January 24: Australia’s Marcus Fraser, who finished second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season, fired a four-under-par 68 to stay three shots back of Portuguese leader Ricardo Santos after the first round of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in Doha on Wednesday.
The Australian, who was pipped to the Order of Merit crown by Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant at the season-ending event in Malaysia last season, traded five birdies against one bogey on the par-three 13th to stay firmly in contention for the first win of his 2013 season at the Doha Golf Club.
South Africa’s Jbe Kruger, who finished one place behind Fraser in third on the Order of Merit last season, posted a 70 to take a share of 36th place with 11 other players that include India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia and three-time Order of Merit winner, Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand.
Prom Meesawat of Thailand signed for a 71 to take tied-48th while India’s Jeev Milkha Singh would be hoping to make up grounds after he struggled with an opening 72, seven shots behind Santos.
Ends.

Hua Hin, Thailand, January 24: China’s Hu Mu believes golf in China will reach greater heights if more golfers join the professional ranks like him.
Leading by example, the 23-year-old Chinese fired a second round four-under-par 68 at the Imperial Lakeview Golf Club to safely make it into the final two rounds of the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand on Thursday.

With his two-day total of nine-under-par 134, Hu is among the 112 players who will continue to do battle at the Asian Tour Qualifying School where only the top-40 and ties will earn their full playing status for the 2013 season.
“We have a huge golf population in China and more junior golfers coming up but not many of them are playing professionally. I think you’ve to have enough professional golfers in order to promote the game. We can certainly do better in those aspects,” said Hu, who had a promising amateur career when he won the under 18-year-old division at the China Junior Golf Open in 2001.

Hu is hoping for more playing opportunities on the Asian Tour and remains upbeat about his chances now that he has edged closer to securing his Tour card.
“My plans for the year would be to play in as many tournaments as I can. I should just keep working hard and doing the same routine like now,” said Hu.
“I’m not particularly happy with my scores today but I guess I played okay. I felt I left a lot of shots out there so there’s still room for improvement,” added Hu, who marked his card with six birdies against two bogeys to end the day in equal fourth.
Hu is one of the two Chinese players, hoping to secure their Tour cards this week. China’s other representative, Ye Jian-feng missed the cut after rounds of 70 and 79.
The cut was set at even-par after 36 holes.
Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena is returning to Qualifying School again as he wants another shot at glory on the Asian Tour again.
After losing his card when he finished in 82nd place on the Order of Merit last season, the 18-year-old is determined to regain his place so that he can play against the best players on the Asian Tour.
“The reason why I want to come back and play on the Asian Tour is because it opens up so many doors for me. You get to play the co-sanctioned events and play against so many good players on the Tour as well,” said Tabuena.
Despite nursing a bout of flu, the teenager still managed to sign for a 72 to secure tied-30th place on 139 total.
“I wasn’t feeling well today but I think you play better when you’re not thinking so much about your game. I didn’t give myself too many birdie chances but I’m happy with the way I played today,” said the Filipino.
Tabuena’s best moment in 2012 came on home soil at the ICTSI Philippine Open where he went into the final round, one shot back of Singaporean veteran Mardan Mamat. However, he had a round to forget when he closed with a 81.
As the new season beckons, Tabuena is hoping to start afresh and reignite his title ambitions.
“My aims for this year would be to get through Qualifying School, get a good ranking and win at least a tournament on the Asian Tour,” said Tabeuna.
Meanwhile Ajeetesh Sandhu emerged as the leading Indian after posting rounds of 68 and 71.

Sandhu, who claimed his maiden professional title on the domestic circuit in India two months ago, is now hoping to find more playing opportunities beyond the comforts of home.
“I took up golf when I was about four years old and it has been my life ever since. Hopefully I can play good enough to get my card this week and play on the Asian Tour,” said Sandhu.
“There are many great golf courses on the Asian Tour and it’s a good place to start my career,” added the Indian.
Players who play in the Qualifying School are also eligible to play in the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which will be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking points starting this season.
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.

Hua Hin, Thailand, January 23: Thailand’s Donlaphatchai Niyomchon is excited with the prospect of playing alongside his idol, Thaworn Wiratchant on a regular basis after he set the early pace with an opening seven-under-par 64 at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand on Wednesday.

