CRISTIE KERR AND MICHELLE WIE CONFIRM THEIR RETURN TO SIME DARBY LPGA MALAYSIA 2011

PRESS RELEASE

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 24, 2011): Sime Darby Berhad and event organisers IMG are delighted to announce the return of international superstars, Cristie Kerr and Michelle Wie, to this year’s Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia 2011.

The two top-flight Americans will compete against several other high ranking female golfers at the prestigious

Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) from Oct 13-16 2011.

Kerr, a well-known figure on the LPGA Tour since her debut in 1997, is currently ranked second in the Women’s World Golf Rankings (as of Aug 8 2011), the highest among American lady golfers. 

With a remarkable 14 LPGA victories already to her name, she hit the top of the Women's World Golf Rankings in June last year after winning two of the first 10 tournaments on the LPGA Tour, including the LPGA Championship. She won by a recordbreaking 12-stroke margin over the second-place finisher Song-Hee Kim.

“I am extremely pleased to confirm that I will once again be playing in Malaysia in October. I had a pretty good tournament last year but will definitely be looking to improve this year. I was particularly moved by the tournament’s association with the Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF) charity and its support of breast cancer awareness. This is a cause that is particularly close to my heart and one which I am always keen to support whenever I can,” said Kerr.

Meanwhile Wie, who turned professional in 2005, has two professional titles to her name to date. In 2006, she became the first female medalist in a US Open qualifying tournament at Turtle Bay, Hawaii at the age of 16. She has since moved up the rankings table, amassing close to US$4 million in career prize money.

She said, “I am really looking forward to be back in Malaysia this year. I felt so welcome last year when I arrived for the tournament, and I am honoured to be the honorary member of KLGCC and to stay in one of Sime Darby Property’s homes at Turnberry Villas during the tournament. They are breath-taking homes and made me feel so comfortable. Last year’s tournament was very exciting and I hope I can be at the top of the leader board on the final day. ”

This year’s Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia promises to offer an even greater showcase, with an increase in prize purse, field size and number of playing days on the cards come October. The 2011 tournament will now feature the top 62 LPGA members from the LPGA Tour Official Money List, along with 10 sponsors’ invites. The four-day stroke play event with no cut will ensure that players are in Kuala Lumpur for the tournament duration and the local and regional golf community can catch their favourite golfers in action the entire week.

“With 9 out of 10 of the top women players’ (from the Rolex Money List) participation last year, the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia 2010 has created a benchmark in women’s golf in the region. 

“This year, we are delighted that the tournament continues to attract world ranking players such as Michelle and Cristie. The Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia is a world-class golf tournament and bringing in the best players every year is an important part of maintaining that status,” said Dato’ Wahab Maskan, Group Chief Operating Officer of Sime Darby Berhad and Managing Director of Sime Darby Property.

Sime Darby recently confirmed that another American, Paula Creamer, will compete in this this year’s tournament alongside two Malaysian golfers, Kelly Tan and Jean Chua, who will receive two of the sponsors’ invites for the 2011 Championship.

Creamer, who was unable to attend last year’s event due to an injury, is hoping to make her mark in this year’s tournament. Rising star Kelly finished at a commendable 32nd placing, becoming the leading local player in last year’s inaugural Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia, while Jean Chua recently played in the US Open 2011.

“The return of Cristie Kerr and Michelle Wie to the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia 2011, alongside fellow American Paula Creamer, is fantastic news for this year’s tournament. Last year’s event proved that Malaysia is an ideal host for world-class golf events and the fans should prepare for a tremendous weekend of golfing action as we welcome an array of talent amongst this year’s line-up,” said Robbie Henchman, Senior Vice President, Global Co-Managing Director, IMG Golf.

Sime Darby will also be running a qualifying session where two girls from Malaysia and two from Asia will be able to qualify for this prestigious tournament. The competition takes place on the 6th and 7th of September and will be played over 36 holes of scintillating golf. The tournament is open to all female professional or amateur golfers with a handicap of 2.0 or less. The two Malaysian players and the two Regional players with the lowest score over the two days will get invitations to play in the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia 2011. 

The qualifying tournament attracts players from the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit www.simedarbylpgamalaysia.com

Omega European Masters

PRESS RELEASE

SINGH SPEARHEADS ASIAN TOUR CHARGE AT OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS

Kuala Lumpur, August 25: Asian Tour honorary member Jeev Milkha Singh of India will bring a big dose of confidence and form into the Omega European Masters next week.

Singh, Asia’s number one in 2006 and 2008, has produced some of his best golf recently with three solid results in his last three tournaments and he will be eyeing another stellar run at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club from September 1 to 4.

