February 2: Indian star Jeev Milkha Singh charged up the leaderboard at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic with a second round five-under-par 67 on Friday.
The two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner shot seven birdies against two bogeys for tied eighth on nine-under-par 135, three shots from the leader Richard Sterne of South Africa.
Jbe Kruger of South Africa was a further shot back in tied 11th place with Australian Marcus Fraser, who finished second on the Order of Merit last season.
Meanwhile at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Charlie Wi of Korea shot a sparkling eight-under-par 63 to trail halfway leader Phil Mickelson of the United States by six shots.
Ends.

Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, February 2: James Byrne of Scotland sensationally won his first Asian Development Tour title at the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Masters with a sizzling five-under-par 67 on Saturday.
The 2011 Walker Cup star took advantage of a hot start where he was five-under through seven holes to finish the day two shots ahead of playing partner Quincy Quek of Singapore, who posted a 70 at the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.
Lam Chih Bing of Singapore and co-overnight leader Malcolm Kokocinski of Sweden settled for tied third following a 68 and 72 respectively at the event which is the first ADT tournament to receive Official World Golf Ranking points this season.
Following a successful Asian Tour Qualifying School campaign last week, Byrne took advantage of his fine form as he overcame a two-shot deficit with a hot putter and acute iron play to win his second professional title.
“I’m feeling good. I’ve been playing well in the last couple of weeks. I carried on the confidence from the Asian Tour Qualifying School even though I had a bad last day. I tried to take the positives from it and was able to take some confidence into this week,” said Byrne, who totalled 11-under-par 277 and won US$11,375.
“I remember last year Mardan (Mamat) won the first ADT event and he won pretty soon after that on the Asian Tour. I’m not putting any pressure to win again but every time you win, it is a good feeling because you can take confidence from that,” smiled the 24-year-old.
After his hot start, Byrne dropped two shots on the eighth hole but he steadied ship with a 20-foot birdie putt on nine before adding three further birdies against two bogeys.

“I knew I could contend at this level and if I played well I would be up there. I got off to a really good start. I was five-under after seven holes. From that point I was already in a good position and knew I could play it a little bit safer coming in. I did double bogey the eighth hole but I came back with three other birdies. I didn’t let the double bogey get to me and I stayed positive,” said Byrne.
The 25-year-old Quek rued the missed opportunity of winning his second ADT title but was delighted with his runner-up finish in his first tournament of the year.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year after coming off cold from not playing for a month. James (Byrne) played great. He was pretty much in the lead after nine holes. He was burning the course,” said Quek.
“I was feeling a bit down until the 14th hole because nothing was happening. I was hitting it good and giving myself realistic chances but not making the birdies. Then I hit it close to 14 and had a birdie there. Saved par on 16th and birdied again on 17 from close range. It is nice to finish off that way after a day that was kind of mundane,” he added.
Nachimuthu, the 2011 PGM Tour number one, finished as the best placed Malaysian. He was two-under at the turn but returned two shots on his homeward nine as his putter turned cold.
“My putting was horrible but my hitting was okay. Overall my putter let me down I feel that I’ve been doing okay. I could have done slightly better but overall I’m still happy,” said Nachimuthu.
Leading fourth round scores
277 – James BYRNE (SCO) 71-71-68-67
279 – Quincy QUEK (SIN) 71-68-7070
280 – LAM Chih Bing (SIN) 69-70-73-68, Malcolm KOKOCINSKI (SWE) 71-68-69-72
281 – Grant JACKSON (ENG) 69-72-73-67, R. Nachimuthu (MAS) 67-70-72-72,
Zaw MOE (MYN) 72-69-67-73
282 – Edward REYES (PHI) 69-74-69-70, Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 69-67-72-74
283 – S. Murthy (MAS) 68-74-72-69, Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 67-74-71-71
284 – Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 73-70-70-71, Rory HIE (INA) 71-69-72-72
285 – Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) 70-71-72-72, Nick REDFERN (ENG) 68-74-69-74, Iain STEEL (MAS) 68-68-74-75
286 – Greg MOSS (USA) 71-75-68-72, Wolmer MURILLO (VEN) 68-72-76-70, Masaru TAKAHASHI (JPN) 73-68-71-74
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, Myanmar, February 1: Asian Tour Qualifying School winner Chan Kim of the United States will lead an upbeat group of Tour graduates when they launch their first challenge for honours at the season-opening Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine later this month.
Chan led a total of 41 players to earn playing rights for the 2013 Asian Tour season from Qualifying School last week and he hopes to carry his momentum into the US$300,000 event at the Royal Mingalardon Golf and Country Club from February 21 to 24.
The Korean-American will aim to follow in the footsteps of defending champion Kieran Pratt of Australia, who won the Zaykabar Myanmar Open last season after a thrilling three-way play-off straight after Qualifying School.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Asian Tour. I live in the States but even in the States, a lot of people are talking about the Asian Tour. It’s a growing tour and I’ve heard of its good reputation. Hopefully I can get something going this season!” said Kim, who was raised in Hawaii where he won the Hawaii State Amateur Stroke Play in 2007.
Highly-rated Singaporean Choo Tze Huang believes the experience of playing and making the grade at Qualifying School, which was held in Hua Hin, Thailand, will give him the extra edge in his bid to find success on the region’s elite Tour.

