Thu Feb 2 2012World record-holder Chapchai aims to shine at ICTSI Philippine Open
World 72-hole scoring record-holder Chapchai Nirat (in Photo)
of Thailand is planning to come out with all guns blazing when he tees up at the ICTSI Philippine Open at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club next week.
The Thai, who is nicknamed “King Kong” by his peers due to his big-hitting game, will be amongst a strong contingent of Asian Tour stars who will be out to dethrone reigning champion Berry Henson of the United States in what is the second leg of the 2012 Asian Tour’s season.
Countryman Prayad Marksaeng, a six-time winner on the Asian Tour, rising star Thanyakon Khrongpha and Namchok Tantipokakul will join other established Thai champions such as Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Chawalit Plaphol in next week’s event.
Asia’s oldest national Open will be beamed live for the first time on the Asian Tour’s global television platform which reaches over 200 nations.
The ICTSI Philippine Open will also see several other leading players heading full speed to Wack Wack’s East course, including India’s talented youngster Chiragh Kumar, back-in-form countryman Rahil Gangjee, Qualifying School winner David Lipsky of the United States and Thailand’s Arnond Vongvanu.
Several former Philippine Open champions who will feature in the Open include the country’s golf legend Frankie Minoza, Angelo Que, Artemio Murakami, Elmer Salvador, Manila-based Canadian Rick Gibson, Korean-American Anthony Kang and Chinese Taipei duo Wang Ter-chang and Yeh Chang-ting.
The 29-year-old Chapchai has won three times on the Asian Tour but the most memorable victory was at the 2009 SAIL Open in India. Then, he went on a scoring spree to shoot a world-record of 32-under-par 256 en route to an emphatic 11-stroke victory.
He has not won since that magical week but judging by last season’s form where he finished 12th on the Order of Merit thanks to two top-10s and four top-25s, Chapchai could well contend at the ICTSI Philippine Open next week.
Despite turning 46 earlier this week, the smooth-swinging Prayad will be expected to mount a title challenge as well. He finished 11th on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit last season where he enjoyed two top-10s, including a runner-up finish at the Queen’s Cup on the holiday isle of Samui.
All eyes will be on newcomer India’s Kumar, who announced his arrival on the big stage with a runner-up finish in the Hero Indian Open last season which helped him earn full playing rights for the 2012 season.
The former amateur star has been tipped by many to follow in the footsteps of illustrious compatriots Jeev Milkha Singh, Jyoti Randhawa and Arjun Atwal, who have all won the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit crown previously.
Countryman Gangjee, who played on the US Nationwide Tour last season, regained his Asian Tour card at Qualifying School in Thailand last month and rode on his good form by finishing second in a domestic event in India last week.
Japan’s Azuma Yano, a three-time winner on the Japan Golf Tour, will also feature in the ICTSI Philippine Open alongside countryman Tetsuji Hiratsuka, who finished second on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit last season.
About the ICTSI Philippine Open
As Asia’s oldest national Championship, the ICTSI Philippine Open is no doubt one of the most prestigious Opens on the Asian Tour calendar. It is title sponsored by the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), which is in the business of acquiring, developing and operating container ports and terminals worldwide. Other sponsors include HSBC (Official Bank), Panasonic Philippines (Official Co-Sponsor), Globe Telecom (Official Roaming & Telecommunications Sponsor), San Miguel (Official Co-Sponsor), Cathay Pacific (Official Airlines), OMEGA (Official Timekeeper) and BlackBerry (Official Smartphone and Tablet Partner).
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), J.Lindeberg (Official Apparel Partner), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts), Cityneon (Official Event Overlay Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), BlackBerry (Official Smartphgone and Tablet Partner) and Srixon (Official Ball). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
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