Glory for Japan’s Kamasu
Shenzhen, China, March 20 - Keeping his cool in the heat of battle, Yuki Kamasu continued Japan’s recent domination of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final with an assured final-round display at Mission Hills.
The 21-year-old underlined his potential with a polished performance over the acclaimed Nick Faldo-designed Faldo Course at Mission Hills Shenzhen, edging Czech Republic’s Simon Zach in a dramatic sudden-death play-off.
One shot ahead overnight, Kamasu closed with a three-under 69 for a 54-hole aggregate of nine-under 207. That total was matched by Zach, who carded a 68.
However, it was the Japanese who prevailed in extra time with a gutsy bogey-six at 18. There, he pushed his drive into the water but quickly recovered his composure to find the green with his fourth shot.
Nonetheless, at that point, Zach, in the center of the fairway less than 100 yards from the flag in two, appeared to hold the initiative.
But he then suffered the anguish of dunking two balls in the hazard in front of the green as the chance of becoming the first non-Asian winner of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final slipped agonizingly from his grasp.
With his triumph in the ninth edition of the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event, Kamasu followed in the footsteps of Masamichi Ito and Mikumu Horikawa to become the tournament’s third Japanese champion in the past four years.
“This victory is important for me. It’s my first international win and is a big boost for my confidence and self-belief,” said Kamasu.
“I would like to thank Sir Nick for providing such an incredible opportunity and for hosting us all … and for sharing his knowledge and wisdom at the clinics he conducted.”
Six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo, Britain’s most successful golfer, said: “Yuki’s victory caps a fantastic week which has seen us bring together more than 80 young golfers from 18 countries around the world."
“The players are getting better every year and I am excited about the future as we continue our effort to grow the game of golf globally through the Faldo Series.”
American Zachary Bauchou, winner of the Faldo Series Grand Final at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, USA, last October, eagled the final hole to claim sole possession of third place, just one shot shy of joining the play-off.
Meanwhile, Zach, who was defeated by Bauchou in that play-off at The Greenbrier, had the consolation of winning the Boys’ Under-18 division.
Fadhli Rahman Soetarso finished in this group in 4th place and was the best placed Indonesian on a 9th place overall.
In the Girls’ Under-21 category, victory went to Princess Mary Superal of the Philippines with a score of three-under 213. Minami Hiruta, the reigning Japan Women’s Amateur champion, was runner-up on 216.
The Girls’ Under-16 winner was Japan’s Yumi Kudo, on a countback from China’s Liu Yan and New Zealander Brooke Hamilton. All three were tied at five-over 221.
China’s Cao Sen triumphed in the Boys’ Under-16 segment thanks to a sparkling closing 68, edging out Chinese Taipei’s Tsai Kai-jen on a countback after both finished on 213. Indonesia's Tirto Tamardi finished 2 shots back in third place, just outside the top 10 in the overall standings.
Cao also received the Mission Hills Trophy, presented by Mission Hills Vice Chairman Tenniel Chu to the leading Chinese player.
As well as receiving the Faldo Series Asia trophy, the overall winner will be granted an exemption into an Asian Tour event. The Girls’ winner will be given a start in a Ladies European Tour event.
Both will also earn themselves an overseas trip to compete in the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final.
Supported by The R&A and Mission Hills and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the 2014-15 Faldo Series Asia campaign has stretched over 11 months and has been made up of 18 championships.
Recognized as the only global amateur series for boys and girls, the Faldo Series was established in 1996, expanding to Asia in 2006.
Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching more than 7,000 golfers each year. Past winners include Tseng Ya-ni and Rory McIlroy, who took his tally of professional Major titles to four with his wins at last year’s Open Championship and US PGA Championship.
Scores of the Indonesian contingent:
214 - Fadhli Rahman Soetarso 69-7273 (Boys U18, 4th), 9th overall
215 - Tirto Tamardi 70-73-72 (Boys U16, 3rd), 11th overall
228 - Rivani Adeia Sihotang 80-75-73 (Girls U16, 6th), 44th overall
230 - Faraby Ali 77-78-75 (Boys U21, 10th), 51st overall
232 - Ida Ayu Melati 79-75-78 (Girls U21, 7th), 54th overall
Monday, March 23, 2015
Sunday, March 22, 2015
15-Year-Old Phachara Wins PGM CCM Rahman Putra Championship
Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, March 21 - Phachara Khongwatmai secured a convincing four-shot win at the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Championship to become the youngest champion on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) on Saturday.
The immensely talented Thai, who turns 16 in May, showed little signs of pressure when he fired two eagles for a brilliant six-under-par 66 and a 20-under-par 268 total at the Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia.
