LEE SNATCHES LAST-GASP WIN OVER UIHLEIN AT INTERNATIONAL SERIES THAILAND

Thailand, October 27: Chinese-Taipei’s Lee Chieh-po finally claimed his maiden title on the Asian Tour today at International Series Thailand – after sensationally overtaking hot-favourite Peter Uihlein at the very end.

Lee birdied the final two holes at Thai Country Club to beat Uihlein, after the American had led the whole day - in fact he had been in front since day two.

The champion, playing in the penultimate group, fired a seven-under-par 63 to finish on 21-under, while Uihlein closed with a 67 to tie for second place with Canadian Richard T. Lee, who carded a 62.

Lee, whose English name is Max, birdied the par-five 17th to move to within one of Uihlein, who still looked to be heading for victory. However, Lee drained a 12-foot birdie putt on the last, shortly before his American opponent found a greenside bunker there and missed his par putt from a similar distance.

“It’s been a simply amazing week,” said Lee, who had finished runner-up on two occasions before and had five other top-five finishes, including third place in last week’s Black Mountain Championship.

“I have come close to winning many times before. Even my first year on Tour in 2015, I nearly won. I think my tee shots and my putting are getting better and better, that's why I can do even better this week.

“After last season, I changed my swing a little bit, but I knew I was on the right path, so I just kept doing it, kept working, and now it’s feeling better than last year.”

He had appeared to have slipped out of the running when he dropped his only shot of the day on 15 before his heroics on the final holes.

The 29-year-old grew up playing golf with Kevin Yu, a winner on the PGA Tour this year, and sees him as an inspiration.

Uihlein led by three at the start of the day, from a group of players that included Lee and was attempting to win his second title on The International Series in the space of three months, having claimed International Series England in August.

Despite the disappointment he was rational about the defeat, saying: “Fine. I mean I didn't putt well enough to win this. So that's just kind of the point blank. I felt like I was pretty good for four days to the green, and my approach play was really good, but I just putted terrible.

“I mean, yesterday was awful on the greens, and that kind of put everyone in a position where, if they go out and shoot 63, 62 they'd have a chance. And, so, it was kind of yesterday that I shot myself in the foot a little bit. But today I made a bogey on the last and I missed a couple of easy putts. It is what it is.”

For Richard T. Lee it was yet another near miss. Since the Tour resumed after the global pandemic, he finished second twice, third on three occasions and has been in the running numerous times.

He missed a birdie putt on the last, which proved costly, and he birdied six in a row from the 12th – which was kind of the plan.

“It was funny,” said the Canadian, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, pre-covid.

“I was talking to my caddie after I made a bogey on nine, told him I'm going to shoot six under on the back nine. And he's like, okay, let's do it. And unfortunately, I made bogey on 10, and I was like, oh no.

“So yeah, I went on a birdie streak of six birdies, and I was just sticking everything and making putts. Just unfortunately, on the last hole, I missed the putt.”

Last week’s winner of the Black Mountain Championship Michael ‘MJ’ Maguire closed with a 62 to tie for fourth, three behind the winner, along with fellow-Americans Paul Peterson, in with a 63, and Christian Banke, who fired a 64.

American John Catlin, the top-ranked player on the Asian Tour and The International Series, returned a 68 and tied for 12th. His opponents have a lot to do if they are to catch him.

All eyes will be on next week’s BNI Indonesian Masters, which commences on Thursday at Royale Jakarta Golf Club. India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar is the defending champion, while two-time US Masters champion Bubba Watson from the United States is one of the star attractions.

Scores after round 4 of the International Series Thailand, played at Thai Country Club – a par-70, 7,199-yard course (am - denotes amateur):
   - 259 - Lee Chieh-po (TPE) 64-65-67-63.
   - 260 - Richard T. Lee (CAN) 64-67-67-62, Peter Uihlein (USA) 64-62-67-67.
   - 262 - M.J. Maguire (USA) 67-65-69-61, Paul Peterson (USA) 64-69-66-63, Christian Banke (USA) 66-62-70-64.
   - 264 - Bjorn Hellgren (SWE) 67-68-65-64, Nick Voke (NZL) 67-66-67-64, Maverick Antcliff (AUS) 63-64-69-68, Charlie Lindh (SWE) 63-68-65-68, Rayhan Thomas (IND) 69-63-64-68.
   - 265 - Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 67-66-69-63, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 70-64-67-64, Danthai Boonma (THA) 68-68-63-66, Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 67-67-65-66, Jed Morgan (AUS) 63-68-67-67, John Catlin (USA) 70-66-61-68, Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 67-65-65-68.
   - 266 - Marcus Fraser (AUS) 69-67-65-65, Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 65-66-68-67, Kazuma Kobori (NZL) 67-65-67-67, Branden Grace (RSA) 67-67-65-67, Travis Smyth (AUS) 65-67-66-68.
   - 267 - Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA) 65-66-69-67, Karandeep Kochhar (IND) 66-69-65-67, Jaewoong Eom (KOR) 65-68-70-64, Chapchai Nirat (THA) 66-69-65-67, Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 69-67-68-63, Sadom Kaewkanjana (THA) 65-65-68-69, Chan Shih-chang (TPE) 64-66-68-69.
   - 268 - Austen Truslow (USA) 66-66-70-66, Jack Thompson (AUS) 69-67-66-66, Jbe Kruger (RSA) 66-68-69-65, Justin Quiban (PHI) 68-67-65-68, Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (THA) 71-64-68-65, Sihwan Kim (USA) 69-64-66-69, Carlos Pigem (ESP) 67-65-66-70, Ahmad Baig (PAK) 66-67-63-72.
   - 269 - Sampson Zheng (CHN) 64-69-68-68, Wade Ormsby (AUS) 67-67-69-66, Stefano Mazzoli (ITA) 69-67-67-66, Chanmin Jung (KOR) 67-69-69-64, David Boriboonsub (THA) 65-65-67-72.
   - 270 - Runchanapong Youprayong (THA) 69-66-67-68, Santiago De la Fuente (MEX) 65-65-71-69, Ian Snyman (RSA) 69-65-69-67.
   - 271 - Atiruj Winaicharoenchai (THA) 70-66-65-70, Sam Horsfield (ENG) 67-65-70-69, Nirun Sae-ueng (THA) 65-69-69-68, Ben Campbell (NZL) 65-70-68-68, Chen Guxin (CHN) 67-69-67-68, Chris Wood (ENG) 65-67-71-68, Kieran Vincent (ZIM) 68-68-67-68.
   - 272 - Itthipat Buranatanyarat (THA) 68-67-67-70, Liu Yanwei (CHN) 67-67-69-69, Zach Murray (AUS) 66-68-70-68, Chonjarern Baramithanaseth (THA) 68-64-73-67.
   - 273 - Tobias Jonsson (SWE) 68-66-70-69, Ho Yu-cheng (TPE) 66-68-70-69, Jeunghun Wang (KOR) 66-69-70-68.
   - 274 - Nattawat Suvajanakorn (THA) 68-68-69-69.
   - 275 - Junggon Hwang (KOR) 72-64-66-73, Steve Lewton (ENG) 67-68-71-69.
   - 276 - Natipong Srithong (THA) 69-66-67-74, Aaron Wilkin (AUS) 69-67-71-69, Jaco Ahlers (RSA) 69-67-71-69.
   - 279 - Andrew Dodt (AUS) 67-69-70-73.
   - 280 - Liu Yen-hung (TPE) 69-67-67-77.
END.

