Shaaban Hussin’s charge up the leaderboard at the Maybank Malaysian Open came to a halt as the second round was suspended due to thunderstorms on Friday.

Shaaban, who is a Maybank ambassador, battled his way up the leaderboard by going to four-under for the championship through nine holes before play was called off by officials. He will resume his second round on Saturday, 7.45am on the 10^th fairway of the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.

“I felt like I was on a momentum and if the round did not stop, I would have gone lower. My rhythm and tempo was good. I need to come early and practise and try to get back into the groove,” said Shaaban, who is five shots back from the clubhouse lead.

“If I don’t keep focus, I will be in trouble. After looking at the scores, I think I have a good chance of closing the gap. There’s a chance but I will not be aggressive. I think the goal is to stay calm and score whenever I can,” said the slender Malaysian.

He was disappointed to miss two five-foot par putts on holes two and six. “It was disappointing or I would have been closer to the leaders but I’m happy with my fighting spirit,” said Shaaban, who was the lone Malaysian in red numbers during the second round.

Danny Chia fought tooth-and-nail but his chances of making the weekend rounds look slim as he closed with a 73 for a two-over-par 146 total. The projected cut is 145.

“I fought hard but it’s quite a disappointing result. My approach shots was way off. My partnership with my caddie wasn’t good as well. A lot of times, we couldn’t figure out the breaks. Looking forward to the next event already,” said Chia, the first Malaysian to win on the Asian Tour.

“I felt a bit unlucky on a few occasions. I don’t think there’s much I could learn from the last two days. I just misjudged my second shots, misjudged the wind a few times and did not make enough putts,” he lamented.

1st day leader, Charl Schwartzel

South African Charl Schwartzel shot a sizzling eight-under-par 64 to hold a one-shot lead from India’s Jeev Milkha Singh after the opening round of the Maybank Malaysian Open on Thursday.

The 2011 Masters Tournament champion reeled in nine birdies at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club as he took his place atop the leaderboard in the US$2.5 million event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Singh, Asia’s number one in 2006 and 2008, fired an equally impressive 65 which included one eagle and six birdies while last week’s Masters runner-up Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa showed no ill effects of his long trip from the United States with a 66 for a share of third place with American Jason Knutzon and Jyoti Randhawa of India.

Malaysia’s best finisher in the morning session was Maybank ambassador Shaaban Hussin, who returned a 70.

World number 12 Schwartzel, who finished tied 50^th in his Masters defence last week, lighted up the West course with some brilliant shot-making and a hot putter where he made only 24 putts.

“I played very well today. It has been some time coming now because I have been working really hard for the last couple of months and I haven’t had anything happen for me. It could have been one or two lower as I missed a couple of chances towards the end there but I am happy with 64 – I haven’t shot a number like that for a while,” said the slender South African.

Playing alongside close friend Oosthuizen, Schwartzel turned in 33 before storming home with five more birdies.

“Louis and I got off to a good fast start at the beginning and it is always nice when there are a couple of you in the group playing well and pulling each other a long a bit. Louis is playing so well right that it is impressive to watch and helped me on,” said Schwartzel, who is seeking an eighth European Tour victory.

“Hopefully we can do the same again tomorrow. It is a long way to go and there are a lot of birdie opportunities out there but if I can keep playing the way I did today then I should have a chance on Sunday.”

Singh flew high with an opening eagle on the 10^th hole, holing a 20-foot putt after setting up the chance with a wonderful three wood approach shot.

Injuries have often curtailed Singh’s game but the Indian veteran, who turned 40 last December, is injury free now and ready to add to his sixth previous victories on the Asian Tour.

“The beauty is that I’m feeling fit. That’s the most important thing because I can practice. I feel healthy and I think that things are going to get better as the year goes by,” said Singh, who is seeking for his first win since 2008.

“I have great memories here (in Malaysia). My professional career started here on the TDC Tour. My victory here previously always stays with me and coming back to Malaysia is always a great feeling. I have positive vibes coming back here. I love the country and the people,” added the Indian.

Oosthuizen, the 2010 British Open champion, shrugged off the disappointment of losing in a play-off at the Masters as he charged his way into contention with one eagle and six birdies on his card.

“I had a good night’s rest. This morning, I felt quite good. I knew the swing was still good. It was just adapting to the weather and the green speed. But I putted beautifully again today and hope to keep it going for the week.”