“We made mistakes out there (during Qualifying School) but I’m happy I gave myself a chance to make it into the top 40. I’m just pleased that I can put myself in that position. I’ll definitely have more events to play this year. I’m looking forward to getting better and I’ll try to leave a mark on the Asian Tour,” said Choo.
Lionel Weber will also make his professional debut at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open after earning his Asian Tour card as an amateur. The Frenchman is among a cosmopolitan of international stars from over 30 different nationalities playing on the Asian Tour this season.
“I’m happy to be able to play on the Asian Tour. I arrived in Hua Hin one month ago to train and get used to the playing conditions. Perhaps that’s the reason why I am playing well these past two weeks. I’ve never been here before in Asia but I do love to travel,” said the 22-year-old.
Among the other graduates who are expected to challenge for honours at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open include Rahil Gangjee of India, Rattanon Wannasrichan of Thailand, Adam Groom of Australia, Yoshinobu Tsukada of Japan and Nicholas Fung of Malaysia.
Pratt will also feature in the event alongside previous Myanmar Open champion Boonchu Ruangkit of Thailand, who finished on the bubble in the Order of Merit last season to earn full playing rights in 2013, and Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan, winner of the 2010 Myanmar Open.
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.

Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, February 1: Malcolm Kokocinski of Sweden signalled his arrival to Asia by shooting a three-under-par 69 to share the third round lead with Zaw Moe of Myanmar and Japanese Mitsuhiko Hashizume at the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Masters on Friday.
The Swedish newcomer produced a flawless round to tie with veteran Moe and co-overnight leader Hashizume, who both shot a 67 and 72 respectively in the RM200,000 (approximately US$65,000) Asian Development Tour event.
The trio, leading on eight-under-par 208, were a shot ahead of Singapore’s highly rated Quincy Quek (70) and local hope R. Nachimuthu (72), the 2011 PGM Tour number one, in the first ADT event to be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking points this season.
After missing the grade at the Asian Tour Qualifying School last week, Kokocinski is determined to make amends as he aims for his first professional win after joining the play-for-pay ranks four months ago.
“This is my first time playing in Asia and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve been putting pretty good and that was my main focus. I kept calm and didn’t make any bogeys. It was a good round,” said the Swede.
The 21-year-old might be a newcomer in Asia but he swiftly acclimatized with the humidity and was rewarded with three birdies on holes five, 10 and 11 at the Rahman Putra Golf Club.

“I think Asia is a nice place to play in. The people are nice the weather is really good because it is freezing back home now! The ADT has world ranking points and that’s an extra benefit for players who do well,” said Kokocinski.
Myanmar’s Moe got off to a flying start, shooting four-under at the turn and added two more birdies against one bogey in his homeward nine to charge up the leaderboard.
The 45-year-old, who is playing on a sponsor’s invitation, made a slight change in his swing during the Asian Tour’s off season and the tinkering paid dividends.
“I hit it quite close and made some putts. I made some changes to my swing with my coach and it looks good on videos but I’m not that comfortable on the course yet. Hopefully I can keep the momentum going and stay at the top,” said Moe.
Joint overnight leader Iain Steel of Malaysia slipped back to tied sixth place after posting a 74.
Leading third round scores
208 – Zaw MOE (MYN) 72-69-67, Malcolm KOKOCINSKI (SWE) 71-68-69, Mitsuhiko HASHIZUME (JPN) 69-67-72
209 – Quincy QUEK (SIN) 71-68-70, R. Nachimuthu (MAS) 67-70-72
210 – James BYRNE (SCO) 71-71-68, Iain STEEL (MAS) 68-68-74
211 – Nick REDFERN (ENG) 68-74-69
212 – Edward REYES (PHI) 69-74-69, Masaru TAKAHASHI (JPN) 73-68-71, Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 67-74-71, Rory HIE (INA) 71-69-72, Carl SANTOS-OCAMPO (PHI) 74-66-72, LAM Chih Bing (SIN) 69-70-73
213 – Nicholas FUNG (MAS) 73-70-70, Danny CHIA (MAS) 73-70-70, Anthony SMITH (AUS) 76-67-70, Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS) 70-71-72
214 – Darren TAN (AUS) 68-75-71, S. Murthy (MAS) 68-74-72, Leonhard ASTL (AUT) 74-69-71, Grant JACKSON (ENG) 69-72-73, Greg MOSS (USA) 71-75-68
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.