In recent years, the Indian star has struggled with injuries but is showing glimpses of his best form which earned him two Asian Tour Order of Merit crowns.

This season, he has notched two top-10s on the European Tour with his best finish being tied sixth at the Nordea Masters last month. Singh has won numerous titles on the Asian, Japan and European Tours and will be determined to end a three-year title drought next week.

“The tied-sixth place was only my second top-10 of the season and my best result in a long, long time but I do feel that I am getting closer and closer to the form that should give me the desired results,” said Singh in his latest blog.

His title ambition will be tested against a strong line-up of stars including new Major winners Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland and world number two Lee Westwood of England at the €2,000,000 (approximately US$2.6 million) event co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Japanese ace Tetsuji Hiratsuka, who won three titles on the Asian Tour last year, S.S.P. Chowrasia of India, currently leading the Order of Merit and rising star Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea will also feature in the Omega event.

Thailand will be represented by no fewer than six players including Thongchai Jaidee, Thaworn Wiratchant, Udorn Duangdecha, Pariya Junhasavasdikul, Chinnarat Phadungsil and Chapchai Nirat, who have a combined total of 33 Asian Tour victories.

After a sensational season last year, Hiratsuka will make his debut at the Omega European Masters where he will be hoping to eclipse the elite cast gathered at the stunning Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

He has two top-10s in Japan this year and has yet to miss the halfway cut on the Asian Tour. His experience of playing in the British Open will also be put to good use next week.

Chinnarat, the youngest player to win on the Asian Tour at 17 years and five days in 2005 while he was still an amateur, is one of the most consistent players this season. He has made seven consecutive cuts on the Asian Tour, highlighted by the two top-10s. He will be upbeat of carding a solid result in his third appearance at the Omega European Masters.

The Omega European Masters is the first event in Europe to be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour in 2009.

PGM Penang Classic

Date: 23 – 26 May 2011

Venue: Penang Golf Resort

Nachimuthu Eagles His Way To Title

M. Nachimuthu put together an eagle and seven birdies against two bogeys on the final round to clinch the PGM Classic title at Penang Golf Resort, Bertam, Penang on Thursday.

The final round was quite a thriller because the lead had changed hands from Sasidaran to Anis Helmi and finally to R. Nachmuthu who won it with the last birdie putt on the last hole.

His 7-under 65 on the final day was also the best.

Nachimuthu carded a 7-under 65 on the final round and 16-under 272 to beat Anis Helmi and Shaaban Hussin by one shot.

Anis and Shaaban carded a 5-under 67 and 15-under 273.

Nachimuthu began his brilliant final round with an eagled the the par-5 491-yard 2^nd hole followed by birdies to add to his string of birdies at the 1^st, 8^th and 9^th.

^{He bogeyed} the 3^rd and 4^th bogeyed to card a 3-under 33 in the first nine.

Nachimuthu won the tournament with a birdie at the last and was helped by Anis Helmi who was leading by one at the time had bogeyed the par-3 17^th.  

His second nine was a bogey-free game with birdied at the 11^th, 15^th,16 ^th and the 18^th for a seven-under 65 and 16-under four-day total to beat Anis Helmi and Shaaban Hussin by one shot.

Nachimuthu who began the final round two shots behind overnight leader M.Sasidaran, said:”I said to my caddy that if I birdie the last hole, I am confident I would win this tournament.

“Overall my game is good today I did not do any silly mistakes.” Nachimuthu said his RM18,000 prize money would help finance his participation in future events.

Anis Helmi said:” Although I came joint second I am happy with my game and fifteen under is my best game so far. When I heard the cheers on the 18^th I knew that I had to birdie the last hole for a playoff. I thought my 40-footer putt on the last was good but it just missed by a whisker.”

“Today’s game gave me a lot of confidence. I hope I can be in contention in the future events,” said Anis Helmi who received RM11,000.

Shaaban who was champion of the PGM Trengganu Classic who began one shot behind overnight leader M.Sasidaran, made some good putts to stay in the hunt despite putting one tee-shot into the water but still managed to save par.

He bounced back with an eagle at the 8th, followed by back-back birdies on the 10^th and the 11^th.