Compatriot Sattaya Supupramai carded a 65 to stay one shot back in tied-second alongside Canada’s Richard Lee, Australia’s Anthony Choat and Sweden’s Thomas Petersson.
China’s Hu Mu and Indonesia’s Benny Kasiadi are among the nine players bunched in equal sixth place after they signed for matching five-under-pars.
The first two rounds of the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage are staged at the Imperial Lakeview Golf Club and Springfield Royal Country Club where the course is played at par-72 and par-71 respectively.
Donlaphatchai hogged the opening limelight when he marked his card with seven birdies, an eagle and two bogeys.
The 22-year, who joined the play-for-pay ranks last year, believes he is ready to compete against the region’s best players and is looking forward to play more often with Thaworn, a 15-time Asian Tour winner.

“Thaworn is my hero and I always look up to him for what he has achieved not only for himself but for Thailand. He has done everyone proud and I hope that I’ll get the opportunity to play with him on the Asian Tour once I earn my Tour card,” said Donlaphatchai.
Sattaya also got off to the best of starts when he opened with four birdies starting from his par-four 10th.
The Thai parred holes 14, 15 and 16 before continuing his birdie blitz on the 17th and 18th holes to turn in 30.
Sattaya seemed poised for a grandstand finish when he birdied four of his five holes after the turn but was pegged back after dropping four shots in his last three holes.
“I was unlucky on the last three holes probably because of the bad lie where I made double-bogeys,” said Sattaya.
Sattaya, who often relied on his country exemption status for playing opportunities on the Asian Tour, is now yearning for full playing rights following his opening round exploits.
“Earning my Tour card would mean a lot as that will give me a lot of opportunities to play on the Asian Tour,” said Sattaya.
Having played four events on the Asian Tour last year, Hu is looking forward to extend his playing opportunities this season.
The Chinese is also determined to secure his full status so that he can earn those crucial world ranking points that are vital for Olympic qualification.
“I like the environment on the Asian Tour, especially where all the players try to get better and really work on their game. There’re also a lot of world ranking points to be played out here,” said Hu.
“I was coming into the tournament trying to get inside the top-40 and get my status. But with my good start today, I’m hoping to build on that and win,” added the Chinese.
A bronze medallist at the 2007 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand, Benny is eager to reproduce his good amateur form now that he has progressed to the professional ranks.

The Indonesian turned in 33 after carding three birdies on holes 11, 15 and 16 in his opening back-nine.
He dropped his only shot of the day on the par-four second but made up grounds by marking his card with another three birdies on holes three, eight and nine.
“It was an amazing day as I managed to keep my focus throughout the day and my putting and driving were all excellent,” said Benny.
“I’ve always wanted to play on the Asian Tour and I hope that I can make it by earning my Tour card this week,” said Benny, who hails from a golfing family where his father was the only local player to have won the Indonesia Open, an event which will be featured on the 2013 Asian Tour schedule.
The cut will be made after 36 holes with the top 100 and ties progressing to the final two rounds at the Springfield Royal Country Club. Following that, only the top-40 and ties will earn playing privileges for the 2013 Asian Tour season.
Players who play in the Qualifying School are also eligible to play in the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which will be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking points starting this season.
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.

Hua Hin, Thailand, January 22: Australia’s Jake Higginbottom believes his pathway to success lies with making the grade at the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand which starts on Wednesday.
The gruelling test where the top-40 and ties earn playing privileges for the 2013 Asian Tour season will be played at the Imperial Lakeview Golf Club and Springfield Royal Country Club.
Higginbottom served notice of his talent when he became the first amateur in more than half a century to win the New Zealand Open last year. He immediately turned professional two days after his breakthrough victory and has been hailed by many as the next star to emerge from Australia.
“The reason why I want to play on the Asian Tour is because Asia’s a good place and it’s close to home. It’s going to be a long week but I do look forward to playing. The course is nice so I think it should be good,” said Higginbottom.
Having played alongside some of the world’s best players that include American legend Tom Watson, the 19-year-old is hoping that he can get the opportunity to play against Asia’s best if he makes it through the week.
“I’m definitely looking forward to playing with the top Asian Tour players. There are a lot of good Asian players around. I’m now trying to get a spot here on the Asian Tour and really looking forward to play here this year,” said the Australian.
China’s Hu Mu is also eyeing a coveted place at this week’s Asian Tour Qualifying School.