UIHLEIN ON THRESHOLD OF SECOND INTERNATIONAL SERIES VICTORY

Thailand, October 26: Peter Uihlein’s recent victory on The International Series has clearly had a profound impact on the American as he took control of the International Series Thailand today – opening up a three-shot lead at Thai Country Club, in Bangkok.

He fired a third-round three-under-par 67 for a three-round aggregate of 17-under, in the sixth stop on The International Series this year – 10 Asian Tour sanctioned events that provide a pathway onto the LIV Golf League.

Sitting in second place are Pakistan’s Ahmad Baig (63), a star on this year’s Asian Development Tour (ADT), Rayhan Thomas (64) from India, Swede Charlie Lindh (65), Max Lee Chieh-po (67) from Chinese-Taipei and Australian Maverick Antcliff (69).

American John Catlin showed why he is the number one ranked player on both the Asian Tour and The International Series by shooting the lowest round of the week, a 61. He is another stroke back with Filipino Miguel Tabuena (65) and David Boriboonsub (67) from Thailand.

Uihlein’s round didn’t match his spectacular opening rounds of 64 and 62 but he was content with a performance that puts him in the driver’s seat with one round to go.

“Overall, it was fine,” said Uihlein, who led by one from Antcliff at the start of the day, “you know, it was a good enough day where I felt like it could’ve been really, really good. But, yeah, we'll see.”

The American is presently third on The International Series Rankings and with five events to go, including this week, he needs a win tomorrow to help close the gap on runaway rankings leader Catlin.

A prodigious hitter of the golf ball he is laying siege to Thai Country Club – which is not the longest course and has wide fairways. Other factors are also helping him overpower the layout.

He explained: “Yeah, I mean, I think we're taking off like four or five yards just based on heat, right? So, we're taking off some distance, and then every ball basically is a flyer out of the rough, so if we're in the rough we're just kind of catching fliers. And it's hot, so we're taking off probably 20-25 yards just in the rough alone. So, yeah, even from the fairway and the tee we're taking off distance just because it's really, really hot.”

Baig has emerged as the surprise package after recording one of the finest rounds of his career, which, remarkably, started with three birdies in-a-row and ended in the same manner.

He has been enjoying a breakthrough year on the ADT with two victories and is currently in second place on that Merit list.

Said the 26-year-old about playing on the Asian Tour: “It feels totally different especially because on the Asian Tour there are so many big names playing. So yeah, it's a very good experience for me.”

Tomorrow Baig, who has a reputation for firepower off the tee, will attempt to become only the second player from his country to win on the Asian Tour. Taimur Hussain was the first, winning the 1998 Myanmar Open.

Thomas is also catching the eye, having only played a handful of events since turning professional this year

“I graduated at the end of May, so I just turned pro, kind of at the start of June,” said Thomas, who went to Oklahoma State.

In August we won on his debut on the Professional Golf Tour of India, winning the Coimbatore Open, and just earlier than that he tied for eighth in the International Series Morocco.

He added: “I've gained confidence every week, which is good. I've been able to step up at the right times, and so it's been trending the right way, and hopefully I can keep it going.”

Catlin made an eagle and seven birdies to give himself another chance of a third win this year. He’s also lost in two play-offs, including at last week’s Back Mountain Championship to countryman Michael Maguire.

He felt he had a sniff of a 59 today – to add to the one he made at the International Series Macau presented by Wynn in March, which was an Asian Tour first.

“There were a couple that shaved the edge,” he said.

“There was a moment there when I thought about the 59 again. It was just a special day, and it puts me in a position where I can maybe try and get after it again tomorrow.”

Scores after round 3 of the International Series Thailand being played at the par 70, 7199 Yards Thai Country Club course (am - denotes amateur):
   - 193 - Peter Uihlein (USA) 64-62-67.
   - 196 - Ahmad Baig (PAK) 66-67-63, Rayhan Thomas (IND) 69-63-64, Charlie Lindh (SWE) 63-68-65, Lee Chieh-po (TPE) 64-65-67, Maverick Antcliff (AUS) 63-64-69.
197 - John Catlin (USA) 70-66-61, Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 67-65-65, David Boriboonsub (THA) 65-65-67.
   - 198 - Carlos Pigem (ESP) 67-65-66, Travis Smyth (AUS) 65-67-66, Jed Morgan (AUS) 63-68-67, Richard T. Lee (CAN) 64-67-67, Chan Shih-chang (TPE) 64-66-68, Sadom Kaewkanjana (THA) 65-65-68, Christian Banke (USA) 66-62-70.
   - 199 - Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 67-67-65, Branden Grace (RSA) 67-67-65, Sihwan Kim (USA) 69-64-66, Paul Peterson (USA) 64-69-66, Kazuma Kobori (NZL) 67-65-67, Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 65-66-68, Danthai Boonma (THA) 68-68-63.
   - 200 - Chapchai Nirat (THA) 66-69-65, Justin Quiban (PHI) 68-67-65, Nick Voke (NZL) 67-66-67, Bjorn Hellgren (SWE) 67-68-65, Karandeep Kochhar (IND) 66-69-65, Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA) 65-66-69.
   - 201 - Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 70-64-67, Sampson Zheng (CHN) 64-69-68, Michael Maguire (USA) 67-65-69, Atiruj Winaicharoenchai (THA) 70-66-65, Santiago De la Fuente (MEX) 65-65-71, Marcus Fraser (AUS) 69-67-65.
   - 202 - Runchanapong Youprayong (THA) 69-66-67, Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 67-66-69, Itthipat Buranatanyarat (THA) 68-67-67, Natipong Srithong (THA) 69-66-67, Jack Thompson (AUS) 69-67-66, Austen Truslow (USA) 66-66-70, Sam Horsfield (ENG) 67-65-70, Junggon Hwang (KOR) 72-64-66.
   - 203 - Wade Ormsby (AUS) 67-67-69, Liu Yanwei (CHN) 67-67-69, Jbe Kruger (RSA) 66-68-69, Nirun Sae-ueng (THA) 65-69-69, Ian Snyman (RSA) 69-65-69, Ben Campbell (NZL) 65-70-68, Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (THA) 71-64-68, Jaewoong Eom (KOR) 65-68-70, Chen Guxin (CHN) 67-69-67, Liu Yen-hung (TPE) 69-67-67, Chris Wood (ENG) 65-67-71, Kieran Vincent (ZIM) 68-68-67, Stefano Mazzoli (ITA) 69-67-67.
   - 204 - Tobias Jonsson (SWE) 68-66-70, Ho Yu-cheng (TPE) 66-68-70, Zach Murray (AUS) 66-68-70, Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 69-67-68.
   - 205 - Jeunghun Wang (KOR) 66-69-70, Nattawat Suvajanakorn (THA) 68-68-69, Chonjarern Baramithanaseth (THA) 68-64-73, Chanmin Jung (KOR) 67-69-69.
   - 206 - Steve Lewton (ENG) 67-68-71, Andrew Dodt (AUS) 67-69-70.
   - 207 - Aaron Wilkin (AUS) 69-67-71, Jaco Ahlers (RSA) 69-67-71.
END.

SIZZLING 63s GIVE LINDH, MORGAN AND ANTCLIFF INTERNATIONAL SERIES THAILAND LEAD

Thailand, October 24: Charlie Lindh from Sweden plus Australians Jed Morgan and Maverick Antcliff impressed at the International Series Thailand today shooting blazing seven-under-par 63s to take the first-round lead at Thai Country Club, in Bangkok.