Randhawa, a former Asian Tour number one in 2002, reaped the benefits of a new putter where he made 27 putts.

“It’s been a while since I putted like this. I’m happy with how I putted. Last two weeks, I’ve been on the green putting and trying to get my feel back. I’m glad it came back. I’ve also changed putter this week and I think that’s helped,” said the eight-time Asian Tour winner.

Knutzon, a two-time Asian Tour winner, turned in 35 but came charging home with a flawless back nine highlighted by four birdies in the closing five holes.

“I haven’t played a lot actually. This is my fifth event. I’ve been enjoying time with my family, two kids and all that. Just kind of starting to get into it. I’m excited to be playing,” said Knutzon.

“There’s not a whole lot of drivers. The few that I hit, it was kind of like a truck-driver’s swing, kind of guiding it. Pretty straight but not real solid. My iron play was quite good today. Hit a lot of good shots with my irons.”

Scores after round 1 of the Maybank Malaysian Open 2012 being played at the par 72, 6967 Yards Kuala Lumpur GcC course (a- denotes amateur):

64 – Charl SCHWARTZEL (RSA).

65 – Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND).

66 – Jason KNUTZON (USA), Louis OOSTHUIZEN (RSA), Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND).

67 – Antonio LASCUNA (PHI), Rafael CABRERA-BELLO (ESP), Stephen GALLACHER (SCO).

68 – Soren KJELDSEN (DEN), Joonas GRANBERG (FIN), Romain WATTEL (FRA), Prom MEESAWAT (THA), Ricardo GONZALEZ (ARG), Gaurav GHEI (IND).

69 – Marcel SIEM (GER), Pablo LARRAZABAL (ESP), Lorenzo GAGLI (ITA), Richard GREEN (AUS), Scott JAMIESON (SCO), Shiv KAPUR (IND), Anthony KANG (USA), Julien QUESNE (FRA), Simon DYSON (ENG), Branden GRACE (RSA), LEE Sung (KOR), LIN Wen-tang (TPE), Danny WILLETT (ENG), Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA).

The on-going success of the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour (ADT) and the emergence of the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour has provided the platform for Malaysian players to enhance their game.

Siva Chandhran, who won the Order of Merit on the ADT in 2010, believes more tournament play will help enhance the search for a first Malaysian winner in their own national championship which celebrates its 51^st edition from April 12 to 15, 2012.

“Previously, we didn’t have many local tournaments but since last year we have been busy playing in tournaments. We’ve got a better chance of playing well now because the local players get to play in many events throughout the year,” said Siva Chandhran.

In the past seven seasons, a total of 21 Asian Tour tournaments have been staged in Malaysia worth in excess of US$31 million in total prize money.

Other important tournaments such as the Qualifying School, World Cup Qualifying and British Open Qualifier have also been hosted in Malaysia which have been instrumental in growing the sport in the country, said Siva Chandhran.

In addition to the Asian Tour events, the ADT will stage 12 tournaments in Malaysia from 2010 till the end of this year through a partnership with the PGM Tour.

Siva Chandhran, the only Malaysian to win multiple titles on the ADT, believes the change in the golfing landscape in the country could end Malaysia’s long wait for a local winner in the US$2.5 million Maybank Malaysian Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

“I’m sure that will push us into the next gear. It has kept us busy and hopefully the momentum will continue for us,” added the slightly built golfer.

After topping the ADT money list, Siva Chandhran joined countrymen Danny Chia and Ben Leong on the region’s established Tour, an experience which he says has helped him become a better golfer.

“I had more opportunities to play in the bigger events which gave me an entire different experience by playing on different courses around the region. I also gained a lot more confidence that has helped my game,” said Siva Chandhran.

Over the last few season, Danny Chia, Malaysia’s first winner on the Asian Tour, has carried the Malaysian hopes in the Open.

Chia challenged for the title in 2008 and was the halfway leader in the following year before finishing tied 11^th place.

However, Siva Chandhran believes more of the Malaysian players will have to step up and aim to shine among the elite cast set to gather at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club next week.

“Obviously, it is great to be playing in your own National Open. It’s every Malaysian player’s dream to win it. The thought of playing in your own national open is an inspiration for us and we all hope of winning it,” said Siva Chandhran

Arnond Vongvanij

Thailand’s rising star Arnond Vongvanij plans to post the right numbers to extend his Asian Tour joyride at the US$2.5 million Maybank Malaysian Open starting on Thursday.

