer world ranking points from this season onwards.
“I see a lot of good things and I just need to put everything together. I’ve already committed to playing a full season on the Asian Tour and I’m looking forward to it.”
Hu knows he will face many more knocks in his fledgling career as he continues his journey in the play-for-pay ranks and reckons the bitter experience at Qualifying School will make him a better golfer.
“The last day, I didn’t have a good feeling on the range and once I got out there, my entire strategy was messy. I was planning to hit each shot 100% but I was playing tentatively. I still hit 13 greens that day but found three hazards.
“For days when you don’t feel well, you need to have specific targets on some holes that you really need to score. That’s something which I need to improve – playing golf when I’m not 100%. But it was a good experience. It’s not the first time that it happened but in Q-school, it was different.
“My game is there. Sometimes, the consistency which is caused by mental errors or lack of strategy, I think I need to improve on the small aspects outside of the game. My game, putting and chipping is very good at the moment. Just need to improve on the little stuff to make the rounds better.”
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 20: Malaysia’s Shaifubari Muda and Lindsay Renolds of Canada set the early pace by posting matching seven-under-par 65s to take the first round lead at the PGM Sime Darby Harvard Masters on Wednesday.
James Bowen of the United States carded a 66 to take third place while compatriot Spencer Shishido was a further shot back in fourth place after signing for a 67 at the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Chinese Tapei’s Hsieh Chi-hsien set himself well for his second ADT win when he returned with a 68 to stay three shots back of the leaders in tied-fifth place alongside Australia’s Anthony Choat, England’s Grant Jackson, Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert, Philippines’ Carl Santos-Ocampo and local hopes Akhmal Tarmizee and Khor Kheng Hwai at the Harvard Golf and Country Club.
Shaifubari was clearly delighted with his flawless round which was highlighted by seven birdies on holes three, six, nine, 10, 12, 13 and 18.
While he has set his sights on winning his first ADT title this week, Shaifubari is also hoping that he can eventually ply his trade on the main Tour.
“65 is good score. Although I’ve shot a 64 on this course before, I’ll take a 65 anytime. Everyone thinks of winning whenever we’re in contention and I’m no different. But the most important is still to remain focus as it’s still early days,” said Shaifubari.
“The Asian Tour is where I want to play eventually and hopefully my performances throughout the season can get me there,” added the Malaysian.
The top three players at the end of the ADT season will earn their Asian Tour cards for 2014.
Renolds credited his driver for playing a pivotal role in securing pole position after day one.
The Canadian reached the turn in 31 after marking his card with five birdies on holes three, four, six, eight and nine.
He then added further birdies on holes 13 and 18 to sign for a sparkling round of 65.
“I birdied all the par-fives today, which I’m obviously very delighted with. The course conditions were excellent. My driver was perfect and I played every shot as it was. Hopefully, this will continue through to Saturday,” said the 26-year-old Canadian.
Shishido, meanwhile is in buoyant mood as he welcomes the opportunity of earning world ranking points and taking his career to the next level at this week’s PGM Sime Darby Harvard Masters.
“World ranking points for ADT events are really an added incentive as that’s something that all professionals like myself work hard for. We always want to move up the rankings and ADT events offer us the opportunity to do so,” said Shishido.
Australia’s Mark Varela had the honours of carding the event’s first hole-in-one after he sank his ace on the 159-metres par-three second with a seven-iron.
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 first round scores
65 Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN), Shaifubari MUDA (MAS)
66 James BOWEN (USA)
67 Spencer SHISHIDO (USA)
68 HSIEH Chi-hsien (TPE), Grant JACKSON (ENG), KHOR Kheng Hwai (MAS), Pavit TANGKAMOLPRASERT (THA), Carl SANTOS-OCAMPO (PHI), Anthony CHOAT (AUS), Akhmal TARMIZEE (MAS)
69 Mhark FERNANDO (PHI), Hafiy SUHAILI (MAS), James LAM (PHI), Masaru TAKAHASHI (JPN), Daniel NG (MAS), S. Siva Chandhran (MAS), Gavin FLINT (AUS), Ratchapol JANTAVAR (THA)
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.

Kedah, Malaysia, February 19: The PGM Sime Darby Harvard Masters will continue to add to the gloss that the Asian Development Tour (ADT) has enjoyed since the start of the year when the RM200, 000 (approximately US$65,000) event tees off on Wednesday.
The PGM Sime Darby Harvard Masters is the second event on the ADT to receive world ranking points this season and will feature one-time ADT winner Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei, Singapore’s M.Murugiah and local hopeful S. Siva Chandhran, won topped the ADT Order of Merit in 2010.
Ireland’s Niall Turner, Korea’s Park Jin-woo, Sweden’s Nils Floren and Australia’s Gavin Flint, Flint, a former Asian Tour regular and winner of the 2010 Air Bagan Myanmar Masters, are also part of the international field that will feature at the PGM Sime Darby Harvard Masters.
Sanctioned with the PGM Tour, the PGM Sime Darby Harvard Masters will continue the ADT Order of Merit race where the top three players at the end of the season will earn their Asian Tour cards for 2014.
Siva, who was once ranked Malaysia’s number one amateur, is eager to regain his zip in form when he tees off at the Harvard Golf and Country Club this week.
The Malaysian lost his card on the main Tour after he finished in 103rd place on the Order of Merit and will be looking for a performance that can salvage some lost pride and regain his place on the region’s premier Tour.
A strong advocate of local golf development in Singapore, Murugiah will be relishing the opportunity to test himself against his younger rivals in the game.
The Singaporean, who is also the president of the Singapore Professional Golfers’ Association, will be 49 years old this year and a good result will show that he can win in his 40s, much like his compatriot Mardan Mamat, a three-time Asian Tour winner.
Starting in 2013, all events on the burgeoning Asian Development Tour (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.
Ends.
About the 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 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.