An accomplished golfer who won the under 18-year-old division at the China Junior Golf Open in 2001 when he was just 11 year old, Hu is now bent on setting his sights higher.
“I’ve played four events on the Asian Tour last year and I really like the environment so I decided to take a run at it and try to get a full status out here,” said Hu.
The 23-year-old moved to the United States with his family to train, compete and study at age 11.
He earned a scholarship to University of Florida, where he featured prominently on the U.S. college circuit before graduating with a business degree.
However, it’s the play-for-pay ranks that the Chinese is now hoping to make his career breakthrough.
“I’ve been playing golf all my life and through all these years of hard work, I thought I should give it a shot and start playing professional golf,” said Hu.

Meanwhile Brunei’s Prince Hakeem Jefri is also among the hopefuls eager to pass the brutal test and earn his Tour card this week.
Having grown up watching his grandfather play golf, the 39-year-old is relishing the experience of seeing how far his game has progressed this week.
“This is a new experience for me and I’m excited to see how I’m going to fare. Golf has always been my love from young,” said Hakeem who picked up the sport when he was seven years old.
“I’ve always wanted to turn professional and was just looking for the right time to do so. If I do it any later, it will probably not worth doing it. I’m here and I want to enjoy this ride for as long as I can,” added the Prince.
Prince Hakeem, who is the eldest son of Prince Jefri Bolkiah, a brother of the Brunei Sultan could become the first Bruneian to graduate from the Asian Tour Qualifying School if he plays true to form.
However, he prefers to stay grounded and not get ahead of himself.
“I’m very realistic with my goals and being here for the first time, I’ll just take whatever comes my way,” said Hakeem.
Other notable names this week include India’s Rashid Khan, a member of the silver medal winning team in the 2010 Asian Games, Han Chang-won of Korea, the 2009 Asian Amateur Championship winner and Kenichi Kuboya, a multiple winner in Japan.
Players who play in the Qualifying School are also eligible to play in the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which will be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking points starting this season.
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.

January 21: Thai stalwart Thongchai Jaidee kept his Masters Tournament bid alive after claiming a second successive top-10 at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on Sunday.
The three-time Order of Merit winner was in contention to win the event but slipped back with a final round one-over-par 73 to finish six shots from the champion Jamie Donaldson of Wales at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Thongchai, who improved his world ranking of 63rd to 56th in the latest rankings released today, needs to break into the top-50 by April 1 to secure a spot in the first Major tournament of the season.
South African Jbe Kruger shared ninth place with Thongchai following a 70 for a 280 total while S.S.P. Chowrasia of India and Andrew Dodt of Australia were a further shot back in tied 17th.

Kuala Lumpur, January 21: Gaganjeet Bhullar of India believes a sharpened short game will lead him to more glory as he aims to better last season’s successful campaign when the new 2013 Asian Tour season begins next month.
The talented Indian enjoyed one of his best years in 2012, winning twice at the Yeangder Tournament Players’ Championship in Chinese Taipei and the Venetian Macau Open. He also capped his season with six other top-10s across the region to finish a career high fifth on the Order of Merit with US$451,245 in earnings.
“It was a great season. I had a couple of top-10s, top-fives and two victories. There’re still a lot to learn but I have a lot of positives from last season,” said Bhullar.
“I’ve been trying to stay patient for a long time and I think I handled it well. Patience and a good short game will definitely help me over the years. I would love to practice day-in and day-out on my short game and bring it up to a higher level,” added the 24-year-old.
Bhullar, who is amongst a new generation of stars to emerge from India, showed he could hold his ground against the elites of the game when he posted a top-10 outing at the CIMB Classic sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGA Tour. However, it was still his wire-to-wire triumph at the Venetian Macau Open which stood out the most for him.
“The victory at the Venetian Macau Open was the highlight of the season. Every victory is special but the win in Macau was very special because I won it wire-to-wire. I’ve done that a couple of times in India but to do it on the international level proves that you are a frontrunner,” he said.
Despite enjoying a stellar season, Bhullar, who is the ambassador for Hero, the title sponsor of the Indian Open, lamented the missed opportunity of contending in his national Open which was held for the first time at the Karnataka Golf Association course in Bengaluru last year.
“If I could re-hit one shot, it will probably be at the Hero Indian Open on Sunday. I played really bad on number 16 where I made a double bogey. I wish I could hit that tee shot on the fairway and maybe get a birdie and finish higher up on the leaderboard.
“There were a couple of low points (in 2012) but from my point of view, I usually look at things in a positive way and keep moving forward,” said Bhullar.
The Zaykabar Myanmar Open presented by Alpine will be the first tournament on the Asian Tour from February 21-24.
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 Rolex (Official Timekeeper), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts), Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), BlackBerry (Official Communications Partner) and Srixon (Official Ball). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