The 23-year-old earned his place in the prestigious championship sanctioned with the European Tour after making a flying start to his rookie season on the Asian Tour.

While delighted to line up alongside Major champions Martin Kaymer of Germany and South African duo Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen, beaten in a play-off at the Masters Tournament on Sunday, Arnond is feeling slightly apprehensive of the week ahead.

“I’m 1.65m tall,” said Arnond, one of the smallest players at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club this week.

“So getting here into a co-sanctioned event with the European Tour, the guys are so much bigger than I am. But it doesn’t really matter as in golf, the physical aspect doesn’t mean anything. You may have a 350m drive or a three inch putt and they are all the same to golfers.”

The Florida-based Arnond earned his Asian Tour card through Qualifying School and subsequently posted two straight top-10s at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open and ICTSI Philippine Open. He’s missed only one cut in six starts and ranks 29^th on the Order of Merit.

A finance major from the University of Florida, Arnond knows he must shoot the right numbers if he is to emulate his idol Thongchai Jaidee’s two victories in the Malaysian Open.

“I graduated in finance, so I’m pretty good with numbers. I’m just concerned about the numbers one to four and not going beyond 72!” joked the Thai.

“I’m happy to get this opportunity especially as a rookie. To get here without a win, it’s a good accomplishment in itself. I played quite well at the beginning of the year but slipped out a bit with the putting in the last few events. Other than that I still feel I’m playing well,” he said.

He enjoyed a practice round with Thongchai and Bangladeshi sensation Siddikur on Tuesday and found inspiration from the latter. “Siddikur is a small guy like myself and he hit it shorter than I do. But he’s always in contention and that’s something which I can learn from him,” said Arnond.

He admits to feeling the jitters being in his first major tournament since turning professional last season but knows the rewards will be great if he can upset the odds.

“A good week here, a top 10, will guarantee a card for next year. My goal right now is to not think about it, just go out to play good golf. If I think about it, it won’t help me play better. The more I have in my mind, the worse it is for me. I just want to go out and make birdies,” said Arnond.

“I do feel pressured to do well. I’m not thinking about this being a big event. I’m just going to try and have fun and play some good golf. I just want to learn and get better.”

Thongchai, victorious in Malaysia in 2004 and 2005, hopes playing the opening two rounds with Schwartzel, who won the Masters in 2011, and Oosthuizen, winner of the British Open in 2010, will provide the spark in his game.

“My golf game is okay, not great. But my putting is getting better now. I changed a few things. I tried to change my swing a bit. It’s a good draw and I’m looking forward to the next few days,” said Thongchai, who switched to the belly putter at the start of the season.

The three-time Asian Tour number one said the face of professional golf was changing with young stars such as Arnond fighting for glory. “It feels like it’s a long time ago since I won in Malaysia,” said the 42-year-old, holder of a record 13 Asian Tour victories.

“I know golf right now is about the young generation. Young stars are coming up. But in golf, you never know. Paul Lawrie improved this season and won once and jumped into the world’s top-50. A couple of guys like Thaworn Wiratchant have also played well.

“When you’re older, the distance gets shorter. Putting can also be a problem. Golf courses these days are getting longer and longer. I try to win every week. If not, I’ll try next week. I’m still capable of winning.”

South African star Louis Oosthuizen is eager to banish the demons of his Masters defeat by winning the Maybank Malaysian Open starting on Thursday.

Oosthuizen, who is among five Major champions in the elite field this week, will headline a starry line-up including last year’s Masters winner Charl Schwartzel and world number seven Martin Kaymer of Germany at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.

Thai strongman Thongchai Jaidee, a two-time Malaysian Open winner, Jeev Milkha Singh of India, a six-time Asian Tour champion, current Order of Merit leader Jbe Kruger of South Africa and the popular Siddikur of Bangladesh will also feature in the US$2.5 million championship sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Despite losing to American left-hander Bubba Watson on the second play-off hole on Sunday, Oosthuizen is still brimming with confidence following his battling display in the year’s first Major where he became one of four players to shoot an albatross in the Masters.

The 2010 British Open champion said: “I am still a little disappointed that it didn’t go my way but it is just one of those things. It just makes me want that jacket even more now.

“I think anyone that is playing well wants to try to get some wins under your belt. I think any performance in a Major, whether it is winning, losing a play-of or finishing top three, will give you a lot of confidence going forward.