They lead from Americans Peter Uihlein and Paul Peterson, Chinese-Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang and Lee Chieh-po, China’s Sampson Zheng, and Richard T. Lee from Canada, who fired 64s.

Lindh is a graduate from this year’s Asian Tour Qualifying School – he earned the sixth card – and has gradually been finding his feet in the region this year, as highlighted by today’s strong round of seven birdies and no dropped shots.

Said the 27-year-old, who started on the back nine: “It felt easy. We had a good plan coming in today, and I had a great start, right away, and I had a good feeling, and just kept going. Steve [his caddie] made a couple of great calls on our back nine, which is the front, which held the score together.”

He is currently 45th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, having made seven cuts out of the 12 events he has started. He tied for 10th in the Yeangder TPC last month for his best finish of the season so far and enjoyed the biggest pay day of his career a month earlier at the International Series England, were he was joint 13th. He won US$28,350 there.

The good run of form comes despite an injury concern.

“I've been having some issue with my wrists,” said the Swede, who qualified for The Open this year, the first time he has played in a Major, but missed the cut.

“I haven't practiced the way I want to but it's getting better and better, and I do get a lot of help from the physio – which I appreciate very much. And so everything's been getting better.”

Like Lindh, Morgan is also playing his first full season on the Asian Tour – off the back of a number of invites last year thanks to an outstanding 2022 that saw him win the Australian PGA Championship and the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.

He stormed through with four birdies in a row from the 13th.

“Very happy with the way I putted obviously,” said Morgan.

“And also very pleased with my approach shots. The back nine especially felt nice - it was good to see a few putts in a row go in.

“Not sure I would say it [today] was a return to form because I have felt good about my game for a while now. I have been happy with my game, but I just haven't been producing any results.”

After his round Uihlein, winner of the International Series England in August, said he still has one eye on winning The International Series Rankings.

He is currently seventh on the Asian Tour Order of Merit and third on The International Series Rankings. His countryman John Catlin is the runaway leader on both rankings, particularly after finishing second at last week’s Black Mountain Championship – where he was beaten by compatriot Michael Maguire in a sudden-death play-off.

“The Asian Tour [Order of Merit] is probably not gettable with John [Catlin] ahead,” said Uihlein, who plays for RangeGoats GC on the LIV Golf League.

“I think he's pulled ahead pretty far away on The International Series one as well, but I feel like I could still be like …. I'd have to win this week, really, because John played great last week.”

He’s over 2,000 points behind Catlin on the Asian Tour Merit list, but 362.78 back on The International Series Rankings.

The 35-year-old was delighted with his round, made up of six birdies and zero bogeys, even though he wasn’t confident with his irons.

“A miracle!” said the American, who tied for 44th in last week’s Black Mountain Championship – also part of The International Series.

“I didn't know what to do half the time I was in the fairway. So yeah, it was good off the tee. It was fantastic. Holed the putts when I hit it close and, you know, that's what you got to do.

“It's just, I like, visually, it's a pretty looking course. Reminds me a bit of Florida.”

Maguire, still on a high after his win on Sunday fired a 67, as did defending champion Wade Ormsby from Australia, while Catlin has work to do following a 70.

This week’s US$2 million event is part of an exciting climax to the season on the Asian Tour. It’s the 16th event of the year with five events remaining, and the sixth of 10 stops on The International Series – 10 upper-tier multi-million dollar tournaments that are part of the Tour that will see its rankings winner secure a place on the LIV Golf League.

Scores after round 1 of the International Series Thailand being played at Thai Country Club, a par-70, 7,199-yard course. (am - denotes amateur):
   - 63 - Charlie Lindh (SWE), Jed Morgan (AUS), Maverick Antcliff (AUS).
   - 64 - Peter Uihlein (USA), Chan Shih-chang (TPE), Lee Chieh-po (TPE), Richard T. Lee (CAN), Paul Peterson (USA), Sampson Zheng (CHN).
   - 65 - Santiago De la Fuente (MEX), Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND), Leon D'Souza (HKG), Jaewoong Eom (KOR), Chris Wood (ENG), Sadom Kaewkanjana (THA), Ben Campbell (NZL), David Boriboonsub (THA), Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA), Travis Smyth (AUS), Kosuke Hamamoto (THA), Nirun Sae-ueng (THA).
   - 66 - Christian Banke (USA), Karandeep Kochhar (IND), Kyongjun Moon (KOR), Jbe Kruger (RSA), Ho Yu-cheng (TPE), Ahmad Baig (PAK), Kammalas Namuangruk (THA), Chapchai Nirat (THA), Zach Murray (AUS), Austen Truslow (USA), Jeunghun Wang (KOR), Tatsunori Shogenji (JPN).
   - 67 - Andrew Dodt (AUS), Bjorn Hellgren (SWE), Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA), Trevor Simsby (USA), Chanmin Jung (KOR), Wade Ormsby (AUS), Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA), Branden Grace (RSA), Faisal Salhab (KSA), Kazuki Higa (JPN), Sam Horsfield (ENG), Steve Lewton (ENG), Kazuma Kobori (NZL), Michael Maguire (USA), Jose Toledo (GTM), Miguel Tabuena (PHI), Nick Voke (NZL), Settee Prakongvech (THA), Gunn Charoenkul (THA), Chen Guxin (CHN), Carlos Pigem (ESP), Scott Fernandez (ESP), Liu Yanwei (CHN).
   - 68 - Itthipat Buranatanyarat (THA), Nattawat Suvajanakorn (THA), Harrison Crowe (AUS), Tobias Jonsson (SWE), Kristoffer Broberg (SWE), Danthai Boonma (THA), Kieran Vincent (ZIM), Nitithorn Thippong (THA), Poom Saksansin (THA), Yuvraj Singh Sandhu (IND), Chonjarern Baramithanaseth (THA), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA), Luke Kwon (KOR), Berry Henson (USA), Veer Ahlawat (IND), Justin Quiban (PHI).
   - 69 - Aaron Wilkin (AUS), Tomoyo Ikemura (JPN), Jaco Ahlers (RSA), Rayhan Thomas (IND), Charng-Tai Sudsom (THA), Kevin Yuan (AUS), Shiv Kapur (IND), Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (THA), Sihwan Kim (USA), Marcus Fraser (AUS), Prom Meesawat (THA), Phachara Khongwatmai (THA), Stefano Mazzoli (ITA), Jinichiro Kozuma (JPN), Natipong Srithong (THA), Todd Sinnott (AUS), Chonlatit Chuenboonngam (THA), Ekpharit Wu (THA), Ryan Van Velzen (RSA), Runchanapong Youprayong (THA), Ian Snyman (RSA), Jack Thompson (AUS), Hung Chien-yao (TPE), Tanapat Pichaikool (THA), Liu Yen-hung (TPE), Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA).
   - 70 - Amarin Kraivixien (THA), Minhyeok Yang (KOR), Jared Du Toit (CAN), Atiruj Winaicharoenchai (THA), Jazz Janewattananond (THA), Honey Baisoya (IND), Khalid Walid Attieh (KSA), Jonathan Wijono (INA), Justin Warren (AUS), Varun Chopra (IND), David Meyers (RSA), Ervin Chang (MAS), Sarun Sirithon (THA), Will Marshall (ENG), John Catlin (USA), Nopparat Panichphol (THA), Lachlan Barker (AUS).
   - 71 - Yosuke Asaji (JPN), Scott Vincent (ZIM), Pattaraphol Khanthacha (THA), David Drysdale (SCO), Danny Lee (NZL), Siddikur Rahman (BAN), Lion Park (KOR), Douglas Klein (AUS), Siwakorn Kriangkrai (am, THA), Sangmoon Bae (KOR), S.S.P. Chawrasia (IND), Miguel Carballo (ARG), Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND), Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (THA).
   - 72 - Naoki Sekito (JPN), Junggon Hwang (KOR), Sam Brazel (AUS), Manav Shah (USA), Poosit Supupramai (THA), Matt Killen (ENG).
   - 73 - Saud Al Sharif (KSA), Chikkarangappa S. (IND), Younghan Song (KOR), Shahriffuddin Ariffin (MAS), Othman Almulla (KSA), Oliver Fisher (ENG), Mardan Mamat (SIN).
   - 74 - William Harrold (ENG), Scott Hend (AUS).
   - 75 - Chang Wei-lun (TPE), Mingyu Cho (KOR).
   - 76 - Deyen Lawson (AUS).
   - 77 - Ye Wocheng (CHN).
   - 80 - Mac Boucher (CAN).
   - Sarit Suwannarut, Thailand - RT