Final Leaderboard:

-16 R. Nachimuthu 72-69-66-65 272

-15 Anis Helmi 72-65-69-67 273

-15 Shaaban Hussin 68-69-69-70 273

-10 M. Sasidaran 69-69-67-73 278

-10 Md Rashid Ismail 72-64-71-71 278

  -9 Chan Soo Keong 69-68-73-69  279

  -9 P. Gunasagaran 72-72-69-66 279

  -9 K. Kemarol Baharin 65-74-71-70 280

  -8 S. Sivachandran 71-67-72-70 280

  -8 Airil Rizman 71-73-68-68 280

24TH KURNIA-SAUJANA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
24 - 26 May 2011


GAVIN WINS IN DRAMATIC PLAYOFF 

Gavin & Ryan

Gavin Green won the Kurnia-Saujana Amateur Championship in a 

dramatic play-off with Ryan Peake after the Australian made 

up the one-stroke difference between them with a birdie at 

the final hole. Ryan posted 71 while Gavin played to par 72.
In the sudden death played at the 580-yard Par 5, 18th hole, 

Peake's drive ended just inside the fairway bunker near the 

lip while Gavin found the same bunker slope. Peake's second 

shot veered right into the trees and among heavy rough about 

140 yards from the pin while Gavin's shot made the fairway. 

Peake found a window among the heavy foliage but his pitch 

shot went hot and overshot the green into OB. He played 

another ball but it ended at the back of the green. Gavin 

deftly chipped his ball onto the green and easily two-putted 

for his second win in the event. 

"After I saw Ryan's ball ending into the trees, I knew I had 

a good chance. My second shot was in good position on the 

fairway and when Ryan's ball went OB, I knew the tournament 

was mine," said Gavin. Gavin, who started the final round 

with a 1-stroke lead, dropped a shot at the 4th but had 3 

birdies up to the 13th hole while Ryan bogeyed the 6th, 

giving Gavin a 4-stroke lead. Gavin gave back 2 strokes with 

consecutive bogeys at the 14th and 15th and Peake reduced 

the deficit to one stroke with a birdie at the 17th. At the 

18th, Peake produced the shot of the day with a restricted 

3-wood punch shot with his back to a tree, sending the ball 

only 40 feet from the green. He chipped to 1 foot for a 

birdie to force the play-off. 

"I needed to birdie the 18th and my shot was solid despite 

the tight situation, but I dented the toe of the club in 

the process," said Peake who hails from Perth. "In the 

play-off, I miss-hit my bunker shot and sent the ball into 

the palm trees which cost me the chance for the title."
Gavin and Peake each had 3-day total of 210. Singaporean 

Jerome Ng was placed third at 218 and Filipino Jobim Carlos 

fourth at 219. The next best Malaysian was Mohamad Hisyam 

Majid at 226 for 8th place. 

RESULTS (Malaysian unless stated)
210 - Gavin Kyle Green 70-68-72; Ryan Peake (Aus) 71-68-71
218 - Jerome Ng (Sin) 72-74-72
219 - Jobim Carlos (Phi) 72-72-75
221 - Clyde Mondilla (Phi) 76-74-71; Marc Ong (Sin) 73-72-76
224 - Gregory Foo (Sin) 72-78-74
226 - Mohamad Hisyam Majid 70-79-77
227 - Myo Win Aung (Myn) 74-78-75; Daniel Bringolf (Aus) 74-76-77
228 - Kenneth De Silva 74-78-76
229 - Low Khai Loon 80-76-73; Tan Wei Chean 81-74-74
230 - Low Khai Jei 73-79-78
231 - Ng Choo Teck 76-80-75; Amanjyot Singh (Ind)78-75-78
232 - Gagan Verma (Ind) 79-81-72

DRAMATIC FINALE AS BRINGOLF OVERTAKES CHIEH FOR THE TITLE

Chieh Po Lee’s cruise on the first three days of the 109^th Malaysian Amateur Open Golf Championship came to a screeching halt in the final round at the A’Famosa Golf Resort.

Final day nerves frazzled the 16-year old who struggled to chalk up a five-over-par 77 and was relegated to runner-up spot on eight-under-par 280.

A bad double-bogey start at the par-four first hole was added with a miscalculated slip at the par-five 7^th hole when his caddie had to help pull him out from the edge of the nearby pond. 

“I tried to make it two-on, but failed and while searching for my ball in what I thought was a dry hazard, I slid into the pond,” rued the teen from Taipei.

As Chieh cracked under final day pressure, Daniel Bringolf made good the two-stroke deficit yesterday with a one-under-par 71 to snatch the title by four strokes with a tournament total of 12-under-par 276.

“I was just playing well all the way and aimed at maintaining my form and today everything fell into place,” said the 20-year old from Sydney Bringolf who took the lead with a birdie at the 10^th. “I just thought if I put a little pressure later, it might crack him (Chieh) and I’ll be able to take the lead.”