“I’m just looking to continue my good form really. I think the first round will be pretty tough because of the tiredness but after that and after some good rest hopefully we can play well,” said Oosthuizen.

Kaymer, winner of the 2010 US PGA Championship, travelled 30 hours from Augusta to Kuala Lumpur and is hoping to overcome jetlag and launch a title assault at the Maybank Malaysian Open where he finished in tied ninth place last year.

“I come to tournaments that I feel like I have a chance to win. I’ve prepared very well in the last few weeks to put myself in a good position on Sunday afternoon,” said Kaymer.

“Overall we are experienced enough to play well in the heat. We have been to many hot places in the world and around Asia. It is very easy to adapt because you know what you are facing,” he added.

The big-hitting Alvaro Quiros of Spain is wary of the tight fairways at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club’s West Course but he will not have second thoughts of putting his driver in play.

“My length is one of my most important advantages. I’ll have to use the driver for sure. The golf course is not that short,” said the six-time European Tour winner.

“I think it is the tightest golf course I’ve ever seen in my life. The fairways are really small and tight. In general, it is a good golf course so I have no complaints,” added Quiros.

Schwartzel came into last year’s Maybank Malaysian Open on the back of his Masters victory and finished in tied 11^th place. He admits it will be a tough battle for the title against the emerging Asian talents.

“We have been coming here for many years now and we have seen the game develop.  When we first came out here I think that not a lot of people really understood the game but that has really changed as well as the performances of the Asian players now.

“They are playing better all over the world and we enjoy coming out here to play a few events every year,” said Schwartzel, ranked 12^th in the world.

A confident Matteo Manassero is looking forward for his title defence at the Maybank Malaysian Open this week as he aims to build on his good form in recent weeks.

The Italian who turns 19 next week, claimed a sensational one-stroke victory over Frenchman Grégory Bourdy at the 50th jubilee of the National Open last year, when he powered home with a closing round of 68 to lift the Seagram Trophy with a 16-under-par 272 total.

The victory was Manassero’s second on the European Tour and proved pivotal in his young professional career, as it pushed him into the world’s top-50 list, opening doors to opportunities to play in World Golf Championships events and the Majors.

“The win here was definitely the greatest moment in my young career. To win for a second time, it sort of reaffirmed my belief that I was good enough to win multiple titles on Tour. It was also great to be able to claim a championship in a completely different setting and with a world class field in attendance, it was very important for my game,” said Manassero, as he recalled his victory last year against the likes of Major winner such as Charl Schwartzel, Martin Kaymer and Rory McIlroy and not forgetting, Louis Oosthuizen.

“I’ve learned a lot since my victory here at the Maybank Malaysian Open as I managed to get a lot of playing opportunities at the World Golf Championship events as well as the a couple of Majors. I was able to play with some great golfers, great courses and travel around the globe and it was really great learning experience,” he added.

The reigning champion also expressed his delight at returning to the resplendent Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club for the 51st edition this year. “I have a lot of great memories here and it feels good to be able to come back and defend the Maybank Malaysian Open. With that feeling of accomplishment inside me, I am very positive and confident ahead of this week. Playing a course where you’ve won definitely feels more relaxing and you can score well without trying too hard,” he added.

With two top-ten finishes to date this year, including a strong runner-up finish at the Andalucia Open Costa De Sol and a tied sixth at the Trophée Hassan II, Manassero believes that he is coming into form at the right time.

“I played really well over the last month or so – perhaps, the best I’ve been in the last eight months and the two good finishes have definitely raised my confidence coming into this event. My mindset this week is the same like any other European Tour tournament, I want to do well and definitely, that little spark of being the defending champion is keeping me excited,” he shared.

While acknowledging that the pressure will be on him to deliver as the defending champion, Manassero feels he has matured enough in the last two years to handle it.

“It’s nice to have expectations on you, it means you done well with me turning professional so young, I did have my doubters. Recognition of what I have achieved in the first two years of my professional career is nice but it does add that ounce of pressure but I feel that I have the experience to deal with it because its always going to be there if I play well,” he concluded, noting that he expects the winning score to be around 16 to 18-under par if the weather remains favorable.