Yangon, Myanmar, February 19: Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant has been given the honour of hitting the opening tee shot when the Asian Tour’s 10th season begins at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine on Thursday.
The highly decorated Thai, who holds a record 15 Asian Tour wins, will be paired with fellow countryman Boonchu Ruangkit, who hit the first shot when the Tour was launched as a players’ organisation in 2004, and Singaporean veteran Mardan Mamat. The leading trio will launch the US$300,000 event from the 10th tee as a symbolic move.
While honoured, the 46-year-old Thaworn is determined to take the last putt of the tournament on Sunday afternoon as he seeks a winning start to his 2013 campaign at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club on the region’s premier circuit.
With two Order of Merit titles under his belt over the past decade, Thaworn termed his career on the Asian Tour as a ‘perfect 10’.

“It has been a perfect 10 years for me because my career has taken off. I keep getting better and better and if this was a company, it would mean that I got a promotion in my career. I’m glad to have the honour to hit the first shot this Thursday for the 10th Asian Tour season but I want to be the last player to hole the winning putt on Sunday and take the trophy home!” he smiled.
The evergreen veteran, who received a special invitation to compete in The Masters Tournament in April and will play in the British Open courtesy of his Merit win, is currently ranked 78th on the Official World Golf Ranking. His goals for the season include staying in the world’s top-100 and adding to his career tally where he is two Asian tour titles ahead of countryman Thongchai Jaidee.
“I’ve played on the Asian Tour for many years so I’m not feeling nervous ahead of the new 2013 season. I want to keep going and improving on my world ranking. I want to stay in the top-100. Golf is a cycle. You don’t expect to play good in every tournament,” said Thaworn.
Title holder Kieran Pratt of Australia hopes to overcome the pressure as the tournament’s defending champion and secure a memorable defence as he launches his new season.
“I always put pressure on myself to play well. Having a winner’s exemption is not any reason for me to rest on my laurels and think that everything is going to fine because I have a job next year. I want to play well this year and work my way up the world rankings. I want to be a world-class player,” said the 24-year-old.
“There’s a little bit of pressure when you defend a title and you want to put in a good performance after winning the event the year before. There’s pressure in every event to come out and play well,” added the Australian, who is playing in his third Asian Tour season.
Singapore’s Mardan, a three-time Asian Tour winner, knows a victory this week will fuel his ambition of finishing in the top-10 of the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
“I want to try and break into the top-10 of the Order of Merit this season. Hopefully by doing that, I can win one Asian Tour event. I have another two years of my winner’s exemption and that will give me the opportunity to focus on what I want to do. There’s not much stress for me to play this year. I just want to get better and hit my target,” said the 45-year-old, who has been focusing on his fitness in pre-season.
Boonchu will be the oldest player in the elite field, which includes no fewer than 25 Asian Tour champions and players from 26 different nationalities. At 56, he proved he still had what it takes to stay in the upper echelons by finishing 61st on the Order of Merit last season to earn full playing rights in 2013.
The veteran lauded the growth of the Asian Tour in the last few years and hopes to see more young Asian players breaking through the ranks. “The Asian Tour has grown tremendously in the last 10 years. There are many young and talented players now and I hope to see even more young players playing and winning on the Asian Tour,” he said.

Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan, a four-time Asian Tour winner has unfinished business at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open as he was in contention after three days last season before fading with a final round 76 to end his campaign in tied 20th.
“The course is not playing long and I feel comfortable here. I’ve won in Myanmar before and played three good days last year. I’m quite confident that I can win again this week,” said the 2010 Myanmar Open champion.
Local amateur Thein Naing Soe is among 22 Myanmarese players in the field and he hopes the experience will put him in good stead when he represents the country in the Southeast Asian Games in December.
“It is great that we will be playing with the Asian Tour stars. I hope to learn a thing or two for them as I prepare for the South East Asian Games. I’m very proud and excited to be playing this week,” said Thein.
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