BUBBA WATSON TO MAKE INTERNATIONAL SERIES DEBUT AT BNI INDONESIAN MASTERS

October 21: Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson is the latest big-name player to confirm he will play in the BNI Indonesian Masters later this month.

The US$2 million Asian Tour tournament will be played at Royale Jakarta Golf Club from October 31-November 3, and it will mark the first time that the charismatic American has played on The International Series.

Watson, currently captain of RangeGoats GC on the LIV Golf League, will headline the event along with John Catlin, the runaway leader on the Asian Tour Order of Merit and The International Series Rankings, plus other LIV Golf League stars Richard Bland from England, and New Zealand’s Danny Lee.

Defending champion Gaganjeet Bhullar from India, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and China’s rising star Ding Wenyi, who has just turned professional after winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship last week, have also entered the tournament – helping to ensure one of the event’s strongest-ever fields.

It will be Watson’s maiden tournament appearance in Indonesia and the ninth time he has competed on the Asian Tour. He has finished runner-up on the Asian Tour twice, at the Thailand Golf Championship in 2012, where he tied for second, and the PIF Saudi International two years ago.

Said the 45-year-old lefthander: “As everyone knows I have really enjoyed playing in tournaments overseas and so I am really excited about playing in Indonesia for the first time. I enjoy coming to Asia and soaking in the sights and sounds and also seeing the diverse mixture of players out here.

"The BNI Indonesian Masters plays a big part in The International Series, which provides a pathway onto the LIV Golf League. I'm a big believer in LIV Golf and I'm proud of the impact it has had on the game of golf worldwide.”

Watson won the Masters in 2012 and 2014, and has triumphed 12-times on the PGA Tour, including two World Golf Championships: the 2014 WGC-HSBC Champions China, and the WGC-Matchplay in 2018. He has also played in four Ryder Cups.

BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo explained that having a big name like Watson at the BNI Indonesian Masters will have a huge impact: “This aligns with BNI’s commitment to offering innovative services that cater to customer needs, as reflected in our digital wholesale banking service, BNI Direct. With this service, we are ready to keep pace with the dynamic business environment, in line with the competitive spirit exemplified by world-class players like Bubba Watson. We hope that the presence of Watson, along with other world-class players, will fulfil the expectations of golf fans in Indonesia.”

The BNI Indonesian Masters is the seventh of 10 stops on The International Series this year and the 17th leg of the Asian Tour season.

BLACK MOUNTAIN CHAMPIONSHIP: LITTLE-KNOWN MAGUIRE BEATS TOUR NUMBER ONE CATLIN AFTER OVERTIME CLIFF-HANGER

Thailand, October 20: Unheralded Michael Maguire from the United States denied his in-form compatriot John Catlin a third victory of the year after winning the US$2million Black Mountain Championship today, following a dramatic sudden-death play-off in heavy rain on the par-five 18th at Black Mountain Golf Club, in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Maguire, in just his second season on the Asian Tour and without a win in the professional game, made par on the second play-off hole to take the title after Asian Tour and The International Series number one Catlin missed his 15-footer for par.

Both players made birdie on the first play-off hole, where Catlin, with a short birdie putt, appeared to have won before his opponent sensationally holed a 20-footer for a four from the fringe.

Both players had finished 72-holes tied on 23-under after Maguire shot a seven-under-par 65 and Catlin carded a 66 – in The International Series’ fifth event of the season, and the 15th leg of the Asian Tour.

Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar, joint leader at the start of the day with Catlin and paired in the final group with Maguire and Catlin, closed with a 72 and finished four short of the play-off.

Chinese-Taipei’s Max Lee Chieh-po agonisingly missed the play-off by one, with his 65 leaving him solo third.

New Zealand’s Ben Campbell (64), Suteepat Prateeptienchai (66) from Thailand, and Italian Stefano Mazzoli (66), finished in a tie for fourth, another two strokes back.

Said Maguire: “Big weight off my shoulders. You know, kind of been close, you know, kind of a journeyman, played on every tour you can think of and finally to get a win on a big, big tour like this is huge!”

The American was one behind Catlin playing the last, with the former, so often unbeatable in this position, the hot favourite to win.

Maguire found the front bunker in two while Catlin faced a 12-footer for birdie. However, in a surprise turn of events Maguire sensationally nearly holed his bunker shot for an eagle leaving him a straightforward birdie putt while Catlin missed his putt for the victory to send the event into overtime.

Maguire, aged 31 and from Florida, made it through the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the beginning of last year, in fourth place, and kept his card after finishing 56th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

That season was helped in a big way by tying for fourth in the International Series Vietnam, which had been his best finish on the Asian Tour before today’s epiphany.

“It was a fun battle down the back,” he added. “We were kind of back and forth. I think I tied him on the seventh hole, six hole, and then we had a two-shot swing on nine. It was kind of big, but I knew two shots is nothing out here on this course, especially with the finish, you know, having a couple holes we could reach, by getting close to the green with drivers. So, it was just staying close and just kind of being patient was kind of my biggest thing, and then having to roll in a few nice ones.”

Catlin was attempting to win three titles in a season for the second time in his career. He achieved the feat in 2018, and it looked like the hat-trick was well within his grasp throughout today.

“I mean, I gave it everything I had, I went bogey free,” said the American, who won the International Series Macau presented by Wynn, in a play-off, and the Saudi Open presented by PIF, back-to-back earlier this year.

“I thought I had it in the first play-off hole, and I thought I had it in regulation, and he just hit an amazing bunker shot and then holed about a 20-footer to extend the play-off.”

He also lost the International Series Morocco in extra-time this year after Campbell stormed through at the end holing a succession of stunning putts.

He added: “I mean it kind of feels like Morocco, like I really didn't do that much wrong, and here I am standing on the wrong side of it, so it is what it is.

“I kind of kept telling myself I was like, Michael's kind of pushing me, like I could feel that. Like he kept holing good putts and hitting good shots in there, and I kind of used that. I was like okay, he's gonna push me on, I gotta keep staying strong.”

The result means he extends his lead on both the Asian Tour Order of Merit and The International Series Rankings ahead of next week’s International Series Thailand at Thai Country Club in Bangkok.