February 1: To kick off our Know Your Graduate series for the brand new season, we speak to Korean-American Chan Kim, who came out tops among the record 761 entries received at last month’s Asian Tour Qualifying School. Chan provides us with an insight into how he started playing golf, his inspirations and his desire to play on the Asian Tour.
You came from Arizona, United States. What made you want to travel all the way across the globe, just to play on the Asian Tour?
Although I live in the States, a lot of people are talking about the Asian Tour. It’s a growing Tour and I’ve heard of its good reputation. There are a lot of great benefits of being a member on the Asian Tour. David Lipsky is a good friend of mine and seeing how well he has done on the Tour has made me want to come and play here as well.
When did you start playing golf and what sparked your interest?
I started playing golf at the age of 12. My best friend and my dad were the ones who got me into the game.
What made you decide to turn professional?
I had a good amateur season in 2010 and I was playing really well. I thought to myself then that perhaps it’s time for me to turn professional.
What would you be if you were not a professional golfer?
I majored in finance so I guess I would probably start my own golf business if I’m not a professional golfer.
How long did it take you to reach single handicap?
It took me two years to reach single handicap from the time I started playing golf.
What are your goals in golf?
I hope to win, at least once, in each of the Majors.
What keeps you on top of your game?
I will drink lots of water to help me stay hydrated and focused. I also like to eat something at the turn to keep me fuelled up.
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 getting to know the players and adjusting to playing in front of huge crowds in big tournaments on the Asian Tour.
When you are not playing golf, what will you be doing?
I like to travel and go around town to explore the different cultures and lifestyles.
How do you prepare before a round?
I usually get to the golf course one and a half hour earlier. I would putt for 30 minutes, hit balls for 30 minutes and chip for another 15 minutes. That’s my usual routine before a round.
Who is your inspiration? Are there any mentors or role models whom you look up to and have been giving you valuable advice?
My parents are definitely my biggest inspirations.
Name your dream four-ball.
Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and myself.
What is your number one distraction on the golf course?
I think it would have to be being followed by someone I know. It distracts me somehow.
How would you celebrate if you win a tournament?
I would give my parents a hug each and throw a golf ball into the crowd!
About Chan Kim
Country: United States of America
Date of Birth: March 24, 1990
Residence: Gilbert, Arizona, USA
Family: Single
Turned Pro: 2010
Professional Wins: 2011 Gateway Pro Tour Event at Vista Verde
Amateur Wins: 2007 Hawaii State Amateur Stroke Play
2008 Arizona Amateur Stroke Play
2008 Pacific Coast Amateur
2010 Arizona Amateur Stroke Play
Career Highlights: Albatross at Grayhawk Golf Club (18th hole)
Rolex Junior All American

February 1: Korean star Noh Seung-yul shot an opening round six-under-par 66 to lie four shots from the lead at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Thursday.
Noh, the 2010 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, shot six birdies as he trails the first round leader Richard Sterne at the Emirate Golf Club.
Marcus Fraser, who finished second on the Order of Merit last season, was a further shot back in tied 12th position. The Australian, currently ranked 58th in the world, is fighting to break into the top-50 rankings.
Players in the top-50 in the world a week prior to the Masters Tournament will earn a spot in the year’s first Major in April.
Meanwhile at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Y.E. Yang of Korea, Asia’s first Major winner, shot a six-under-par 65 to trail opening round leader Phil Mickelson by five shots.

January 31: In the latest segment of Reflections, highly rated Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines talks about being in contention in his national Open, his favourite Asian Tour tournament and goals for 2013.
Can you reflect on your 2012 season?
I’m proud with how I played. I was in contention twice and that’s pretty good. I think I’m a better golfer than in 2011.
What was the highlight for you?
Being in contention at the ICTSI Philippine Open because it is really hard to play in your home country and I proved that I could compete even though I fell out of contention on the last day.
What was the low point for you?
Losing my Asian Tour card again. I tried my best but it was just not meant to be.
Have you set any goals for 2013?
My goals are the same. I have to rely on my country exemption category and will try to finish inside the top-60 on the Order of Merit and try to win one Asian Tour event.
If you could re-hit one shot, what will it be?
My tee shot on the first hole on the final day of the ICTSI Philippine Open because my ball landed in the right rough. I wanted to be on the fairway because my goal was to stay on the fairways.
Which was your favourite Asian Tour tournament?
The Venetian Macau Open because I celebrated my birthday there with my family.
What have you learned about yourself?
I was missing a lot of cuts in the middle of the year but I worked hard and I told myself to never give up.
Who do you think is the next star on the Asian Tour?
Arnond Vongvanij. He has done well and he will inspire the younger guys to play better and aim for a victory.
About Tabuena
Country: Philippines
Date Of Birth: October 13, 1994
Residence: Manila
Family: Single
Turned Pro: 2011
OTHER WINS: (2) 2012 ICTSI Splendido Classic, Philippines, 2012 Eastridge Classic, Philippines