Also buzzing ahead of the US$2.5 million co-sanctioned championship this week are the likes of Digvijay Singh, Siddikur and Kiradech Aphibarnrat of the Asian Tour.Singh, who ended an agonising 12-year wait for victory on the region’s top circuit when he triumphed at the Panasonic India Open a fortnight ago, as set his targets on moving up the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit with another inspiring display in Kuala Lumpur.

“After that win, a lot has changed especially in my confidence and the way I look at the game. I’m not worried about keeping my Asian Tour card anymore. The win was great, there was no doubt about that. I can take a lot of positives from that. If you can do it once, you can do it twice and if you do it twice, you can do it more than that. My goal is to do well here and try and finish as high up as I can on the Order of Merit. I need to try and have a more consistent scoring season,” said the 40-year-old.

Bangladeshi Siddikur, who was the top-placed Asian in the field last year when he finished in tied-eighth is hoping to have a strong crowd following him this week. “I have always enjoyed coming and playing in Malaysia and I’m glad to have a strong following here. When I see the crowd following and cheering for me, it gives me more energy to play,” said Siddikur, who has come close in recent weeks to add a second Asian Tour title to his belt, finishing second behind Singh at Delhi Golf & Country Club.

“I’ve been able to manage my distance better since I had a coaching stint at TPC Sawgrass in Florida earlier this year. I’ve got more distance now and that has given me the confidence to play better. I am hitting at least 10 yards more, so that will come in handy here this week,” he shared.

For the burly Thai Aphibarnrat, fond memories of strong finishes in 2011 and 2010 will definitely provide ammunition for another assault at the prestigious championship. “The playing field is strong and there’s pressure to be playing with these top players. It will be difficult to defeat them but my game is shaping up nicely and I’m up for the challenge,” said the 23-year-old, who had an electric start to the 2012 season, finishing second at the Zaykabar Myanmar Open Presented by Air Bagan  and tenth at the co-sanctioned Avantha Masters.

Shaaban Hussin

Experience will play a major part for Maybank ambassadors Danny Chia and Shaaban Hussin, as they once again spearhead the domestic challenge at the 51^st edition of the National Open, which begins Thursday.

The duo, who have been mainstays of the event over the last decade, will lead a 22-strong Malaysian line-up, including six amateurs with some of the golfing world’s biggest stars as well as the best players from both the European and Asian Tours for the US$2.5 million co-sanctioned tournament.

Other than Chia and Shaaban, the domestic stars in action include PGM Tour 2011 Order of Merit winner R. Nachimuthu, Md Rashid Ismail, M. Sasidaran, S. Murthy and Airil Rizman Zahari, Nicholas Fung, Sukree Othman, S. Sivachandhran and Ben Leong.

George Wee, Muhammad Afif, Chan Tuck Soon, Arie Irawan Fauzi, Abel Tam and Low Khai Jei

The starting amateurs include five national players namely Chan Tuck Soon, Muhd Afif Mohd Razif, Low Khai Jei, Abel Tam and US-based amateur Muhammad Arie Irawan Ahmad Fauzi as well as wildcard George Wee.

Over the years, Chia has carried Malaysia’s hopes of winning the Open expressed his intent of going one step better this year. “The Maybank Malaysian Open is the tournament that I want to most play well in and I’m glad that I’m coming into this event relatively pain-free,” said the 40-year-old Chia, who struggled with a back problem throughout last year.

“My preparation dates back to the conclusion of the tournament last year. I noticed some shortcomings about my game and got down to rectifying them early on. Since the start of the year, I’ve also been selective with my tournament commitments to allow my body to recover and keep me fresh and focused to do well this week,” he added.

While admitting that the pressure will be on him to perform, Chia remains undaunted about playing in front of the large local galleries. “The pressure is always on. Sometimes, you need to play under pressure because it’s meaningless to play otherwise. It’s a matter of how I control myself under the spotlight. I really want to play well but I have to try not to be on the other side, which is giving myself; way too much pressure that I can handle”.

“Of course, my hopes are still up, I’ve never let it go. I’m still hoping to be the first Malaysian to lift the Seagram trophy or that one of my compatriots could achieve that feat,” he shared.

On the key to success at the challenging West Course, Chia said, “Solid ball striking with my irons is going to be crucial on this golf course but end of the day, I think it comes down to putting . I was happy with the way I putted here last year except for the last five holes on the closing day, which could have seen me achieve a better result,”

“I have had my ups-and-down at this tournament. It’s always been the consistency that I’m gunning for, put together four good rounds and create a chance for myself to achieve a result I can be proud of,” concluded Chia, who finished tied-41 last year.