Scores after round 4 of the Black Mountain Championship being played at the par 72, 7344 Yards Black Mountain GC course (am - denotes amateur):
   - 265 - Michael Maguire (USA) 68-64-68-65, John Catlin (USA) 69-65-65-66.
   - 266 - Lee Chieh-po (TPE) 68-69-64-65.
   - 268 - Ben Campbell (NZL) 68-70-66-64, Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA) 65-66-71-66, Stefano Mazzoli (ITA) 67-65-70-66.
   - 269 - Nick Voke (NZL) 68-67-69-65, Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 65-66-66-72.
   - 270 - Sihwan Kim (USA) 69-68-70-63, Richard T. Lee (CAN) 66-66-72-66, Sadom Kaewkanjana (THA) 67-66-71-66, Bjorn Hellgren (SWE) 69-67-68-66, Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA) 68-66-69-67.
   - 271 - Jonathan Wijono (INA) 65-70-71-65, Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 69-67-73-62, Kieran Vincent (ZIM) 68-69-68-66, Ian Snyman (RSA) 68-67-69-67, David Boriboonsub (THA) 65-69-67-70.
   - 272 - CharngTai Sudsom (THA) 64-73-68-67, Atiruj Winaicharoenchai (THA) 70-66-68-68, Hung Chien-yao (TPE) 69-65-69-69.
   - 273 - Poosit Supupramai (THA) 65-72-69-67, Scott Vincent (ZIM) 68-68-70-67, Jeunghun Wang (KOR) 67-67-71-68, Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 67-70-68-68, Santiago De la Fuente (MEX) 65-68-71-69, Nopparat Panichphol (THA) 65-71-68-69.
   - 274 - Kazuki Higa (JPN) 69-67-71-67, Jaco Ahlers (RSA) 67-68-71-68, Chonlatit Chuenboonngam (THA) 68-68-70-68, Jinichiro Kozuma (JPN) 69-68-72-65, Sarit Suwannarut (THA) 67-68-69-70.
   - 275 - Chris Wood (ENG) 69-69-68-69, Shahriffuddin Ariffin (MAS) 65-72-70-68, Aaron Wilkin (AUS) 66-71-69-69, Jose Toledo (GTM) 71-63-74-67, Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (THA) 69-69-70-67, Austen Truslow (USA) 70-68-70-67, Natipong Srithong (THA) 68-70-72-65.
   - 276 - Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) 67-66-73-70, Matt Killen (ENG) 66-67-74-69, Chanmin Jung (KOR) 65-69-71-71, Liu Yanwei (CHN) 64-68-71-73.
   - 277 - Minhyeok Yang (KOR) 70-66-70-71, Todd Sinnott (AUS) 64-72-72-69, Peter Uihlein (USA) 69-69-70-69, Berry Henson (USA) 69-69-72-67.
   - 278 - Vanchai Luangnitikul (THA) 67-70-69-72, Chan Shih-chang (TPE) 71-66-71-70, Christian Banke (USA) 68-67-75-68, Chang Wei-lun (TPE) 70-68-72-68, Tatsunori Shogenji (JPN) 68-70-73-67.
   - 279 - Jared Du Toit (CAN) 68-70-68-73, Khalin Joshi (IND) 68-66-73-72, Tanapat Pichaikool (THA) 67-68-71-73, Kristoffer Broberg (SWE) 67-71-69-72, Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 68-70-72-69, Karandeep Kochhar (IND) 71-67-73-68.
   -280 - Charlie Lindh (SWE) 70-67-71-72, Meenwhee Kim (KOR) 69-65-71-75, Jaewoong Eom (KOR) 74-63-72-71, Kevin Yuan (AUS) 65-68-76-71.
   - 281 - Nitithorn Thippong (THA) 65-68-74-74, Siddikur Rahman (BAN) 69-67-75-70.
   - 282 - Luke Kwon (KOR) 67-70-71-74, Manav Shah (USA) 66-70-74-72.
   - 283 - Pierre-Henri Soero (USA) 64-72-74-73.
   - 285 - Khalid Walid Attieh (am, KSA) 68-70-73-74.
   - 287 - David Meyers (RSA) 70-67-75-75.
END.

BHULLAR AND CATLIN SET UP SUNDAY THRILLER AT BLACK MOUNTAIN

Thailand, October 19: Gaganjeet Bhullar’s game finally clicked today, after uncharacteristically struggling this season, as he took the third-round lead at the Black Mountain Championship.

The Indian was at his imperious best shooting a six-under-par 66 for a tournament total of 19-under, and a two-shot lead over none other than the player of the year so far, American John Catlin.

Catlin fired a 65 here at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand – where conditions were far from ideal with grey skies and rain persisting all day.

His compatriot Michael Maguire carded a 68 and is another shot back, while Chinese-Taipei’s Lee Chieh-po fired the lowest round of the day, a 64, to sit in fourth, an additional stroke behind, with David Boriboonsub from Thailand, who returned a 67.

Bhullar, the 36-year-old from Amritsar, has triumphed 11-times on the Asian Tour – the most by an Indian – but dogged by a sore hip this year he has not finished better than joint 33rd, at the International Series Morocco. After missing the last three cuts he is currently 123rd on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

However, the rebound appears to have begun this week, and a 12th win is a real possibility.

“It was a good round of golf to be honest,” said the Indian star, who made six birdies and started the day sharing the lead with Suteepat Prateeptienchai from Thailand.

“I think the best part was that it was a bogey-free round. I probably hit about 17 greens in regulation, so that gave me a good opportunity to make lots and lots of birdies. I putted quite well today, I would say as good as yesterday, and drove the ball well, just missed two fairways today. But other than that, I think it was a solid round.”

He holds the course record here, a round of nine-under back in 2009, and has only dropped two shots all week. And despite the poor weather today, which fortunately was just rain and no lighting, he has continued to dominate the course.

“Normally it's a thunderstorm and we don't play, but yeah, it was quite challenging. Actually, in the last few holes I had to change my strategy off the tee, because I was just not comfortable hitting driver on all the holes. On number 16 I had to hit a three wood, and on the 17th I had to hit a four iron.”

Catlin is aiming to complete a hat-trick this week, after a phenomenal season that has seen him win twice: International Series Macau presented by Wynn and Saudi Open presented by PIF, back-to-back.

He also nearly claimed the International Series Morocco, but was stopped in his tracks by New Zealand’s Campbell, after the Kiwi won on the first hole of a sudden-death play-off. Catlin was also second in the Yeangder TPC, joint third in the Malaysian Open and equal fourth in the SJM Macao Open.

He is the runaway leader on both the Asian Tour Order of Merit and The International Series Rankings.

He said: “It was a grind, you know, it's hard to keep everything dry. It was on and off all day, it was rain and then it kind of stopped, and then it would come back. And then it would get heavy, I felt like I was constantly having to adjust my numbers and what shots I was playing, so yeah, to come out with 65 is definitely nice.”

The American is clearly revelling playing in Hua Hin – his home away from home, as, just under a decade ago, he chose to base himself here when playing on the Asian Tour.

He said: “Yeah, it's great being here, anytime I can play a tournament in Hua Hin it's awesome. This has been kind of a second home, and I've basically had a place here for eight years. I've played this golf course more times than I can count, so all of that is definitely helping me play well.”

He only dropped one shot today and carded eight birdies.

Maguire, a graduate from last year’s Qualifying School, has the opportunity tomorrow to improve on his best performance on the Asian Tour, which is tied fourth in last year’s International Series Vietnam.

“Tricky conditions out there with the rain,” commented Maguire, who has made just one bogey in three rounds.

