JOHOR BARU: Two-time Asian number one Thongchai Jaidee has withdrawn from the US$300,000 Pulai Springs Malaysian Masters, which tee off today.
As for his compatriot and current number one, Thaworn Wiratchant, it is time to make amends after missing the cut, only his second of the season, at the Brunei Open last week.
Malaysia has been a happy hunting ground for the 40-year-old Thaworn, whose two of eight career victories in Asia were achieved here.
“The course is very good but the big hitters will definitely benefit as some of the holes here are quite long,” said Thaworn, who is now 12th on the UBS Order of Merit.
“I did not get the best of results in Brunei but I quite like the course here. I hope to produce a stronger performance this week.”
But players like Indians Shiv Kapur and Jyoti Randhawa could spoil the show for Thaworn and the other Thai golfers.
The 24-year-old Shiv is keen to make an impression on his return to Asia after competing against the world’s best in the World Golf Championships, the Bridgestone Invitational, in the United States last week.
“Last week was a great learning experience for me. I feel like my game is ready and I am playing much better now,” said Shiv, winner of last year’s season-ending Volvo Master of Asia in Thailand.
“I am looking forward to this event and I hope to be back in the winner’s circle.”
His last taste of action in the region was in the Macau Open in May before spending most of his time securing his European Tour card for next season.
The former Malaysian Amateur Open champion said after playing nine holes at Pulai Springs yesterday: “I enjoyed it. If you take a few chances, you can make birdies. It requires some demanding tee shots as well, especially on the par fives.
“My main focus is to take it one step at a time but I am eager to win again to add to the Volvo Masters last year. I hope I can put myself into a good position here in Johor.”
His best performance thus far in 11 tournaments on the Tour was a seventh-place finish at the Indonesia Open. Shiv is now ranked 15th with US$130,407.59.
Jyoti, who was Asia’s number one in 2002, Thailand’s 17-year-old wonderboy Chinarat Phandungsil, who won the Crowne Plaza Open in China a fortnight ago, and compatriot Boonchu Ruangkit will also be aiming to do well.
Source: thestar.com.my