Shaaban, on the other hand, is coming into form just at the right time with two good performances in recent weeks, notably a second placing at the domestic PGM Clearwater Classic on and a tied-13th finish in the Asian Tour’s ISPS Handa Singapore Classic last week, where he led the tournament after 36 holes.

“I’m definitely coming into the tournament feeling much confident about my game. I thought too much about winning on Sunday and that put too much of pressure on myself. I guess it rattled my momentum and I struggled in the end,” said the 33-year-old.

Having multiple Malaysian Open starts to his name since his amateur days, Shaaban understands the need to be focused if he is to advance in the competition.

“This week, I intend to be more cautious in my approach. I feel I can do better but I don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on myself and treat this week as just as another tournament. No doubt it’s our National Open and many of my friends and supporters will be in attendance but I don’t want to think about that.” added a jovial Shaaban, who jokingly added that he was targeting nothing less than the championship.

Twenty-year-old Tam of Johor, is hoping to get it right as he makes his second appearance at the National Open. “This is not my first Maybank Malaysian Open, so I’m quiet confident that I know what needs to be done on this golf course. I am definitely excited to be part of the Malaysian line-up this week and while I like to keep my expectations low, I want to prove my best,” he shared.

Chan, who was the best placed amateur last year, despite missing the weekend play by two strokes was delighted to be once again selected to play the tournament. “I am buzzing with excitement and look forward to teeing-off the tournament alongside Alvaro Quiros. I like to express my gratitude to the Malaysian Golf Association, for having the faith and trust in me to take up this challenge and I would like to minimize my errors and make the halfway cut this time.”

Having missed out on previous editions of the tournament due to his collegiate commitment, Arie is raring to have his bite of the Maybank Malaysian Open. “I’m definitely delighted to have the opportunity to start at this prestigious event. The goal this week is to play my best, whether its making the cut, contending come Sunday or even winning, I will consider it a good job done,” said the University of Tulsa senior.

Danny Chia

An injury free Danny Chia is still keen of becoming the first local player to win the US$2.5 million Maybank Malaysian Open, which starts on Thursday.

Chia had to rely on pain killers to subdue the pain in his lower back for most of the 2011 Asian Tour season but is back to his best form after going through treatment and minimizing the number of events played this year.

“The injury was troubling me last year and I told myself that I needed to start looking after my physical health. I actually took a lot of pain killers in a lot of events last year which is not good for my body,” said Chia, a winner on the Asian Tour.

“I’ve skipped a few events to ensure my body is in better shape for this week. I’m very happy I did that because I’m pretty much pain free and my injury hasn’t showed up,” he added.

Chia challenged for the Maybank Malaysian Open title in 2008 and was the halfway leader in the following year before finishing tied 11th place. He knows that he must put in four consistent rounds to give himself a chance of lifting the Seagram Trophy, which is afforded to the winner at the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

“My hope is still up and I’m still trying to be the first Malaysian to win it. I know many people still haven’t given up on the hope for a Malaysian to win. Hopefully it is my time and if it is not, maybe another Malaysian player,” said Chia, the first Malaysian to play in all four rounds of the British Open in 2010.

“It has always been the consistency that I’ve been looking for to put in four good rounds together. It is important to play well for the first or two days but you need to be consistent to give yourself a chance of going after the trophy.”

Shaaban Hussin believes his confidence is still soaring despite missing out on winning his first Asian Tour title at the weather shortened ISPS Handa Singapore Classic on Sunday. He held a one shot lead going into the final day before finishing in tied 13^th place.

“I’m definitely bringing in some confidence this week. I almost won in Singapore but I put too much pressure on myself to win. That was my mistake but I have more experience now so hopefully I can play better,” said Shaaban.

Shaaban, who is among 22 Malaysians this week, said he needs to avoid the fairway bunkers at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club for a good result.

“The course is challenging because there are a lot of bunkers. I’ll need to avoid the fairway bunkers. We are short hitters compared to the European Tour players who can easily hit it over the traps,” he added.

Major winners Martin Kaymer of Germany, Charl Schwartzel of South Africa and Louis Oosthuizen, who finished second at the Masters on Sunday, will headline the Maybank Malaysian Open alongside the Asian Tour stars.