“I think we only had two holes where it wasn't raining, so just trying to manage keeping everything dry, and trying to just figure out how far the ball is flying. Because yesterday it was hot in the afternoon, the ball was going miles, and today, with the rain, it kind of cooled down a little bit. So, yeah, happy with the way I played.”

Suteepat shot a 71 and is five behind Bhullar, along with Italian Stefano Mazzoli, in with a 70.

Scores after round 3 of the Black Mountain Championship being played at the par 72, 7344 Yards Black Mountain GC course (am - denotes amateur):
   - 197 - Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 65-66-66.
   - 199 - John Catlin (USA) 69-65-65.
   - 200 - Michael Maguire (USA) 68-64-68.
   - 201 - Lee Chieh-po (TPE) 68-69-64, David Boriboonsub (THA) 65-69-67.
   - 202 - Stefano Mazzoli (ITA) 67-65-70, Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA) 65-66-71.
   - 203 - Hung Chien-yao (TPE) 69-65-69, Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA) 68-66-69, Liu Yanwei (CHN) 64-68-71.
   - 204 - Atiruj Winaicharoenchai (THA) 70-66-68, Nopparat Panichphol (THA) 65-71-68, Bjorn Hellgren (SWE) 69-67-68, Ian Snyman (RSA) 68-67-69, Nick Voke (NZL) 68-67-69, Sarit Suwannarut (THA) 67-68-69, Ben Campbell (NZL) 68-70-66, Santiago De la Fuente (MEX) 65-68-71, Sadom Kaewkanjana (THA) 67-66-71, Richard T. Lee (CAN) 66-66-72.
   - 205 - Kieran Vincent (ZIM) 68-69-68, Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 67-70-68, CharngTai Sudsom (THA) 64-73-68, Jeunghun Wang (KOR) 67-67-71, Meenwhee Kim (KOR) 69-65-71, Chanmin Jung (KOR) 65-69-71.
   - 206 - Chonlatit Chuenboonngam (THA) 68-68-70, Scott Vincent (ZIM) 68-68-70, Minhyeok Yang (KOR) 70-66-70, Vanchai Luangnitikul (THA) 67-70-69, Aaron Wilkin (AUS) 66-71-69, Tanapat Pichaikool (THA) 67-68-71, Jaco Ahlers (RSA) 67-68-71, Jonathan Wijono (INA) 65-70-71, Poosit Supupramai (THA) 65-72-69, Jared Du Toit (CAN) 68-70-68, Chris Wood (ENG) 69-69-68, Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) 67-66-73.
   - 207 - Kazuki Higa (JPN) 69-67-71, Sihwan Kim (USA) 69-68-70, Shahriffuddin Ariffin (MAS) 65-72-70, Khalin Joshi (IND) 68-66-73, Kristoffer Broberg (SWE) 67-71-69, Matt Killen (ENG) 66-67-74, Nitithorn Thippong (THA) 65-68-74.
   - 208 - Todd Sinnott (AUS) 64-72-72, Chan Shih-chang (TPE) 71-66-71, Charlie Lindh (SWE) 70-67-71, Luke Kwon (KOR) 67-70-71, Jose Toledo (GTM) 71-63-74, Peter Uihlein (USA) 69-69-70, Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (THA) 69-69-70, Austen Truslow (USA) 70-68-70.
   - 209 - Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 69-67-73, Jinichiro Kozuma (JPN) 69-68-72, Jaewoong Eom (KOR) 74-63-72, Kevin Yuan (AUS) 65-68-76.
   - 210 - Manav Shah (USA) 66-70-74, Pierre-Henri Soero (USA) 64-72-74, Christian Banke (USA) 68-67-75, Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 68-70-72, Chang Wei-lun (TPE) 70-68-72, Berry Henson (USA) 69-69-72, Natipong Srithong (THA) 68-70-72.
   - 211 - Siddikur Rahman (BAN) 69-67-75, Tatsunori Shogenji (JPN) 68-70-73, Karandeep Kochhar (IND) 71-67-73, Khalid Walid Attieh (am, KSA) 68-70-73.
   - 212 - David Meyers (RSA) 70-67-75.
END.

SUTEEPAT AND BHULLAR IN THE ASCENT AT BLACK MOUNTAIN

Thailand, October 18: In-form Suteepat Prateeptienchai from Thailand and Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar both added second-round six-under-par 66s to their opening day 65s to take the lead at the Black Mountain Championship today.

They have reached 13-under for the US$2 million event here at Black Mountain Golf Club, in Hua Hin, Thailand, and lead by one from American Michael Maguire (64), Italian Stefano Mazzoli (65) and Canadian Richard T. Lee (66).

China’s Liu Yanwei, the joint-first round leader, was in a share of the lead playing the last but made a bogey and returned a 68 to also be one back.

Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana (66) and Nitithorn Thippong (68), Englishman Matt Killen (67), Mexico’s Santiago De la Fuente (68), plus Australian Kevin Yuan (68) are an additional stroke back – in the fifth event of The International Series season on the Asian Tour.

Suteepat won the Yeangder TPC in Chinese-Taipei three weeks ago and sitting in ninth place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit continues to go from strength to strength, rarely putting a foot wrong.

“I’m very happy about my score, I’m doing very well. My game is very good now,” said the 31-year-old, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, having claimed last year’s Taiwan Glass Taifong Open – also in Chinese-Taipei.

“I changed my swing a little bit this year, and it’s made me more confident. Yeah, and after winning I've been feeling relaxed because I don’t have to worry about keeping my card, so I play for fun. It’s very good.”

He started on the back nine and made his move with three birdies on-the-trot from the 15th. He made eight birdies in total and two bogies, one of those coming on his last which saw him slip back into a tie.

Bhullar is India’s most successful player on the Asian Tour, with 11 magnificent wins, but he has been conspicuous by his absence this season on the leaderboard.

He has been battling to find his form due to a sore hip and missed the last three cuts but after two fine rounds this week the serial winner looks to be getting back on track in time for the business end to the season.

Said Bhullar, whose most recent win was last year’s BNI Indonesian Masters, also part of The International Series: “You know, mentally, I think I'm probably as sharp or as strong as I played last year. This year physically, I've been struggling a bit with my hip. It's not an injury, it's not a sports related injury, but I'm just not feeling … You know, the first half [of the season], that was the reason I struggled a bit. But now towards the second half, I think I'm getting my momentum right and the body is feeling in good shape. Definitely feeling the mojo back. And I think the last few tournaments of the year, I would definitely expect myself to play well.”

He has made 15 birdies in two days and registered just two bogeys – in keeping with a player who holds the course record here.

“I still hold the lowest course record here, nine under back in 2009,” said the 36-year-old.

“You know, this is probably one of my favourite golf courses on the Asian Tour. I've played here a bunch of times. In fact, in the off season, I used to come and practice here for a couple of weeks whenever I used to get off. And, you know, it's a great layout. Anybody who's putting well definitely has an advantage. And as I said, one of my favourite venues, I expect to play well on the weekend.”

Mazzoli is enjoying a fine first season on the Asian Tour having finished eighth at this year’s Qualifying School, and currently sits in 48th place on the Merit list – helped by finishing in a tie for fifth at the International Series Morocco in July.

“I'm pretty pleased, I've been playing well,” said the Italian.

“I played really good last week in China on the Challenge Tour, so it's good to come here. I've been pretty steady both days. Yesterday maybe I made a couple of bad mistakes, but I'm really pleased. Pretty consistent, hopefully I can keep it going.”

Lee looked set to also finish 13 under, helped by successive birdies on the outward half, but he dropped a shot on the penultimate hole.