India’s Abhijit Chadha claimed third place with a closing 71 that left him on seven-under-par 281 while Singapore’s Lam Zhiqun fired the day’s best score of four-under-par 68 to finish fourth on five-under-par 283.

A stroke behind in fifth place was Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan whose even-par 72 today left him on four-under-par 284 total. Reigning Sabah Amateur Open champion, the Philippines’ Jobim Carlos finished on three-under-par 285.

Meanwhile, Abel Tam was the best Malaysian on five-over-par 293 followed by Kenneth de Silva and Mohamad Azman Basharudin who were tied on 294 total.

Aretha Pan recorded a wire-to-wire victory in the women’s category, closing with a one-over-par 73 to finish with a three-day total of six-under-par 210.

Without any prompting, the 17 year-old gushed, “I got my driving license!” referring to her father’s promise upon winning this event. “But today my putting was quite bad. I didn’t need to do many chipping as I found the greens in regulations.”

Starting badly on the front nine, Aretha sank two bogeys but made amends on the back nine with two birdies and a lone bogey.

Philippines claimed runner-up and third spots through Dottie Ardina who closed with a three-under-par finish for a three-day total of 212, followed by Jayvie Agojo on 213 strokes.

The ladies’ two-day International Team event concluded yesterday, with Hsin-En Tsai and Chi Wang finishing with 280 strokes earning Taiwan top spot.

FINAL RESULTS

(Malaysians unless stated)

276      Daniel Bringolf (AUS)           69-69-67-71

280      Chieh Po Lee (TWN)  65-67-71-77

281      Abhijit Chadha (IND)            69-70-71-71

283      Lam Zhiqun (SIN)      74-71-70-68

284      Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA)          71-72-69-72

285      Jobim Carlos (PHI)     68-71-75-71

286      Ryan Peake (AUS)     74-68-73-71

288      Koh Deng Shan (SIN)            71-72-73-72

Natipong Srithong (THA)       71-70-73-74

 289      Wei Hou Liu (TWN)   75-75-67-72

Top Five (Women) (Malaysians unless stated)

210      Aretha Pan Herng       68-69-73

212      Dottie Ardina (PHI)   71-72-69

213      Jayvie Agojo (PHI)     69-71-73

216      Pinrath Loomboonruang (THA)         69-78-69

219      Iman Ahmad Nordin  75-72-72

PGM-ADT-CCM Impian Classic

MOORE WINS IMPIAN CLASSIC

American Jonathan Moore took advantage of Filipino Artemio Murakami's misfortunes to claim a classy three-stroke victory at the PGM-ADT-CCM Impian Classic on Sunday.
The 26-year-old rookie shot a closing five-under-par 67 to bag his first victory on the Asian Development Tour with a winning total of 22-under-par 266 at the Impian Golf and Country Club.

Earlier, Murakami was leading by three shots and at the turn he drove into out of bounds on the 10th hole for a double bogey and never recovered. He was forced to settle for second place after signing for a final round 69 in the RM200,000 event organized by Professional Golf Malaysia (PGM).

Chinese Taipei's Chang Tse-peng finished third, four behind the winner, after a 66 while Ben Leong was Malaysia's best finisher at tied fifth place on 274 alongside co-overnight leader Himmat Rai of India, who faded with a closing 75.

Moore, a former US Walker Cup team member, delivered the knock out blows with three straight birdies from the 13th hole as he celebrated a first title in Asia which was made special as his wife Claire was caddying for him.

"It feels great, it was a lot of fun. My wife is with me and we're having a great time," said Moore, who was third in last week's Clearwater Masters in Malaysia which was won by countryman Barry Henson.

"Artemio played phenomenal golf and I felt kind of bad seeing what happened to him. It was a lot closer than it was. I was trailing by quite a lot as he shot five under on the front nine. He played great. But some putts fell in for me at a crucial time.

"I had a good week last week and it is kind of funny as I've actually tried to play more conservative golf and suddenly, I start shooting low scores. It's a crazy game," added the American, who pocketed RM35,000 (approximately US$11,666).

Murakami was cruising comfortable after he turned in 31 but stumbled with a poor tee shot on 10. "The momentum changed when I hit it out of bounds. From there, I couldn't get my tee shots onto the fairways and I had tough second shots. It was his day," said the Filipino.

"I missed a birdie chance from eight feet on the ninth hole. If that one had gone in, it could have been a bit different. But Jonathan played so good. I'm still happy as I managed to shoot a 69.