Kuala Lumpur, January 30: Asian Tour legend Thongchai Jaidee has moved to within touching reach of the world’s top-50 which will earn him a return to the prestigious Masters Tournament in April.
The Thai star has enjoyed a flying start to his 2013 campaign with three successive top-10s in South Africa and the Middle East to jump to 53rd position on the latest Official World Golf Ranking.
Players ranked in the top-50 the week prior to the Masters Tournament will earn invitations and Thongchai is certainly eyeing a place in the elite field, especially when countryman and reigning Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant is already in the year’s opening Major after receiving a special invitation from Augusta National.
Thongchai, who started the year in 80th place on the world rankings, finished third in the Volvo Golf Champions in South Africa and subsequently posted tied ninth finishes in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
The former paratrooper will continue his quest when he tees up in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic starting from tomorrow where he has drawn the top pairing with England’s Lee Westwood and last week’s Qatar Masters champion Chris Wood.
Thongchai first played in the Masters Tournament in 2006 but missed the halfway cut. He earned a return in 2010 but retired in the second round due to an elbow injury.
The 43-year-old, who holds an unprecedented three Asian Tour Order of Merit crowns and 13 titles in Asia, enjoyed a memorable 2012 campaign when he notched his first victory on European soil with his triumph at the ISPS Handa Wales Open.
He ended the season last month with a third place finish at the season-ending Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia and has continued to ride on his momentum with his fast start to the 2013 season.
Thongchai is presently the highest ranked Asian Tour member in the world. Korea’s K.J. Choi, an honorary member of the Asian Tour, is two rungs behind the Thai while Australian Marcus Fraser, who finished second on the Order of Merit last season, is in 58th place and also fighting to break into the top-50.
Thaworn, who became the oldest man at 45 years old to win the Order of Merit last season, is ranked 70th, while Fijian Vijay Singh, another honorary member, is 89th followed by Indian duo Gaganjeet Bhullar and Jeev Milkha Singh in 94th and 95th position respectively.
The other members in the world’s top-200 include Y.E. Yang of Korea (118th), Filipino Juvic Pagunsan (122nd), Korea’s Kim Hyung-sung (126th), Thailand’s Prom Meesawat (147th) and South Africa’s Jbe Kruger (159th).
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.

January 30: It has been a marathon for Jbe Kruger on the Asian Tour and he is far from the finishing line as he seeks more success in the new 2013 season.
The South African, who is an avid runner like his father, has endured the highs-and-lows on the Asian Tour but he has taken everything in stride and enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2012.
Known for his powerful swing despite his small physique, Kruger settled for three runner-up finishes in 2010 and became known as the nearly man until he shed the tag with an impressive victory at the 2012 Avantha Masters in India.
The victory in the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour erased the agonizing defeat at the 2010 Brunei Open where he lost in a play-off to Siddikur of Bangladesh and it was no surprise that he dedicated the win to his family.
“They sacrificed everything for me, sacrificed their whole lives for me so I think that’s what made me the man that I am,” said Kruger.
“It was a huge relief when I won after coming so close before. My parents weren’t at the Avantha Masters but it was still a good reward for me after all my hard work,” he added.
Kruger led the Order of Merit race following his win at the Avantha Masters and he was in the running to win the crown before finishing third on the Merit list with a haul of US$474,988.
Reflecting on his childhood, Kruger recalled how he would run up small hills with a tractor wheel in tow to build up his power and strength.
“I’m small but I think I’m strong. It definitely comes from my hips. It’s a part that’s strong and I’ve got strong hands. It helps. I work out a lot. Growing up with a father than runs every day of his life, I also ran competitively until I was 16 or 17.
“If you do that, you also have to do uphill runs. I saw him doing that. It’s not just running long distances. Running uphill and dragging something at the back definitely makes you stronger. That’s what I did.
“I used to drag along a tractor tire up a gravel road. It was like some 500 yards uphill but we would go up and down, up and down, up and down. It’s never easy. I don’t do it at the moment but I should start doing it again! That made me a lot stronger than what I would have been,” said Kruger.
At the age of 26, Kruger has a long run ahead of him but he is relishing the sprint even if it is with a tractor wheel!
Click here for the full interview with Jbe Kruger which was filmed on the Asian Tour Golf Show.
Ends.