He said: “I definitely made a lot of putts, even yesterday and today. I had a good five birdie stretch on the front nine, and just couldn't really convert any birdie putts on the back nine. Unfortunately, I had a tough 30-yard bunker shot on 17 that caused me to make a bogey, but I think there's still a lot of golf left the next two days, so we’ll see what happens.”

John Catlin carded a 65 and is just three behind the leaders. The American, who lives in Hua Hin when competing in Asia, is once again in position to consolidate his lead on the Asian Tour Order of Merit and The International Series Rankings.

American Pierre-Henri Soero and Australian Todd Sinnott – the other joint first-round leaders with Liu and Thailand’s CharngTai Sudsom – carded 72s and are five behind the leaders. CharngTai fell back with a 73 and is seven under.

Scores after round 2 of the Black Mountain Championship being played at the par 72, 7344 Yards Black Mountain GC course (am - denotes amateur):
   - 131 - Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA) 65-66, Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 65-66.
   - 132 - Stefano Mazzoli (ITA) 67-65, Richard T. Lee (CAN) 66-66, Michael Maguire (USA) 68-64, Liu Yanwei (CHN) 64-68.
   - 133 - Sadom Kaewkanjana (THA) 67-66, Nitithorn Thippong (THA) 65-68, Kevin Yuan (AUS) 65-68, Santiago De la Fuente (MEX) 65-68, Matt Killen (ENG) 66-67, Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA) 67-66.
   - 134 - Chanmin Jung (KOR) 65-69, Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA) 68-66, Meenwhee Kim (KOR) 69-65, David Boriboonsub (THA) 65-69, John Catlin (USA) 69-65, Jeunghun Wang (KOR) 67-67, Hung Chien-yao (TPE) 69-65, Jose Toledo (GTM) 71-63, Khalin Joshi (IND) 68-66.
   - 135 - Jonathan Wijono (INA) 65-70, Jaco Ahlers (RSA) 67-68, Christian Banke (USA) 68-67, Tanapat Pichaikool (THA) 67-68, Sarit Suwannarut (THA) 67-68, Nick Voke (NZL) 68-67, Ian Snyman (RSA) 68-67.
   - 136 - Todd Sinnott (AUS) 64-72, Bjorn Hellgren (SWE) 69-67, Pierre-Henri Soero (USA) 64-72, Siddikur Rahman (BAN) 69-67, Minhyeok Yang (KOR) 70-66, Nopparat Panichphol (THA) 65-71, Kazuki Higa (JPN) 69-67, Scott Vincent (ZIM) 68-68, Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 69-67, Chonlatit Chuenboonngam (THA) 68-68, Atiruj Winaicharoenchai (THA) 70-66, Manav Shah (USA) 66-70.
   - 137 - Jinichiro Kozuma (JPN) 69-68, Sihwan Kim (USA) 69-68, Vanchai Luangnitikul (THA) 67-70, Shahriffuddin Ariffin (MAS) 65-72, Kieran Vincent (ZIM) 68-69, Chan Shih-chang (TPE) 71-66, Aaron Wilkin (AUS) 66-71, Charlie Lindh (SWE) 70-67, David Meyers (RSA) 70-67, Jaewoong Eom (KOR) 74-63, Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 67-70, Luke Kwon (KOR) 67-70, Lee Chieh-po (TPE) 68-69, CharngTai Sudsom (THA) 64-73, Poosit Supupramai (THA) 65-72.
   - 138 - Peter Uihlein (USA) 69-69, Kristoffer Broberg (SWE) 67-71, Jared Du Toit (CAN) 68-70, Chris Wood (ENG) 69-69, Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (THA) 69-69, Tatsunori Shogenji (JPN) 68-70, Ben Campbell (NZL) 68-70, Phachara Khongwatmai (THA) 68-70, Karandeep Kochhar (IND) 71-67, Chang Wei-lun (TPE) 70-68, Berry Henson (USA) 69-69, Austen Truslow (USA) 70-68, Natipong Srithong (THA) 68-70, Khalid Walid Attieh (am, KSA) 68-70.
   - 139 - Douglas Klein (AUS) 67-72, Jbe Kruger (RSA) 67-72, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 69-70, Ervin Chang (MAS) 69-70, Paul Peterson (USA) 72-67, Honey Baisoya (IND) 68-71, Varun Chopra (IND) 68-71, Chapchai Nirat (THA) 68-71, Jack Thompson (AUS) 69-70, Rashid Khan (IND) 71-68, Chonjarern Baramithanaseth (THA) 69-70.
   - 140 - Ekpharit Wu (THA) 70-70, Kazuma Kobori (NZL) 73-67, Ryan Van Velzen (RSA) 72-68, Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 69-71, Andrew Dodt (AUS) 70-70, Johan Edfors (SWE) 71-69, Ho Yu-cheng (TPE) 68-72, Nirun Sae-ueng (THA) 70-70, Sangchai Kaewcharoen (THA) 70-70, Sampson Zheng (CHN) 69-71, David Drysdale (SCO) 70-70, Chen Guxin (CHN) 72-68, Settee Prakongvech (THA) 70-70, Huang Chi (TPE) 68-72, Carlos Pigem (ESP) 71-69, Scott Fernandez (ESP) 68-72.
   - 141 - Runchanapong Youprayong (THA) 69-72, Chayodom Chanjaruphong (THA) 73-68, Trevor Simsby (USA) 66-75, Prom Meesawat (THA) 72-69, Justin Warren (AUS) 70-71, Pattaraphol Khanthacha (THA) 70-71, Lion Park (KOR) 71-70, Mardan Mamat (SIN) 69-72, Steve Lewton (ENG) 70-71, Jacob Skov Olesen (am, DEN) 71-70, Justin Quiban (PHI) 69-72, Dodge Kemmer (USA) 72-69, Liu Yen-hung (TPE) 71-70.
   - 142 - Oliver Fisher (ENG) 70-72, Jed Morgan (AUS) 73-69, Kammalas Namuangruk (THA) 71-71, Tomoyo Ikemura (JPN) 70-72, Itthipat Buranatanyarat (THA) 69-73, Travis Smyth (AUS) 70-72, Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 71-71, Jordan Zunic (AUS) 68-74, William Harrold (ENG) 73-69.
   - 143 - Kosuke Hamamoto (THA) 69-74, Poom Saksansin (THA) 71-72, S.S.P. Chawrasia (IND) 73-70, Sam Brazel (AUS) 71-72.
   - 144 - Miguel Carballo (ARG) 69-75, Yuvraj Singh Sandhu (IND) 72-72, Faisal Salhab (KSA) 75-69, Nattawat Suvajanakorn (THA) 73-71, Sarun Sirithon (THA) 71-73.
   - 145 - Wade Ormsby (AUS) 71-74, Marcus Fraser (AUS) 73-72, Deyen Lawson (AUS) 77-68, Leon D'Souza (HKG) 72-73, Othman Almulla (KSA) 75-70, Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (THA) 72-73.
   - 146 - Ahmad Baig (PAK) 72-74, Koh Deng shan (SIN) 68-78, Tawit Polthai (THA) 73-73, Zach Murray (AUS) 72-74.
   - 147 - Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND) 74-73, Lachlan Barker (AUS) 73-74, Naoki Sekito (JPN) 73-74.
   - 149 - Maverick Antcliff (AUS) 74-75, Ye Wocheng (CHN) 78-71, Ashita Piamkulvanich (am, THA) 78-71.
   - 152 - Shiv Kapur (IND) 77-75, Saud Al Sharif (KSA) 81-71, Taewook Koh (NZL) 72-80.
END.
   -6 (138) was the final cut, 69 players made the cut
     *Miguel Tabuena, Phillipines - RT
     *Harrison Crowe, Australia - RT
     *Jakkanat Inmee, Thailand - RT

STRONGMAN SOERO ROLLS BACK THE YEARS AT BLACK MOUNTAIN MASTERS

Thailand, October 17: Former touring professional turned CrossFit Games athlete Pierre-Henri Soero muscled into a share of the lead today at the US$2 million Black Mountain Championship at Black Mountain Golf Club, in Hua Hin, Thailand.

