Singapore, February 8: As we prepare for the exciting 2013 Asian Tour season, which player do you think will emerge victorious?
Serene Loh, our communications executive, keeps her faith on Australia’s Scott Barr, whom she believes will finally earn his career breakthrough this year.
By Serene Loh, Executive Communications
In many high profile tournaments, much of the attention is usually centred around the marquee names.
However, I tend to look out for the underrated players whom I believe will relish the opportunity to take on the best and create an impression. One such player is Australia’s Scott Barr.
Barr finished in 21st position on the Asian Tour Order of Merit with total earnings of US$201,439.26 in 2012.
Although he has yet to win on the Asian Tour, his performance has been very consistent where he has even put himself into contention on several occasions..
With his wealth of experience since turning professional in 1994, I think it is not far-fetched to say that his maiden breakthrough could be just round the corner.
The man from Canberra was on the verge of lifting his maiden title at the SBI-SAIL Open after he put himself into contention on the final day in 2012.
He looked set for a grandstand finish until a costly triple-bogey six on the 17th hole put paid to his hopes of a win. Scott eventually finished third which was his best result of the season.
Apart from the SBI-SAIL Open, he has also finished top-10 at the Handa Faldo Cambodian Classic earlier in the year.
In 2011, Scott notched three top-20s and qualified for his second Major appearance at the US Open where he missed the halfway cut.
He also enjoyed a solid season in 2010 with two seventh place finishes at the Worldwide Holdings Selangor
Masters and Mercuries Taiwan Masters.
His best finish came at the Iskandar Johor Open where he finished tied fifth to secure his Asian Tour card for the eighth consecutive year.
Having tracked and witnessed his string of consistent performances through the years, I think it’s a matter of time before Barr falls under the radar as a genuine contender who will go on to make his grand entry into the winner’s circle this season.
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New Delhi, February 7: Jeev Milkha Singh will again spearhead the home challenge at the fourth edition of the Avantha Masters, which will be played from March 14-17 at a new venue, Jaypee Greens Golf Course, near the Indian capital Delhi.
Singh is India’s most successful golfer, having accrued a total of four European Tour titles including last year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open. He is also a two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner.
His best performance at the Avantha Masters, which is tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and PGTI, came in 2011, when he finished in a tie for 11th place behind his compatriot S.S.P. Chowrasia at DLF Golf and Country Club.
This year the €1.8million tournament moves to the town of Greater Noida, located 40 kilometres south-east of New Delhi, and Singh is expecting plenty of birdies for the locals to cheer at Jaypee Greens GC.
He said: “It’s a Greg Norman golf course, well-designed and usually in good condition. I don’t think the rough is going to be up because the winter has been quite severe, which is a shame because the course probably needs a bit of rough to defend it.
“It’s quite a long course but if you’re a good driver of the ball and you hit it a fair way off from tee, then I think you’re going to enjoy playing on the course. I think the scoring that week is going to be quite low, unless the wind picks up and makes life a little tougher for us. But I’m sure all the guys are going to enjoy the tournament.”
Singh will be joined in Greater Noida by several of his fellow Indians, including Challenge Tour champions Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shiv Kapur, two-time Asian Tour winner Anirbarn Lahiri and Chowrasia, who in addition to his Avantha Masters triumph in 2011 also won the 2008 EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters which was jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and The European Tour.
Singh feels the Avantha Masters is the perfect platform for India’s emerging talent to enhance their burgeoning reputations.
“It’s very important that we have a European Tour event in India,” he said. “The Avantha Masters is the only Tour event in India, so I’m really looking forward to it and I’m sure the other Indian players are too. The president of the PGTI is very committed to the tournament and he’s done a lot for the game in India, so I’m keen to support the event and excited about showcasing golf in India.
“Gaganjeet [Bhullar] is a fantastic prospect, as is [Anirbarn] Lahiri, Shiv [Kapur], SSP [Chowrasia] – all these guys have a lot of talent. These guys are very hungry and they want to prove themselves, so I think the future is very bright for them. The world is there for the taking, so now it’s up to them to seize their opportunities.”
As for his own aspirations for the coming season, Singh – who finished in the top ten at last week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic – has set his sights on climbing from his current position of 91st into the upper echelons of the Official World Golf Ranking, and qualifying for the Major Championships.
He said: “My goal this season, if I can stay injury-free, is to get back into the top 50 in the world, get in the Majors and have a good go at it. I’m feeling pretty good about my game now, so I’m excited about the season ahead and hopefully I can build on some great results last year.”
Vidya Basarkod, President (Sales & Marketing) of Jaypee Greens, said: “Jeev is easily India’s most successful and recognisable golfer, so we are delighted to welcome a player of his stature to Jaypee Greens. I’m sure his presence alone will ensure a large turn-out at the tournament, and hopefully he can give the spectators something to cheer about. It will be an honour to host him and the rest of the talented field at what promises to be a wonderful week of top-class golfing action.”
Ends.