January 20: Thongchai Jaidee fought his way into contention with a third round six-under-par 66 at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on Saturday.
The Thai legend made a huge move up the leaderboard with his effort which included a pair of birdies on the last two holes for a nine-under-par 207 total at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Thongchai, a three-time Order of Merit winner, trails third round leader Justin Rose of England by three shots.
Currently, ranked 63rd on the Official World Golf Rankings, he needs a good result this week to try and break into the top-50 by the end of March to qualify for the Masters Tournament in April, which is the year’s first Major.
Andrew Dodt of Australia, who has won once on the Asian Tour, was a further two shots back while Jbe Kruger of South Africa shot a 69 for tied 11th place.

January 19: Thongchai Jaidee and Liang Wen-chong safely made the halfway cut at the HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship but trails halfway leader Justin Rose by five shots on Friday.
The Asian Tour stars stand on one-under-par 141 following the second round where Thongchai, a three-time Order of Merit winner, carded a 71 while Liang, China’s only Asian Tour Merit champion, shot a 72 for tied 15th place.
South Africa’s Jbe Kruger, who finished third on the Order of Merit last season, carded a 69 for tied 15th place as well while Prom Meesawat, who earned his European Tour card last season through his affiliate membership, bounced back from his opening 76 to shoot a 69 and made the cut.
Thongchai is in fine form following a third place finish in South Africa last week, which pushed him up to 63rd on the Official World Golf Ranking. He is hoping to break into the top-50 by the end of March to qualify for the Masters Tournament in April, which is the year’s first Major.
Last week, 2012 Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant was invited by the Masters committee to play in the tournament.

Hua Hin, Thailand, January 19: A total of 47 players including Rashid Khan of India, Pelle Edberg of Sweden, Australian Darren Tan and Yeh Wei-tze of Chinese Taipei earned berths to the Qualifying School Final Stage presented by Sports Authority of Thailand when they qualified through the First Stage Section B on Saturday.
Australians Matthew Stieger and amateur golfer Daniel Bringolf led 25 players at the Imperial Lakeview Golf Club to the all-important Qualifying School Final Stage after shooting a final round 64 and 67 respectively.
Stieger and Bringolf topped the group on 12-under-par 276, four shots ahead of India’s Rashid Khan (69), who is attempting to be third time lucky in his quest for an Asian Tour card.
Bryce Easton of South African shot an even-par 72 at the Springfield Royal Country Club to spearhead 22 players into the all-important Final Stage where the top-40 and ties next week will earn an Asian Tour card for 2013.
Edberg of Sweden was a further three shots back following a 71 while Yeh, the Malaysian Open champion in 2000, finished one shot above the safety line to earn a chance for an Asian Tour card.
Players who play in the Qualifying School are also eligible to play in the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which will be afforded with Official World Golf Ranking points starting this season.
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.

January 18: Liang Wen-chong of China brilliantly birdied the last hole in the opening round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship to lie two shots off the lead on Thursday.
Liang, the 2007 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, started his campaign with a three-under-par 69 to trail first round pace setters Justin Rose of England and Jamie Donaldson of Wales at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Jeev Milkha Singh of India and Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, who have a combined five Order of Merit crowns, were a further shot back in tied 10th.
Thongchai is coming off a third place finish in South Africa last week and is aiming to break inside the top-50 of the Official World Golf Rankings by the end of March to qualify for the Masters Tournament. He is currently ranked 63rd in the world.