THAWORN WIRATCHANT (THA)
I’ve played on the Asian Tour for many years so I’m not feeling nervous ahead of the new 2013 season. I want to keep going and improving on my world rankings. I want to stay in the top-100. Golf is a cycle. You don’t expect to play good in every tournament.
I keep practising as usual but I did hurt my knee which is getting better. My knee got worse when I was on a plane back from India but it seems okay now.
The course is quite wet and the fairway is narrow. The conditions are different compared to last year so I can’t really say if it will suit my game.
It has been a perfect 10 years for me because my career has taken off. I keep getting better and better and if this was a company, it would mean that I got a promotion in my career. I’m glad to have the honour to hit the first shot this Thursday for the 10th Asian Tour season and I want to be the last player to hole the winning putt on Sunday and take the trophy home!
MARDAN MAMAT (SIN)
I want to try and break into the top-10 of the Order of Merit this season. Hopefully by doing that, I can win one Asian Tour event.
I have another two years winner’s exemption and that will give me the opportunity to focus on what I want to do. There’s not much stress for me to play this year! I just want to get better and hit my target.
I played in one ADT event and won a local event. I’m very pleased with my performances and my game. I’m pretty happy with the way I’ve prepared myself and I think my game is in good shape.
I worked on my fitness during the off season. I do that every year just to prepare myself for the busy year ahead. I spent a lot of time in the gym and it will certainly help my game.
KIERAN PRATT (AUS)
My game is pretty good. I’ve been working hard with my coach. I haven’t had much competition but I’m still pretty confident that I can come out and play pretty well. We’ve been working on everything and try to improve and progress from last year’s performance.
The important thing was for me to freshen up during the break and not play too many professional events. I think that will hold me in good stead for the start of the season.
I always put pressure on myself to play well. Having a winner’s exemption is not any reason for me to rest on my laurels and think that everything is going to fine because I have a job next year. I want to play well this year and work my way up the world rankings. I want to be a world class player.
There’s a little bit of pressure when you defend a title and you want to put in a good performance after winning the event the year before. There’s pressure in every event to come out and play well. It won’t affect me too much.
I had two months off competitive golf but got back into training and practising a month ago. That was probably the longest I’ve been off as a professional golfer. I was getting a bit crazy at home and wanted to do my job again. I’m really looking forward to this week.

February 19: The Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine is the curtain raiser for the Asian Tour’s 10th season. As we prepare for another action packed season, wp-asiantour.ocs-sport.com picks the top contenders for this week’s US$300,000 event.
Thaworn Wiratchant (Tha)
The reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner is the man to look out for this week. He won three titles last season en route to becoming Asia’s number one golfer. Like previous seasons, Thaworn’s game plan will be simple – keep the birdies coming and minimize the mistakes. His tonic to success is evident as he has been crowned the Birdie Leader category winner eight times in the past nine seasons. He finished tied 11th in last year’s edition and is on a mission to secure an unprecedented 16th Asian Tour title.
Kieran Pratt (Aus)
Playing in his third Asian Tour season, Pratt will defend the title which he sensationally won after winning a three-way play-off last year. It was the lanky golfer’s first Asian Tour victory which came straight after securing an Asian Tour card at Qualifying School. The win provided the spark in his game and he went on to seal two other top-10s and eventually finished 37th on the Order of Merit.
Masanori Kobayashi (Jpn)
Kobayashi is among a strong Japanese cast in this week’s event. He won his first Asian Tour title in his rookie season last year followed by two other top-10s. Last year’s Zaykabar Myanmar Open was his first ever Asian Tour event and he is hoping to knockdown his second Asian Tour title in this week’s US$300,000 edition. Former Myanmar Open winner Tetsuji Hiratsuka and 10-time JGTO winner Yuta Ikeda are also in the field.
Prom Meesawat (Tha)
Prom’s quest for a second Asian Tour victory will continue into the 2013 season. He is tipped to do just that if he stays healthy and injury-free. He did not cap a good result in last year’s Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine (finished tied 56th) but went on to claim five top-10 results and ended the season in sixth position on the Order of Merit.
Mardan Mamat (Sin)
Mardan has fond memories at the Myanmar Open. In 2004 he placed tied fourth and shared 13th place in the following year. Even on a different golf course, the Singaporean veteran managed a reasonable tied 33rd result in last year’s edition. He went on to win his third Asian Tour title in the following event and is on a mission for a fourth Asian Tour title this week.
Siddikur (Ban)
Siddikur will be on the hunt for a long-awaited second Asian Tour victory at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine. He carded five top-10s last season but faded towards the end of the 2012 season. He will be keen for a fast start at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club.

[two_third]Content here.[/two_third] [one_third_last]Content here.[/one_third_last]February 18: Three-time Asian Tour winner Bae Sang-moon of Korea, playing in his second year on the PGA Tour, closed with a four-under-par 71 to finish tied-eighth at the Northern Trust Open on Sunday.
The Korean, who spent his formative years on the Asian Tour, mixed six birdies against two bogeys to sign off with a four-day total of eight-under-par 276 at the Riviera Country Club.
Bae led the field after round two but a third round 76 saw him lose his grip on the lead and he eventually finished three shots behind winner, John Merrick of the United States.
At the African Open, Asian Tour member Adilson Da Silva of Brazil signed for a 76 to finish seven shots behind South Africa’s Darren Fichardt who won his fourth European Tour title with a 272 total.
Da Silva had earlier taken the second round lead but could not maintain his charge for his maiden win on the European Tour after rounds of 62,68, 73 and 76.
Ends.