Kuala Lumpur, February 6: Asiantour.com takes a look at the prospects of Gaganjeet Bhullar enjoying another stellar season following two victories in 2012 which propelled him to fifth place on the Order of Merit.
By Chuah Choo Chiang, Media Director
With a steely look in his eyes, reminiscent of the great Jeev Milkha Singh – a two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit – India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar certainly has his sights set on greatness where the world can be at the palm of his hands.
Still only 24 but with four Asian Tour titles already under his belt, including two last season at the Venetian Macau Open and Yeangder Tournament Players Championship, Bhullar will be very expected to dominate again when the 2013 season kicks off later this month.
The young Indian has all the talent in the world to become an Asian Tour Order of Merit champion. It would also not be far-fetched to predict that Bhullar has the ingredients and flair to become a world’s top-10 player in the near future.

In today’s modern game where power plays a major part between winning or losing, Bhullar can certainly smack the ball to enormous distances – he averaged 297 yards last year to be ranked 11th in the driving distance category.
But what’s more telling is the fact that not only does he drive it long, he can drive it as straight an arrow as well with 78% percent fairways hit in 2012 where he finished second in the category.
His iron play isn’t shabby either with 71 percent of greens hit in regulation where he ranked 12th. If anything, his putting average per round could come down by one or two strokes where he took 29.6 putts per round throughout the entire season.
With his youthful exuberance, Bhullar has a natural knack and ability to attack the pins which is reflected by his 3.72 birdies per round, which put him in the top-10 of the category. If he can knock in his putts more regularly and bring down his putting average, Bhullar will be a dangerous man in any golf tournament.
Bhullar has worked hard throughout his career, starting from the amateur ranks and has a good and friendly rivalry with the likes of countryman Himmat Rai and Anirban Lahiri, who are also winners on the Asian Tour. More importantly, he is level headed and has not let the success cloud his vision for greater achievements.
With the young Indian generation of players pushing one another, the sky is the limit for Bhullar and it will not be a surprise if he goes on to win a couple more tournaments this season, and even perhaps triumph in the bigger co-sanctioned tournaments which will be his main goal this year.

February 6: In the next instalment of Know Your Graduate, we speak to Australian golfer, Sam Brazel, who earned his Tour card at the Asian Tour Qualifying School last month. Brazel shares with us his love for the game, fishing as an alternative career and thoughts on being able to play on the Asian Tour for the very first time this season.
What made you want to play on the Asian Tour?
I want to play on the Asian Tour because the Tour is spoken very highly of and it is close to my home in Australia.
How do you feel now that you have secured the Asian Tour card for 2013?
It was actually a case of securing the Asian Tour card or start looking for a new job for me when I went to the Asian Tour Qualifying School in Thailand last month. If I had not made it, I would have gone home and look for another job somewhere. I was just hoping to secure a place to play for the next few years. I am very happy that I got my card on the Asian Tour as it is the first time that I have held a Tour card on a main Tour. I am really looking forward to getting myself into some good tournaments.
When did you start playing golf and what sparked your interest?
I have been playing golf all my life. My father was the one who got me interested in the game. His interest sparked my interest!
What made you decide to turn professional?
I decided to turn professional because of my love for the game. I wanted to have a career in golf.
What would you be if you were not a professional golfer?
If I am not a professional golfer, I think I would be a fisherman.
How long did it take you to reach single handicap?
It took me 16 years to reach single handicap.
What are your goals in golf?
I want to be the best that I can be!
What keeps you on top of your game?
I work closely with my coach, Richard Mercer. He is the one who keeps me on top of my game.
What do you think will be the toughest part of being a rookie on the Asian Tour?
I think the toughest part of being a rookie on the Asian Tour would be to travel to all the new places which I have never been to and overcoming the language barriers!
When you are not playing golf, what will you be doing?
I will go fishing whenever I am not playing golf.
How do you prepare before a round?
I usually do a 30 minutes warm-up at the driving range and another 20 minutes on putting and chipping before I start a round proper.
Name your dream four ball.
Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus and myself.
What is your number on distraction on the golf course?
I guess it’s probably the bad shots that I have made on the course. They are my main distractions.
How would you celebrate if you win a tournament?
I would probably have a big night out with my family and friends!
About Sam Brazel
Country: Australia
Date of Birth: December 28, 1978
Residence: Lismore, Australia
Family: –
Turned Pro: 2002
Career Highlights: Queensland Sunshine Tour Order of Merit Champion 2009 & 2010

Yangon, Myanmar, February 6: Japanese star Tetsuji Hiratsuka and title holder Kieran Pratt will lead a stellar cast of no fewer than 25 Asian Tour champions to season-opening the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine later this month.
Hiratsuka, who is a three-time Asian Tour winner, is ready to reclaim the Myanmar Open trophy which he won so convincingly in 2010.
He is among a star-studded cast who will assemble at the US$300,000 Asian Tour event including reigning Order of Merit winner Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand and Rikard Karlberg of Sweden.
Mardan Mamat of Singapore, highly rated Arnond Vongvanij of Thailand and Himmat Rai of India will also be in the elite field at the season-opener at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club from February 21 to 24.
Hiratsuka will be joined by countryman Masanori Kobayashi, who won his maiden Asian Tour title at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open last year and was named the 2012 Rookie of the Year, and Yuta Ikeda, a 10-time champion in Japan.
After winning the Myanmar Open in 2010, Hiratsuka went on to enjoy two remarkable seasons on the Asian Tour where he won three other titles and finished a career high of second on the 2011 Asian Tour Order of Merit.

He uncharacteristically missed six straight cuts on the Asian Tour last season without a single top-10 but will be determined to kick start the new season with a fifth Asian Tour victory at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine.
“I hurt my back last June and have been struggling with the pain. It slowly got better in the year and I’m looking forward to returning to Myanmar again,” said Hiratsuka.
Taking a leaf from Hiratsuka’s book, Kobayashi earned playing rights at the 2012 Qualifying School and enjoyed a highly successful rookie year on the Asian Tour where he finished fourth on the Order of Merit, courtesy of one victory and two other top-10s.
“Hiratsuka and (Daisuke) Maruyama have enjoyed success on the Asian Tour so I decided to follow in their footsteps. They love playing in different countries and they have improved tremendously in their games,” said Kobayashi.
The lanky Japanese, who traded his baseball bat to golf clubs as a teenager, is tipped to shine in the 2013 season alongside Daisuke Kataoka, who finished 44th on the Order of Merit last season to retain his full Asian Tour card.
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), Cityneon (Official Event Overlay 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.

February 5: Scotland’s James Byrne earned his first world ranking points of the season when he received six points following his win at the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Masters on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) last weekend.
The ADT, which is the secondary circuit of the Asian Tour entered a new and exciting era when all events start receiving Official World Ranking points from 2013 onwards.
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.
Byrne, the 2011 Walker Cup start is now ranked 699th in the world with Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy taking pole position.
Australia’s Marcus Fraser, second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season, is lying in 51st place, while Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee is three places back in 54th on the rankings.
Other Asian Tour members in the top-100 include Korean honorary member, K.J. Choi (57th), Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant (72nd), Korea’s Bae Sang-moon (79th),India’s Jeev Milkha Singh(91th), Fiji’s Vijay Singh (93th) , India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar (97th) and Noh Seung-yul of Korea (100th).
Ends.