He defeated local hope Danny Chia and Shane Smith of the United States, who closed with a 70 and 64 respectively, to settle for tied second at the RM200,000 (approximately US$55,400) ADT event.
Sutijet Kooratanapisan (69) of Thailand finished a further shot back on 273 while Quincy Quek of Singapore, the halfway stage leader, finished fifth following a 69 for a 274 total.
Indonesia's Jordan Irawan finished in 40th place after a final round of 73, what must be somewhat disappointing for him after his excellent start of the tournament. But the experience for sure will help him in the next tournaments.
Phachara, who held the share of the overnight lead with Chia, got off to a flying start when he eagled the third hole from 10-feet before making the turn in 34.
He pulled clear from the chasing pack with a huge 25-footer eagle on hole 10 before ending his round on a flourish with birdies on holes 15 and 18.
The victory is a huge boost in his fledgling career. He made headlines when he won the 2013 Hua Hin Open on home soil at the age of 14 before turning professional in August last year.
He also earned an Asian Tour card at Qualifying earlier this year after winning his first professional title in Thailand.
“I’m very happy with this win,” smiled Phachara. “I couldn’t have asked for a better way to win a tournament because my game was very good. I was a bit nervous but it helps when you have two eagles in your round! My short game really helped me this week.”
Phachara’s win earned him US$9,436 and six valuable Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.
Leading fourth round scores:
268 – Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 71 66 65 66
272 – Shane SMITH (USA) 68 69 71 64, Danny CHIA (MAS) 68 68 66 70
273 – Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 68 69 67 69
274 – Quincy QUEK (SIN) 67 67 71 69
276 – Brett MUNSON (USA) 68 69 66 73
277 – Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA) 68 73 68 68
279 – Ervin CHANG (A) (MAS) 70 69 72 68
280 – Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 71 69 72 68, Casey O’TOOLE (USA) 69 73 69 69, KHOR Kheng Hwai (MAS) 70 67 72 71, Abel TAM (MAS) 72 67 69 72
Selected:
290 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 67 73 77 73
The immensely talented Thai, who turns 16 in May, showed little signs of pressure when he fired two eagles for a brilliant six-under-par 66 and a 20-under-par 268 total at the Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia.
He defeated local hope Danny Chia and Shane Smith of the United States, who closed with a 70 and 64 respectively, to settle for tied second at the RM200,000 (approximately US$55,400) ADT event.
Sutijet Kooratanapisan (69) of Thailand finished a further shot back on 273 while Quincy Quek of Singapore, the halfway stage leader, finished fifth following a 69 for a 274 total.
Indonesia's Jordan Irawan finished in 40th place after a final round of 73, what must be somewhat disappointing for him after his excellent start of the tournament. But the experience for sure will help him in the next tournaments.
Phachara, who held the share of the overnight lead with Chia, got off to a flying start when he eagled the third hole from 10-feet before making the turn in 34.
He pulled clear from the chasing pack with a huge 25-footer eagle on hole 10 before ending his round on a flourish with birdies on holes 15 and 18.
The victory is a huge boost in his fledgling career. He made headlines when he won the 2013 Hua Hin Open on home soil at the age of 14 before turning professional in August last year.
He also earned an Asian Tour card at Qualifying earlier this year after winning his first professional title in Thailand.
“I’m very happy with this win,” smiled Phachara. “I couldn’t have asked for a better way to win a tournament because my game was very good. I was a bit nervous but it helps when you have two eagles in your round! My short game really helped me this week.”
Phachara’s win earned him US$9,436 and six valuable Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.
Leading fourth round scores:
268 – Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 71 66 65 66
272 – Shane SMITH (USA) 68 69 71 64, Danny CHIA (MAS) 68 68 66 70
273 – Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 68 69 67 69
274 – Quincy QUEK (SIN) 67 67 71 69
276 – Brett MUNSON (USA) 68 69 66 73
277 – Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA) 68 73 68 68
279 – Ervin CHANG (A) (MAS) 70 69 72 68
280 – Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN) 71 69 72 68, Casey O’TOOLE (USA) 69 73 69 69, KHOR Kheng Hwai (MAS) 70 67 72 71, Abel TAM (MAS) 72 67 69 72
Selected:
290 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 67 73 77 73
Friday, March 20, 2015
Jordan Irawan Slides Further Back At PGM CCM Rahman Putra Championship
Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, March 20 - Thai wonder kid Phachara Khongwatmai fired a superb seven-under-par 65 to share the third round lead with Malaysia’s Danny Chia at the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Championship on Friday.