The 2010 Open Championship winner had to settle for second place after a dramatic two-hole play-off with Bubba Watson at Augusta National Golf Club. The 29-year-old, who was in the penultimate group on the final day, rocketed into the lead when he holed his second shot at the par-five second hole for only the fourth albatross in the history of the Masters.

That took him to 10-under-par and though he dropped back mid-way through an absorbing final round, he climbed back up the leaderboard with a birdie at the 15th and carded 69 to finish level with Watson after 72 holes.

After sharing par fours at the first extra hole, Oosthuizen could only manage a bogey five on the second extra hole, handing a two-putt luxury to Watson to claim the victory. Despite missing two birdie opportunities which would have settled the proceedings, he wouldn’t change a thing.

“I don’t feel I could have hit two better putts in the play-off – I thought both of them were in,” said Oosthuizen, who will join a world-class field including Martin Kaymer, Charl Schwartzel and Alvaro Quiros at the 51^st edition of the National Open at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club this week.

A star-studded field is expected at this year’s Maybank Malaysian Open, with the Malaysian professionals competing with some of the world’s best players for the championship title. With a prize purse of US$ 2.5 million up on offer, spectators can expect an exciting tournament this week.

David Lipsky Dr Haruhisa Handa Kyi Hla Han and Nick Faldo

Six-time major champion Nick Faldo believes Asian golfers have come a long way in establishing themselves in the world’s pecking order.

The former world number one said it has taken time for Asians to leave an impression against the elite of the game but believes there is much more to come from the talent reservoir through the Asian Tour, the region’s elite professional golf circuit.

“It’s taken time,” said the Englishman at the recent HANDA FALDO Cambodian Classic in Siem Reap.

“When I was playing, Asia was really stuck in an Asian way of playing the game. They didn’t have Westernised coaching and that’s been a major change in the style of the golf swings in recent times,” added Faldo.

He cited the likes of Korean stars K.J. Choi and Y.E. Yang, both Asian Tour honorary members, as paving the way for Asian players to break down the notion that Asians could not succeed internationally.

In recent years, Choi has firmly established himself on the PGA Tour with eighth career victories while Yang became Asia’s first male Major winner with his triumph in the 2009 US PGA Championship.

The likes of Arjun Atwal and Jeev Milkha Singh, both from India, have won in America and Europe respectively while others such as Noh Seung-yul, Bae Sang-moon and Charlie Wi of Korea are making in-roads on the PGA Tour. Currently, there are 28 Asian and Japanese players ranked inside the world’s top-200.

“K.J.’s story is quite funny as he learned from my (instructional) videos and books and I really rate him and Y.E.” said Faldo.

“Right now for young Asian golfers, the inspiring thing for them is that at their age, the likes of (Rory) McIIroy, (Ryo) Ishikawa, (Jason) Day and Yani Tseng, you have these youngsters doing so well on the world stage.

“You might only be 16 years old now but you have a superstar idol who is only 22. This is kind of helping the game (in Asia). Once you have a few heroes to follow, it inspires others,” he added.

Faldo was delighted that the Angkor Golf Resort, which he designed, was used to stage the inaugural HANDA FALDO Cambodian Classic on the Asian Tour. American David Lipsky won the event in a play-off against Filipino Elmer Salvador which Faldo was at hand to watch the closing stages of the final day.

With other projects in Phnom Penh and Vietnam, he is hoping to see more of his golf courses being picked for top professional events.

“We’re doing one in Vietnam and another one in Phnom Penh which is purpose designed for tournament golf. With the expansion of the Asian Tour, I think it’ll be cool, and who knows maybe we can have a European Tour event out here on one of my golf courses,” he said.

Faldo agreed to lend his name to the inaugural HANDA FALDO Cambodian Classic following his association with Dr Haruhisa Handa, chairman of the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS) which also supports the Faldo Series Asia, a junior development programme.  Dr Handa is on a mission to push disabled golf into the Paralympic Games in 2020 or 2024.

“Dr Handa got involved to support my series and that is why I’m here to give my thanks for his participation,” said Faldo.

“It’s brave. We’ve got golf back in Rio (De Janeiro) in 2016 and it’ll be exciting to see how that goes. If paraplegic golf can be considered, I think it will be important. You feel for them but you are amazed at their determination to want to play the game with their disabilities. It’s impressive. I hope it does happen as it will give them great encouragement,” said Faldo.