Kuala Lumpur, February 5: Three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington, former Masters winner Charl Schwartzel and Italian Matteo Manassero have confirmed their participation in the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013.
The leading trio will join former world number one Luke Donald at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club from March 21-24 in the US$2.75 million event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
Schwartzel, who enjoyed a superb finish to his 2012 season with back-to-back victories, is looking forward to returning to Kuala Lumpur.
“It’s one of my favourite events of the year and I love Asia – the food, people, culture and golf courses,” he said.
The slender Schwartzel, who hails from South Africa, secured his name as one of the world’s best when he won the Masters Tournament in 2011.
Italian Manassero is definitely no stranger to the Maybank Malaysian Open. The talented golfer stunned many when he became the tournament’s youngest champion in the 2011 edition.
Irishman Harrington, who has come close to winning the Malaysian Open in the past, last competed in Malaysia in 2006. Apart from his success on the fairways, he is also a great supporter of charitable work.
Maybank Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor said, “The confirmation of these additional world top 50 players in this year’s Maybank Malaysian Open shows the strength of our event as well as Malaysia’s strong standing in the golf industry. Spectators will get to see a mix of stars, experience world-class action and be inspired at our own greens. With many renowned golfers who are expected to confirm the participation the coming weeks, I foresee spectators are in for some spectacular golf action.”
“The Maybank Malaysian Open has always been a valuable avenue for our professionals to gain experience and expose themselves to high-calibre international golfers. Our Malaysian professionals will definitely benefit from being in the same tournament as these three top golfers,” said President of MGA, Tan Sri Dato’ Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor.
The Maybank Malaysian Open is regarded as the most prestigious golf event in the country and a leading National Open in the region. The event has hosted some of the best international and regional professional golfers.
Since taking up the title sponsorship eight years ago, Maybank has successfully attracted high-caliber golfers from around the world with the likes of Rory McIIroy, Louis Oosthuizen, Martin Kaymer, Charlie Wie, Thongchai Jaidee, KJ Choi and Alvaro Quiros.
This year, the tournament ups the ante with a prize purse of USD2.75 million, an increase of USD250,000 from last year.
The Maybank Malaysian Open is the first National Open in Asia to be co-sanctioned by both the European and Asian Tours in 1999 and is part of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit and the European Tour’s Race to Dubai.
For information on the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013, visit www.maybankmalaysianopen.com or follow us on Twitter @maybankmsiaopen or #maybankmalaysianopen. Tickets for the event are available now. For information on ticketing, please go to www.ticketpro.com.my.

Bangkok, February 5: History-maker Y.E. Yang of Korea and Asian Tour legend Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand have been unveiled as the first star players for the inaugural US$750,000 Chiangmai Golf Classic next month, officials announced today.
PTT Group Company Limited, one of the largest corporations in Thailand, was also announced as the presenting sponsor of the full-field Asian Tour tournament which makes its debut at the magnificent Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai from March 28-31, 2013.
Thailand’s newest golf event has also drawn the support of other premier sponsors including PTT Public Company Ltd, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Advanced Info Service Plc, Siam Commercial Bank PCL, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Provincial Government of Chiangmai, Chiangmai Provincial Administrative Organisation, CAT Telecom Public Company Ltd, TOT Public Company Ltd, Thai Airways International Public Company Ltd, Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, Samart I-mobile PCL , Loxley Wireless Co Ltd, Forth Corporation Public Company Ltd, J.R.W Utility Plc, Standard Tour Co Ltd, Advanced Information Technology Public Company Ltd, Fenix Apparel and Accessories Co Ltd and Sports Authority of Thailand.
The Chiangmai Golf Classic presented by PTT is primed to extensively promote Chiangmai, which is located in northern Thailand, as a top golfing and tourist destination through the four days of live broadcasts on the Asian Tour’s global television platform, which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million homes.

Yang, who entered golf’s annals in 2009 when he became the first Asian male golfer to win a Major championship, will help launch Chiangmai’s first international golf event on the Asian Tour, which is the region’s elite professional golf circuit.
Mr Charoenrit Sanguansat, Vice Governor of Chiangmai, said: “We are delighted to announce the confirmation of Y.E. Yang and Thongchai Jaidee as the first two star players for the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic. They are amongst the finest Asian golfers who have emerged from the Asian Tour and we look forward to seeing them challenge for the title in Chiangmai.
“Their presence will be a wonderful addition to the Chiangmai Golf Classic, which will showcase the city of Chiangmai to the world through the live television broadcasts. The people of Chiangmai are looking forward to welcoming the stars from the Asian Tour and we will ensure the tournament is a roaring success so that our country will stand tall in the eyes of the golfing world.”
Mr Sarun Rungkasiri, Senior Executive Vice-President, PTT Public Company Limited, said: “Over the years, PTT has supported the development of professional golf in Thailand and we are delighted to provide our support once again towards the staging of the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic.
“Through the hosting of international golf tournaments in our Kingdom, Thai golfers have taken the opportunity to develop their talents and it is wonderful to see our players enjoying success on the Asian Tour. We believe that by bringing a major golf event to Chiangmai, it will spur the development of golf in northern Thailand and bring many other great benefits to this beautiful city.”
The powerfully-built Yang made a name for himself by toppling Tiger Woods in a head-to-head showdown to win the U.S. PGA Championship four years ago. An honorary member of the Asian Tour, Yang cut his professional teeth in Asia before finding fame abroad.
“I am looking forward to competing in the Chiangmai Golf Classic. I have heard many wonderful things about the city of Chiangmai and the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai and I can’t wait to get there,” said Yang, who has 11 professional victories including two on the Asian Tour.
“It will be fun to compete in a full-field Asian Tour event as this was the Tour where I started my golf career. I am happy to see that the Asian Tour is growing immensely with the addition of new tournaments such as the Chiangmai Golf Classic and I will always support the Tour for what it has done in my career.”
Thongchai, the only man to win three Asian Tour Order of Merit titles, will spearhead an expected 30-man strong local contingent along with reigning number one Thaworn Wiratchant.
“The launch of the Chiangmai Golf Classic is another positive development for professional golf in Thailand and Asia. By playing in big tournaments, Thai golfers will have the opportunity to compete at the highest level on the Asian Tour and this will shape their golf careers,” said Thongchai.

“When I first came on Tour in 2000, the best experiences I enjoyed was through the high level of competition in Asian Tour tournaments. This helped develop my ability to compete and win golf tournaments.”
Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said the launch of the Chiangmai Golf Classic will further accelerate the growth of the game in Asia. “I would like to thank PTT Group for its support of the game. With Y.E. Yang and Thongchai Jaidee competing in the inaugural edition, golf fans in Chiangmai can look forward to a fantastic tournament,” said Han.
“As it will be our first visit to Chiangmai, our players are looking forward to competing and entertaining fans at the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai. I am convinced this new event will have a positive effect on the game here and inject new impetus for many more great players to emerge from the Kingdom.”
Alpine Golf Resort’s Executive Director Ms Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong said: “Preparation for the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic is well underway and we will be ready to play host to the region’s leading golf stars. Our championship course will provide a good test for the players while I’m sure the tournament will be a wonderful advertisement for the city of Chiangmai.”
IMG Senior Vice President, Grant Slack, said: “Thailand is a beautiful country and a phenomenal golfing destination with so much to offer visitors and golfers of all abilities including the professionals. We believe that this tournament will assist to continue to promote Thailand as a wonderful golfing destination. The Asian Tour and IMG are committed to delivering a total of 16 hours of high-quality live production from all four tournament days of the event. The Chiangmai Golf Classic will be broadcast globally on Asian Tour Media’s extensive television platform across Asia, Continental Europe, Latin America and Australia reaching a combined total of 200 countries. This coverage, supported by the Event Highlights which is also broadcast within Golfing World as well as the Asian Tour’s weekly magazine show, will help showcase the beauty of Chiangmai and what it has to offer both on and off the course.”
The Chiangmai Golf Classic will be a 72-hole strokeplay tournament showcasing 144 players with the leading 99 Asian Tour players featuring in the elite field alongside 10 players from the top-200 of the Official World Golf Ranking, 20 players from Thailand and 15 sponsor’s invitations.
The Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai, designed by Ron M. Garl, is located in a valley between mountain ranges in the heart of the San Kampaeng natural forests and boasts of natural beauty.
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), Cityneon (Official Event Overlay 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.
About IMG
IMG Worldwide is a global sports, fashion and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in more than 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in India, China, Brazil and Turkey; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academy; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at www.imgworld.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

February 4: Shiv Kapur claimed a classy victory at the Gujarat Kensville Challenge on home soil as he cruised to a two-shot win on Sunday.
The Asian Tour regular posted a final round one-under-par 71 for his first win of the season and maiden European Challenge Tour title with a 14-under-par 274 total at the Kensville Golf and Country Club.
It was a sensational win for Kapur, who broke the course record with a third round 65, as it gives him a huge confidence boost ahead of the new Asian Tour season.
“This victory is really important to me,” said Kapur. “Winning on home soil is obviously very important but it is a massive step for me going forward. It gets another monkey off my back after winning on the Professional Golf Tour of India at the end of last year.
“I played six full seasons on The European Tour and finally lost my card last year but I went through a patch where I was second guessing myself on whether I had what it takes at that level. But deep down I knew I had it in me so this is a great start to the year and positive for the future.”
Meanwhile at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, Jeev Milkha Singh of India shot an even-par 72 to finish in tied 10th place on 14-under-par 274, eight shots from the winner Stephen Gallacher of Scotland.

February 3: Jeev Milkha Singh of India had an early eagle to thank for a third round score of five-under-par 67 as he moved to tied fourth at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Saturday.
The two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner was flawless as he carded three other birdies but trails the leader Stephen Gallacher by a massive seven shots.
Korea’s Noh Seung-yul, Jbe Kruger of South Africa and Marcus Fraser of Australia were a further three shots back in tied 10th place.