Phachara, who turns 16 in May, shot nine birdies for a 14-under-par 202 total at the Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia to stay on track in his chase to become the youngest winner on the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
Local hope Chia was bogey-free in his round of 66 while Brett Munson of the United States also carded a 66 to trail by one-shot as he seeks a successful title defense at the RM200,000 (approximately US$55,400) ADT event.
Overnight leader Quincy Quek of Singapore was a further three shots back from the leaders after struggling to a 71.
Jordan Irawan, the only Indonesian who survived the cut, had a very disappointing round, making double bogey on both hole 15 and 16 to finish the round in 77. He is now at 1-over after 3 rounds in 44th place.
Phachara holds the record of being the youngest ever player to win a professional tournament when he triumphed at the 2013 Hua Hin Open on home soil as an amateur at the age of 14.
After joining the play-for-pay ranks in August last year, the Thai secured his first win as a professional in Thailand before going on to finish inside the top-40 at the Asian Tour Qualifying School to earn a Tour card.
Phachara showed maturity beyond his young age when he recovered from an opening 71 by shooting 13-under-par in the last two days as he sets his sights on writing a small slice of history on the ADT.
“I was a little bit nervous in the first round but now I’m feeling more confident. My game is improving and I like playing on this course. It won’t be easy on the last day but I will try my best. It will be very exciting for me,” said Phachara.
Chia, Malaysia’s first Asian Tour winner, produced his best round of the week courtesy of his solid ball striking which resulted in six birdies.
“It was the best I hit the ball in the last three days. I made some good par save and that kept the momentum going. It has been a good tournament for me so far but I’ll have to stay focus on the last day,” said the 42-year-old Chia.
Playing in his second year on the ADT, Munson relied on his short game to stay in contention as he was rewarded with five birdies and one eagle against one bogey.
“I’m managing my game well and I’m putting well. I wish my ball striking was a little bit better,” said Munson.
“This is my second year in Asia and I’m more comfortable playing on this type of grass after asking some Malaysian players for some short game tips. I can’t name them all because I’ve asked a few of them!” he laughed.
Leading third round scores:
202 – Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 71 66 65, Danny CHIA (MAS) 68 68 66
203 – Brett MUNSON (USA) 68 69 66
204 – Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 68 69 67
205 – Quincy QUEK (SIN) 67 67 71
208 – Abel TAM (MAS) 72 67 69, Shane SMITH (USA) 68 69 71
209 – Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA) 68 73 68, KHOR Kheng Hwai (MAS) 70 67 72
Selected:
217 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 67 73 77
Phachara, who turns 16 in May, shot nine birdies for a 14-under-par 202 total at the Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia to stay on track in his chase to become the youngest winner on the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
Local hope Chia was bogey-free in his round of 66 while Brett Munson of the United States also carded a 66 to trail by one-shot as he seeks a successful title defense at the RM200,000 (approximately US$55,400) ADT event.
Overnight leader Quincy Quek of Singapore was a further three shots back from the leaders after struggling to a 71.
Jordan Irawan, the only Indonesian who survived the cut, had a very disappointing round, making double bogey on both hole 15 and 16 to finish the round in 77. He is now at 1-over after 3 rounds in 44th place.
Phachara holds the record of being the youngest ever player to win a professional tournament when he triumphed at the 2013 Hua Hin Open on home soil as an amateur at the age of 14.
After joining the play-for-pay ranks in August last year, the Thai secured his first win as a professional in Thailand before going on to finish inside the top-40 at the Asian Tour Qualifying School to earn a Tour card.
Phachara showed maturity beyond his young age when he recovered from an opening 71 by shooting 13-under-par in the last two days as he sets his sights on writing a small slice of history on the ADT.
“I was a little bit nervous in the first round but now I’m feeling more confident. My game is improving and I like playing on this course. It won’t be easy on the last day but I will try my best. It will be very exciting for me,” said Phachara.
Chia, Malaysia’s first Asian Tour winner, produced his best round of the week courtesy of his solid ball striking which resulted in six birdies.
“It was the best I hit the ball in the last three days. I made some good par save and that kept the momentum going. It has been a good tournament for me so far but I’ll have to stay focus on the last day,” said the 42-year-old Chia.
Playing in his second year on the ADT, Munson relied on his short game to stay in contention as he was rewarded with five birdies and one eagle against one bogey.
“I’m managing my game well and I’m putting well. I wish my ball striking was a little bit better,” said Munson.
“This is my second year in Asia and I’m more comfortable playing on this type of grass after asking some Malaysian players for some short game tips. I can’t name them all because I’ve asked a few of them!” he laughed.
Leading third round scores:
202 – Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 71 66 65, Danny CHIA (MAS) 68 68 66
203 – Brett MUNSON (USA) 68 69 66
204 – Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 68 69 67
205 – Quincy QUEK (SIN) 67 67 71
208 – Abel TAM (MAS) 72 67 69, Shane SMITH (USA) 68 69 71
209 – Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA) 68 73 68, KHOR Kheng Hwai (MAS) 70 67 72
Selected:
217 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 67 73 77
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Fadhli Rahman Soetarso Stays In Contention For Win At Faldo Series Asia Grand Final
Shenzhen, China, March 19 - Japan’s Yuki Kamasu snared a final-hole birdie to soar to the top of the leaderboard after the second round of the ninth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final.
At 21 the eldest competitor in the elite 82-player field, Kamasu signed for a five-under-par 67 over the acclaimed Nick Faldo-designed Faldo Course at Mission Hills Shenzhen.
That gave him a 36-hole total of six-under 138 – and a one-stroke lead from Czech Republic’s Simon Zach and American Zachary Bauchou heading into Friday’s final round in the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event.
Also in contention in what promises to be a thrilling finale are Hong Kong’s Leon Philip D'Souza [140], Indonesian Fadhli Rahman Soetarso [141] and Princess Mary Superal of the Philippines [142], the leading female.
Among a group of six players within striking distance on 143 are Minami Hiruta, the reigning Japan Women’s Amateur champion, and first-round leader Yuki Shino, who was left to rue a triple-bogey eight at the fourth where he took three off the tee and also found water.
“It’s poised for a memorable final-round shootout,” said tournament host Sir Nick Faldo, who beguiled competitors at a short-game clinic following the second round.
The six-time Major champion, Britain’s most successful golfer, added: “We’ve had several dramatic finishes here before and it looks like it’s going to go all the way to wire tomorrow.”
Kamasu trailed playing partner Bauchou by one shot going to the 516-yard 18th. But while the Japanese secured a closing four, his American rival could manage only a bogey-six as the lead exchanged hands.
Bidding to follow in the footsteps of Masamichi Ito and Mikumu Horikawa and become the third Japanese winner of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in the past four years, Kamasu dropped his only shot of the round at the ninth to turn in two-under 34.
Further birdies at 12, 15 and 18 enabled him to return the joint lowest round of the week.
But he knows he’ll have to be at his best to hold off the threat of Bauchou and Zach, who qualified via the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, USA.
As well as attempting to earn the distinction of becoming the first non-Asian winner at the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, Bauchou and Zach will resume their own personal battle.
Five months ago, Bauchou, from Forest, Virginia, edged out Zach in a sudden-death play-off to win the 18th Faldo Series Grand Final at The Greenbrier. There, Bauchou birdied the 18th to force a play-off with Zach and then clinched the title with a tap-in par putt on the first extra hole.
Meanwhile, Sen Cao leads the way in the race to win the Mission Hills Trophy, awarded to the leading golfer from the People’s Republic. With a two-day total of 145, Sen is one shot ahead of Yan Liu and two in front of Jie Hong.
Scores of the Indonesian contingent:
141 - Fadhli Rahman Soetarso 69-72 (Boys U18, 2nd), 5th overall
143 - Tirto Tamardi 70-73 (Boys U16, 2nd), 7th overall
154 - Ida Ayu Melati 79-75 (Girls U21, 5th), 42nd overall
155 - Rivani Adeia Sihotang 80-75 (Girls U16, 7th), Faraby Ali 77-78 (Boys U21, 11th), 49th overall
At 21 the eldest competitor in the elite 82-player field, Kamasu signed for a five-under-par 67 over the acclaimed Nick Faldo-designed Faldo Course at Mission Hills Shenzhen.
That gave him a 36-hole total of six-under 138 – and a one-stroke lead from Czech Republic’s Simon Zach and American Zachary Bauchou heading into Friday’s final round in the R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event.
Also in contention in what promises to be a thrilling finale are Hong Kong’s Leon Philip D'Souza [140], Indonesian Fadhli Rahman Soetarso [141] and Princess Mary Superal of the Philippines [142], the leading female.
Among a group of six players within striking distance on 143 are Minami Hiruta, the reigning Japan Women’s Amateur champion, and first-round leader Yuki Shino, who was left to rue a triple-bogey eight at the fourth where he took three off the tee and also found water.
“It’s poised for a memorable final-round shootout,” said tournament host Sir Nick Faldo, who beguiled competitors at a short-game clinic following the second round.
The six-time Major champion, Britain’s most successful golfer, added: “We’ve had several dramatic finishes here before and it looks like it’s going to go all the way to wire tomorrow.”
Kamasu trailed playing partner Bauchou by one shot going to the 516-yard 18th. But while the Japanese secured a closing four, his American rival could manage only a bogey-six as the lead exchanged hands.
Bidding to follow in the footsteps of Masamichi Ito and Mikumu Horikawa and become the third Japanese winner of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in the past four years, Kamasu dropped his only shot of the round at the ninth to turn in two-under 34.
Further birdies at 12, 15 and 18 enabled him to return the joint lowest round of the week.
But he knows he’ll have to be at his best to hold off the threat of Bauchou and Zach, who qualified via the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, USA.
As well as attempting to earn the distinction of becoming the first non-Asian winner at the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, Bauchou and Zach will resume their own personal battle.
Five months ago, Bauchou, from Forest, Virginia, edged out Zach in a sudden-death play-off to win the 18th Faldo Series Grand Final at The Greenbrier. There, Bauchou birdied the 18th to force a play-off with Zach and then clinched the title with a tap-in par putt on the first extra hole.
Meanwhile, Sen Cao leads the way in the race to win the Mission Hills Trophy, awarded to the leading golfer from the People’s Republic. With a two-day total of 145, Sen is one shot ahead of Yan Liu and two in front of Jie Hong.
Scores of the Indonesian contingent:
141 - Fadhli Rahman Soetarso 69-72 (Boys U18, 2nd), 5th overall
143 - Tirto Tamardi 70-73 (Boys U16, 2nd), 7th overall
154 - Ida Ayu Melati 79-75 (Girls U21, 5th), 42nd overall
155 - Rivani Adeia Sihotang 80-75 (Girls U16, 7th), Faraby Ali 77-78 (Boys U21, 11th), 49th overall
Jordan Irawan Falls Back At PGM CCM Rahman Putra Championship
Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, March 19 - Quincy Quek of Singapore fired two eagles for a five-under-par 67 to pull two shots clear at the halfway stage of the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Championship on Thursday.
The 28-year-old, who married long-time girlfriend Celine in December, leads on 10-under-par 134 while local ace Danny Chia trails in second place following a 68 at the RM200,000 (approximately US$55,400) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.
Title holder Brett Munson, Shane Smith of the United States, Khor Kheng Hwai of Malaysia, James Byrne of Scotland - winner here in 2013 - and Dominic Foos of Germany, were a further two shots back alongside Thai trio Wisut Artjanawat, Phachara Khongwatmai and Phachara Khongwatmai.
Indonesia's Jordan Irawan was unable to repeat his first round, and with a second round of one over par he saw himself tumble on the leaderboard to a tie for 16th. Meanwhile George Gandranata scored a second consecutive round of even par, but this wasn't enough to advance to the third round, missing the cut by a single stroke.
Quek produced his first eagle when he curved his hybrid-second shot on the third hole before holding his nerve to sink a 25-footer eagle putt at the Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia.
He landed his second eagle of the day on hole 10 when his seven-iron approach shot landed six-feet from the hole.
“The first eagle was good. I didn’t have a view of the green because of the overhanging trees and I had to hit it around the trees and hole a good putt. It was a good way to start my round,” Quek smiled.
The tall Singaporean was pleased with his round of two eagles and two birdies against a single dropped shot but he admits that the par saves were equally satisfying.
“There were a lot of times when I was faced with little five footers which were quite stressful but I managed to sink most of them so that was quite satisfying.
“I left quite a lot of birdie chances at the mouth of the hole. Judging the speed can be a little bit tricky here but overall happy with the way I’m approaching each shot. I’m fairly fortunate that the eagles dropped and gave myself a lot of birdie chances. It is always a good day when you do that,” he explained.
A total of 52 players including amateurs Low Khai Jei and Ervin Chang of Malaysia qualified for the last two rounds as the halfway cut was set at one-under-par 143. Current ADT Order of Merit leader Arie Irawan made an early exit following a disappointing 79.
Leading second round scores:
134 - Quincy QUEK (SIN) 67-67
136 - Danny CHIA (MAS) 68-68
137 - KHOR Kheng Hwai (MAS) 70-67, Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 73-64, James BYRNE (SCO) 67-70, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 71-66, Dominic FOOS (GER) 69-68, Brett MUNSON (USA) 68-69, Shane SMITH (USA) 68-69, Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 68-69
Selected:
140 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 67-73
144 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 72-72
The 28-year-old, who married long-time girlfriend Celine in December, leads on 10-under-par 134 while local ace Danny Chia trails in second place following a 68 at the RM200,000 (approximately US$55,400) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.
Title holder Brett Munson, Shane Smith of the United States, Khor Kheng Hwai of Malaysia, James Byrne of Scotland - winner here in 2013 - and Dominic Foos of Germany, were a further two shots back alongside Thai trio Wisut Artjanawat, Phachara Khongwatmai and Phachara Khongwatmai.
Indonesia's Jordan Irawan was unable to repeat his first round, and with a second round of one over par he saw himself tumble on the leaderboard to a tie for 16th. Meanwhile George Gandranata scored a second consecutive round of even par, but this wasn't enough to advance to the third round, missing the cut by a single stroke.
Quek produced his first eagle when he curved his hybrid-second shot on the third hole before holding his nerve to sink a 25-footer eagle putt at the Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia.
He landed his second eagle of the day on hole 10 when his seven-iron approach shot landed six-feet from the hole.
“The first eagle was good. I didn’t have a view of the green because of the overhanging trees and I had to hit it around the trees and hole a good putt. It was a good way to start my round,” Quek smiled.
The tall Singaporean was pleased with his round of two eagles and two birdies against a single dropped shot but he admits that the par saves were equally satisfying.
“There were a lot of times when I was faced with little five footers which were quite stressful but I managed to sink most of them so that was quite satisfying.
“I left quite a lot of birdie chances at the mouth of the hole. Judging the speed can be a little bit tricky here but overall happy with the way I’m approaching each shot. I’m fairly fortunate that the eagles dropped and gave myself a lot of birdie chances. It is always a good day when you do that,” he explained.
A total of 52 players including amateurs Low Khai Jei and Ervin Chang of Malaysia qualified for the last two rounds as the halfway cut was set at one-under-par 143. Current ADT Order of Merit leader Arie Irawan made an early exit following a disappointing 79.
Leading second round scores:
134 - Quincy QUEK (SIN) 67-67
136 - Danny CHIA (MAS) 68-68
137 - KHOR Kheng Hwai (MAS) 70-67, Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) 73-64, James BYRNE (SCO) 67-70, Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) 71-66, Dominic FOOS (GER) 69-68, Brett MUNSON (USA) 68-69, Shane SMITH (USA) 68-69, Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA) 68-69
Selected:
140 - Jordan IRAWAN (INA) 67-73
144 - George GANDRANATA (INA) 72-72
Fadhli Rahman Soetarso And Tirto Tamardi In Contention For Top Honors At Faldo Series Asia Grand Final
Shenzhen, China, March 18 - Japan's Yuki Shino set a blistering pace on the opening day of the ninth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final.
The talented 17-year-old threw down the gauntlet to his rivals in the elite 82-player field with a four-under-par 68 over the acclaimed Nick Faldo-designed Faldo Course at Mission Hills Shenzhen.
Playing aggressively, Shino scattered six birdies and an eagle-two at the short par-four 15th to offset two bogeys and one double-bogey.
Six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo, Britain's most successful golfer, said: "What an explosive performance from Yuki! If he maintains that form then he's going to be the player to beat."
Shino, who secured his starting place here after emerging victorious in the Faldo Series Japan Championship, attacked from the outset, picking up shots at each of the first three holes.
Bidding to follow in the footsteps of Masamichi Ito and Mikumu Horikawa and become the third Japanese winner of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in the past four years, Shino reached the turn in one-under 35. Showing no signs of nerves, he covered the back nine in three-under 33.
Thanks to that effort, Shino will take a one-stroke lead over Indonesian Fadhli Rahman Soetarso and Chinese Taipei's Tsai Kai-jen into Thursday's second round in the 54-hole event.
Underlining the quality of the field, a total of 11 players bettered par, including Indonesian Tirto Tamardi and American Zachary Bauchou [both 70] and Simon Zach from the Czech Republic and Brazilian Rohan Boettcher [both 71].
Bauchou, Zach and Boettcher all qualified via the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final.
Leading the female challenge is Shino's compatriot Minami Hiruta. The reigning Japan Women's Amateur champion is tied for fourth after carding a two-under 70 – two strokes ahead of Malaysian Nur Durriyah Damian, Chinese Taipei's Wu Yi-ching, Princess Mary Superal of the Philippines and New Zealand's Brooke Hamilton.
Hamilton produced the shot of the day with a hole-in-one at the island green, par-three 16th hole.
Meanwhile, Yan Liu and Liang En Qi both returned 74s to lead the way in the race to win the Mission Hills Trophy, awarded to the leading golfer from the People's Republic.
As well as receiving the Faldo Series Asia trophy, the overall winner will be granted an exemption into an Asian Tour event. The Girls' winner will be given a start in a Ladies European Tour event.
Both will also earn themselves an overseas trip to compete in the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final.
Supported by The R&A and Mission Hills and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the 2014-15 Faldo Series Asia campaign has stretched over 11 months and has been made up of 18 championships.
Recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls, the Faldo Series was established in 1996, expanding to Asia in 2006.
Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching more than 7,000 golfers each year. Past winners include Tseng Ya-ni and Rory McIlroy, who took his tally of professional Major titles to four with his wins at last year's Open Championship and US PGA Championship.
Scores of the Indonesian contingent:
69 - Fadhli Rahman Soetarso (Boys U18, 2nd), 2nd overall
70 - Tirto Tamardi (Boys U16, 2nd), 4th overall
77 - Faraby Ali (Boys U21, 9th), 45th overall
79 - Ida Ayu Melati (Girls U21, 10th), 55th overall
80 - Rivani Adeia Sihotang (Girls U16, 7th), 61st overall
The talented 17-year-old threw down the gauntlet to his rivals in the elite 82-player field with a four-under-par 68 over the acclaimed Nick Faldo-designed Faldo Course at Mission Hills Shenzhen.
Playing aggressively, Shino scattered six birdies and an eagle-two at the short par-four 15th to offset two bogeys and one double-bogey.
Six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo, Britain's most successful golfer, said: "What an explosive performance from Yuki! If he maintains that form then he's going to be the player to beat."
Shino, who secured his starting place here after emerging victorious in the Faldo Series Japan Championship, attacked from the outset, picking up shots at each of the first three holes.
Bidding to follow in the footsteps of Masamichi Ito and Mikumu Horikawa and become the third Japanese winner of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in the past four years, Shino reached the turn in one-under 35. Showing no signs of nerves, he covered the back nine in three-under 33.
Thanks to that effort, Shino will take a one-stroke lead over Indonesian Fadhli Rahman Soetarso and Chinese Taipei's Tsai Kai-jen into Thursday's second round in the 54-hole event.
Underlining the quality of the field, a total of 11 players bettered par, including Indonesian Tirto Tamardi and American Zachary Bauchou [both 70] and Simon Zach from the Czech Republic and Brazilian Rohan Boettcher [both 71].
Bauchou, Zach and Boettcher all qualified via the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final.
Leading the female challenge is Shino's compatriot Minami Hiruta. The reigning Japan Women's Amateur champion is tied for fourth after carding a two-under 70 – two strokes ahead of Malaysian Nur Durriyah Damian, Chinese Taipei's Wu Yi-ching, Princess Mary Superal of the Philippines and New Zealand's Brooke Hamilton.
Hamilton produced the shot of the day with a hole-in-one at the island green, par-three 16th hole.
Meanwhile, Yan Liu and Liang En Qi both returned 74s to lead the way in the race to win the Mission Hills Trophy, awarded to the leading golfer from the People's Republic.
As well as receiving the Faldo Series Asia trophy, the overall winner will be granted an exemption into an Asian Tour event. The Girls' winner will be given a start in a Ladies European Tour event.
Both will also earn themselves an overseas trip to compete in the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final.
Supported by The R&A and Mission Hills and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the 2014-15 Faldo Series Asia campaign has stretched over 11 months and has been made up of 18 championships.
Recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls, the Faldo Series was established in 1996, expanding to Asia in 2006.
Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching more than 7,000 golfers each year. Past winners include Tseng Ya-ni and Rory McIlroy, who took his tally of professional Major titles to four with his wins at last year's Open Championship and US PGA Championship.
Scores of the Indonesian contingent:
69 - Fadhli Rahman Soetarso (Boys U18, 2nd), 2nd overall
70 - Tirto Tamardi (Boys U16, 2nd), 4th overall
77 - Faraby Ali (Boys U21, 9th), 45th overall
79 - Ida Ayu Melati (Girls U21, 10th), 55th overall
80 - Rivani Adeia Sihotang (Girls U16, 7th), 61st overall
Jordan Irawan In Chase Of Lead At PGM CCM Rahman Putra Championship
Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, March 18 - Thailand’s Natthapong Niyomchon fired an opening six-under-par 66 to hold a slim one-shot lead at the PGM CCM Rahman Putra Championship on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old, who is without a win since turning professional in 2005, carded seven birdies to lead the chasing pack at the RM200,000 (approximately US$55,400) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.
ADT champions Quincy Quek of Singapore and James Byrne of Scotland tied for second place alongside Jordan Irawan of Indonesia and Jordan Sherratt of Australia at the Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia.
Local ace Danny Chia, defending champion Brett Munson of the United States and Englishman Christopher Canon were among those bunched in sixth place after returning on matching 68s.
Indonesia's top ranked player George Gandranata finished his round at even par and is currently tied for 41st place.
Natthapong took advantage of a hot putter where he made 27 putts including two important birdies putts from inside 15-feet on holes 12 and 13. The Thai was delighted to be in position to battle for a first career title.
“My putting was good and the two big birdie putts helped,” said Natthapong. “I like this course because I can hit long drives and I feel comfortable reading the lines on the greens. It is going to be exciting because I haven’t won before.”
Newly-wed Quek, who won his first ADT title in the Philippines in 2012, put in a solid performance highlighted by a chip-in birdie from the edge of the 11th green.
“Gave myself birdie chances and I was quite consistent. I was rolling the putts well too and made long birdies putts on 10, 16 and five. I guess having a more stable personal life helps on the golf course too,” said Quek, who married his long-time girlfriend Celine in December.
The 19-year-old Irawan was pleased to see his hard work pay off during the off-season where he worked diligently on his course management.
“My game is better this year compared to last year. I practiced harder and smarter. Starting in the middle of last year, I looked at my statistics and tried to work on my course management,” said Irawan.
“In the past, I would always attach the pin but I learned from my mistake and now I play much better golf. I put what I practiced on the course today and only attacked the pin on certain holes,” explained the Indonesia, who opened with an eight-foot eagle putt.
The ADT will reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2016.
Leading first round scores:
66 – Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA)
67 – Quincy QUEK (SIN) , Jordan IRAWAN (INA) , James BYRNE (SCO) , Jordan SHERRATT (AUS)
68 – Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) , Atthaphon SRIBOONKAEW (THA) , Christopher CANNON (ENG) , Brett MUNSON (USA) , Danny CHIA (MAS) , Shane SMITH (USA) , Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA) , Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA)
Selected:
72 - George GANDRANATA (INA)
The 26-year-old, who is without a win since turning professional in 2005, carded seven birdies to lead the chasing pack at the RM200,000 (approximately US$55,400) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.
ADT champions Quincy Quek of Singapore and James Byrne of Scotland tied for second place alongside Jordan Irawan of Indonesia and Jordan Sherratt of Australia at the Kelab Rahman Putra Malaysia.
Local ace Danny Chia, defending champion Brett Munson of the United States and Englishman Christopher Canon were among those bunched in sixth place after returning on matching 68s.
Indonesia's top ranked player George Gandranata finished his round at even par and is currently tied for 41st place.
Natthapong took advantage of a hot putter where he made 27 putts including two important birdies putts from inside 15-feet on holes 12 and 13. The Thai was delighted to be in position to battle for a first career title.
“My putting was good and the two big birdie putts helped,” said Natthapong. “I like this course because I can hit long drives and I feel comfortable reading the lines on the greens. It is going to be exciting because I haven’t won before.”
Newly-wed Quek, who won his first ADT title in the Philippines in 2012, put in a solid performance highlighted by a chip-in birdie from the edge of the 11th green.
“Gave myself birdie chances and I was quite consistent. I was rolling the putts well too and made long birdies putts on 10, 16 and five. I guess having a more stable personal life helps on the golf course too,” said Quek, who married his long-time girlfriend Celine in December.
The 19-year-old Irawan was pleased to see his hard work pay off during the off-season where he worked diligently on his course management.
“My game is better this year compared to last year. I practiced harder and smarter. Starting in the middle of last year, I looked at my statistics and tried to work on my course management,” said Irawan.
“In the past, I would always attach the pin but I learned from my mistake and now I play much better golf. I put what I practiced on the course today and only attacked the pin on certain holes,” explained the Indonesia, who opened with an eight-foot eagle putt.
The ADT will reward the top-five finishers on the Order of Merit at the end of this season with Asian Tour cards for 2016.
Leading first round scores:
66 – Natthapong NIYOMCHON (THA)
67 – Quincy QUEK (SIN) , Jordan IRAWAN (INA) , James BYRNE (SCO) , Jordan SHERRATT (AUS)
68 – Settee PRAKONGVECH (THA) , Atthaphon SRIBOONKAEW (THA) , Christopher CANNON (ENG) , Brett MUNSON (USA) , Danny CHIA (MAS) , Shane SMITH (USA) , Thammanoon SRIROJ (THA) , Sutijet KOORATANAPISAN (THA)
Selected:
72 - George GANDRANATA (INA)
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