"I hope to keep my momentum going until next weekend. Everything has been working this week. I'm happy with my swing and I'm really enjoying playing golf right now."

Rai, rated as one of India's rising stars, was disappointed to falter at the final hurdle after leading for the opening three rounds. "I started off terribly. I was quite shock after the first couple of holes as I didn't do much wrong. I drew a bad lie on the second hole when I lost it right and it ended on the face of the bunker. My attempt to get out hit the wall and I drew a bad lie again," said the 23-year-old Indian.

"It was still good experience for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm playing well and I'm looking forward to next week and the rest of the year. Obviously I'm disappointed now but I think I have many more opportunities to come."

Leading final round scores
266: Jonathan Moore (US) 68-66-65-67
269: Artemio Murakami (Phi) 65-67-68-69
270: Chang Tse-peng (Tpe) 66-74-64-66
271: Will Yanagisawa (US) 67-67-69-68
274: T.J. Kim (Kor) 73-66-68-67, Ben Leong (Mas) 69-72-65-68
277: Danny Chia (Mas) 69-69-72-67
279: Hanafiah Jamil (Mas) 68-71-73-67, M. Sasidaran (Mas) 66-75-70-68, Hsu Chia-jen (Tpe) 69-71-69-70
280: Mithun Perera (Slk) 74-70, 68-68
281: Kemarol Baharin (Mas) 70-69-74-68, Rashid Ismail (Mas) 77-68-67-69, R. Nachimuthu (Mas) 70-69-72-70.

PGM-ADT-CCM Impian Classic

India's Himmat Rai stayed firmly in the hunt for a first Asian Development Tour victory at the PGM-ADT-CCM Impian Classic on Saturday but will have in-form American rookie Jonathan Moore for company in the final round.


Rai, who has held the lead since the opening day, shot a third round of five-under-par 67 at the Impian Golf and Country Club for a 17-under-par 199 total in the RM200,000 (approximately US$67,000) tournament.

Moore, a former US Walker Cup team member and featuring in his first season in Asia, enjoyed five birdies and an eagle for a 65 which pushed him atop the leaderboard with Rai.

Co-overnight leader Artemio Murakami of the Philippines will start Sunday's final round one shot back after signing for a 68 while American Will Yanagisawa finished the day in fourth place, four behind, after a 69.

Malaysian Ben Leong produced the day's lowest round of 64 to move to sixth place on 206.

Rai, 23, birdied all the par fives to give himself a shot at winning a second professional victory after his lone win on the Indian circuit in 2009. "I enjoyed it, I played well. I hit the ball good and did the same things as the past two days. The flags were accessible but I'm playing to the middle of the greens and made a few putts," said Rai, who totaled six birdies on the card.

"I've been putting well for a while now. It's always been my strong point. It's exciting and I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Winning is always a great thing and it'll be good to get the job done."

The 26-year-old Moore, who was the NCAA champion in America in 2006, birdied the opening three holes, including a chip-in on the second, before finishing strongly with another eagle on the penultimate hole where he rifled a seven iron approach to five feet of the flag.

"It was great, a lot of fun. I got off to a quick start and had a nice chip in which got things going. I didn't expect it at all and then I eagled the 17th again. It was a good day," said Moore, whose wife Claire is caddying for him.

Last week, the American finished tied third at the Clearwater Masters and he'll be looking to improve by a couple of notches and emulate countryman Barry Henson's victory.

"I can't control what the guys are doing. It'll be fun. You've got to keep making birdies as the guys are playing good. It'll be a good shootout," said Moore, who graduated from Oklahoma State University.

Murakami is using the Impian Classic as a warm-up for his defence of the Asian Tour's ICTSI Philippine Open next week and stayed closely behind the leaders. He was disappointed with his back nine after his putter started missing the mark.

"I started strongly but on the back nine, my putter cooled off. I had a few bad breaks and missed four foot birdie chances on the 14th and 18th holes. I just have to play well tomorrow," said the Filipino.



Leading third round scores

199: Himmat Rai (Ind) 64-68-67, Jonathan Moore (US) 68-66-65

200: Artemio Murakami (Phi) 65-67-68

203: Will Yanagisawa (US) 67-67-69

204: Chang Tse-peng (Tpe) 66-74-64

206: Ben Leong (Mas) 69-72-65

207: Akhmal Tarmizee (Mas) 73-68-66, T.J. Kim (Kor) 73-66-68

209: Lindsay Renolds (Can) 69-74-66, Hsu Chia-jen (Tpe) 69-71-69

210: Airil Rizman (Mas) 72-70-68, Danny Chia (Mas) 69-69-72