The Hindu : Sport / Golf : Asian stars eye big scalps in Singapore

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Nov 01, 2007
ePaper

Sport

Sport - Golf

Asian stars eye big scalps in Singapore

SINGAPORE: Asia’s top golfers are looking for big name scalps this week at the Barclays Singapore Open to propel them into the international spotlight, and they are confident they have what it takes.

Chinese No. 1 Liang Wen-chong, who won the Singapore Masters earlier this year to give him playing rights in Europe, spearheads the regional charge.

Nine of the Asian Tour’s top 10 on the Order of Merit are also in the hunt, including Thai pair Chapchai Nirat and Prayad Marksaeng, Taiwan’s Lu Wen-teh and India’s Gaurav Ghei.

Other well-known faces, though, are missing as the tournament clashes with the Volvo Masters in Spain.

The most notable absentee is India’s Jeev Milka Singh, who is in Valderrama to defend the trophy he won last year which launched his international career.

Thai favourite Thongchai Jaidee is also in Spain, as is India’s Jyoti Randhawa and Taiwan’s Yang Yong-eun.

Liang confident

Despite the presence of heavyweights like Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, defending champion Adam Scott and Vijay Singh, Liang — who finished fourth last year — is confident he can make his mark.

“My goal this year is to win. It is my goal for every tournament and the Barclays Singapore Open will be one where I will strive hard for success,” he said.

His game will put to the test on Thursday, when he is grouped with Els and U.S. Open winner Angel Cabrera. Thailand’s Prom Meesawat, nicknamed the “Big Dolphin”, is also planning to make a splash after top 10 finishes at the tournament in the past two years.

Surprise packet

Filipino star Juvic Pagunsan could spring a surprise after an emotional triumph at the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational last week, while Singapore’s Mardan Mamat will have home support to drive him to glory.

“I think it is every professional golfer’s dream to win their national Open. This is mine,” said Mardan.

Asian trailblazer Zhang Lian-wei, the first Chinese to win a co-sanctioned Asian and European Tour event with victory at the Singapore Masters in 2003, is meanwhile flying high after winning on the Omega China Tour last weekend. — AFP

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail