Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert [main picture] is just four rounds away from winning the Asian Tour Order of Merit (OOM) for the first time.

Should he be successful he will join two of his country’s greatest players as the Asian Tour’s numero uno: Thongchai Jaidee, the winner in 2001, 2004 and 2009, and Thaworn Wiratchant, first in 2005 and 2012.

He will also secure a much sought after DP World Tour card for next season and become the first player to claim both the Asian Tour and Asian Development Tour Merit lists – having won the latter in 2014.

However, there are two players here this week who could spoil his party as they can still mathematically catch him: Australian Travis Smyth, in second place on the OOM, and sixth-placed Jazz Janewattananond from Thailand.

Pavit first took the lead on the OOM after winning the Yeangder TPC in September and has not been caught since. He leads on 1,364.02 points, which is 185.16 more than Smyth, while Jazz is 474.38 points behind.

But with the Philippine event offering 525 points to the winner, 285 for second place and 180 for third, Smyth does have Pavit partially in his sights while Jazz has only an outside chance.

Pavit Tangkamolprasert.

Simply put, for the upset to happen, they both need Pavit to finish out of the big points, which means clearly outside of the top-10. If that happens Smyth needs to win or secure second place, while Jazz can only afford a win.

It promises to be exciting race, unless Pavit runs away with proceedings from the start, but either way all three players are, as expected, calmly approaching it – as if it’s just another week on Tour.

Pavit was particularly relaxed at today’s press conference, paying a huge compliment to Smyth – who was also in attendance.

“I think this week is gonna be a fun game,” said the 37-year-old.

“It doesn’t matter if I finish second or whatever, I want to congratulate him [Travis] he deserves it.”

Having made his debut on the Asian Tour in 2007, at the age of 18, it would certainly complete an incredible journey for the Thai star.

“I do need to make some putts though this week,” he said, “I played well today but didn’t hole anything.”

Smyth won the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit title for their 2025/2026 season much earlier this year, and is attempting to become the first player to win both OOMs in the same season.

L-R. Travis Smyth, Angelo Que and Pavit Tangkamolprasert at today’s press conference.

“I need to make lots of birdies,” joked the Australian, who won the International Series Japan earlier in the year, where Pavit was equal second.

“It would be very cool to win both OOMs. Treating it just like any other week. You never really are trying to play for fifth or tenth. You just do the best you can to try and win. It doesn’t really change anything.

“There is some extra noise with the Order of Merit but at the end of the day you are still trying to play what is in front of you and make the best of every situation, whether it is for par, bogey, birdie or eagle. You just try and do the best you can. It is going to be a fun week.”

With the most ground to make up, Jazz is fully aware that a win is the only way he can claim the OOM for a second time, having won it in 2019, but like Smyth it is not something he is focusing on.

“I mean, it’s a very, very outside chance – so not on the priority list,” he said.

“So just out here to play my best golf and just try to win it.”

Unlike Pavit and Smyth, he has not won this year, and added to his seven wins, but has enjoyed an impressive season with five top-four finishes.

He said: “It’s getting better, you know, very consistent. To not have a win and still be in the top 10 on the OOM is still a pretty good achievement. But a win would solidify my season as a really good season. But if it’s not, then it’s still a good season, nevertheless.”

Pictures by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.