The American carded an eight-under-par 64 along with Thailand’s CharngTai Sudsom, Liu Yanwei from China and Australian Todd Sinnott.

Soero played on the Asian Tour back in 2011 and fully justified his invite to The International Series event this week by making an eagle, seven birdies, and just one bogey.

The 41-year-old said: “I used to do this for a living, that was my job, playing 25 events a year but I was able to be successful at something else.

“It’s all mental, I am in a good head space here. I am here on vacation with my wife. It’s all a bonus. If I play well, I play well, if not it’s still a vacation.”

Now based in Florida, he is a personal trainer and has competed in the CrossFit Games on six occasions.

That solitary bogey of his came on the last, the ninth hole as he began on 10, meaning he just missed out on the outright lead.

“It was a good bogey actually, I was in the rough, a lot can happen, so I am okay with that,” he added.

“Golf is about muscle memory, I used to grind six hours a day practicing, so it’s still there.”

CharngTai and Liu clearly inspired one another today as, paired in the same group, they both pounded the course in synergy making eight birdies apiece.

They are both battling to keep their Asian Tour cards this year, with CharngTai languishing in 85th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, and Liu 109th – so their opening salvos will give them great hope as the season enters its final stages.

CharngTai, a graduate from last year’s Asian Development Tour, said: “Today, my drive was quite good, and my putting was quite sharp, kept it simple. I probably only missed one fairway.

“Feel like I have only just started to find some form today. Just hope this continues.”

CharngTai and Liu mirrored each other on the back nine, making birdies on 12 and 13, plus the final three holes.

“I think our group is 20-under for three of us combined,” said Liu, who made it through this year’s Asian Tour Qualifying School.

“So, yeah, normally, this is the stuff you want to see. I think for all of us we fed off good shots, and then I don't think any of us made a bogey today. So, I think that's pretty positive, yeah, so hopefully, our group can keep it up.”

Mexico’s Santiago De la Fuente, who recently turned professional and won this year’s Latin America Amateur Championship, Thailand’s David Boriboonsub, Poosit Supupramai, Suteepat Prateeptienchai , Nitithorn Thippong, and Nopparat Panichphol, plus Indonesian Jonathan Wijono, Malaysia’s Shahriffuddin Ariffin, Chanmin Jung from Korea, India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar and Kevin Yuan from Australia all returned 65s.

American John Catlin, the leader of both the Asian Tour Order of Merit and The International Series Rankings, shot a 69 and is tied for 58th.

Scores after round 1 of the Black Mountain Championship being played at Black Mountain Golf Club, a par-72, 7,344-yard course (am - denotes amateur):
   - 64 - CharngTai Sudsom (THA), Liu Yanwei (CHN), Todd Sinnott (AUS), Pierre-Henri Soero (USA).
   - 65 - Santiago De la Fuente (MEX), David Boriboonsub (THA), Poosit Supupramai (THA), Jonathan Wijono (INA), Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA), Shahriffuddin Ariffin (MAS), Chanmin Jung (KOR), Nitithorn Thippong (THA), Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND), Kevin Yuan (AUS), Nopparat Panichphol (THA).
   - 66 - Matt Killen (ENG), Richard T. Lee (CAN), Manav Shah (USA), Trevor Simsby (USA), Aaron Wilkin (AUS).
   - 67 - Sarit Suwannarut (THA), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA), Luke Kwon (KOR), Jeunghun Wang (KOR), Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA), Jaco Ahlers (RSA), Douglas Klein (AUS), Vanchai Luangnitikul (THA), Jbe Kruger (RSA), Sadom Kaewkanjana (THA), Kristoffer Broberg (SWE), Tanapat Pichaikool (THA), Stefano Mazzoli (ITA).
   - 68 - Honey Baisoya (IND), Tatsunori Shogenji (JPN), Varun Chopra (IND), Chapchai Nirat (THA), Scott Vincent (ZIM), Ben Campbell (NZL), Phachara Khongwatmai (THA), Michael Maguire (USA), Nick Voke (NZL), Chonlatit Chuenboonngam (THA), Lee Chieh-po (TPE), Ian Snyman (RSA), Huang Chi (TPE), Jordan Zunic (AUS), Natipong Srithong (THA), Khalin Joshi (IND), Scott Fernandez (ESP), Khalid Walid Attieh (am, KSA), Koh Deng shan (SIN), Christian Banke (USA), Kieran Vincent (ZIM), Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA), Jared Du Toit (CAN), Ho Yu-cheng (TPE).
   - 69 - Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (THA), Itthipat Buranatanyarat (THA), Mardan Mamat (SIN), Sampson Zheng (CHN), Kazuki Higa (JPN), John Catlin (USA), Gunn Charoenkul (THA), Hung Chien-yao (TPE), Berry Henson (USA), Jack Thompson (AUS), Justin Quiban (PHI), Chonjarern Baramithanaseth (THA), Runchanapong Youprayong (THA), Jinichiro Kozuma (JPN), Sihwan Kim (USA), Kosuke Hamamoto (THA), Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA), Miguel Tabuena (PHI), Peter Uihlein (USA), Miguel Carballo (ARG), Jazz Janewattananond (THA), Bjorn Hellgren (SWE), Chris Wood (ENG), Meenwhee Kim (KOR), Ervin Chang (MAS), Siddikur Rahman (BAN).
   - 70 - Sangchai Kaewcharoen (THA), Tomoyo Ikemura (JPN), Steve Lewton (ENG), Travis Smyth (AUS), David Drysdale (SCO), Settee Prakongvech (THA), Chang Wei-lun (TPE), Atiruj Winaicharoenchai (THA), Austen Truslow (USA), Ekpharit Wu (THA), Andrew Dodt (AUS), Oliver Fisher (ENG), Justin Warren (AUS), Charlie Lindh (SWE), Pattaraphol Khanthacha (THA), David Meyers (RSA), Nirun Sae-ueng (THA), Minhyeok Yang (KOR).
   - 71 - Jacob Skov Olesen (am, DEN), Chikkarangappa S. (IND), Karandeep Kochhar (IND), Rashid Khan (IND), Jose Toledo (GTM), Carlos Pigem (ESP), Liu Yen-hung (TPE), Sarun Sirithon (THA), Wade Ormsby (AUS), Johan Edfors (SWE), Chan Shih-chang (TPE), Poom Saksansin (THA), Sam Brazel (AUS), Lion Park (KOR), Kammalas Namuangruk (THA).
   - 72 - Leon D'Souza (HKG), Paul Peterson (USA), Chen Guxin (CHN), Taewook Koh (NZL), Zach Murray (AUS), Dodge Kemmer (USA), Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (THA), Ahmad Baig (PAK), Ryan Van Velzen (RSA), Prom Meesawat (THA), Yuvraj Singh Sandhu (IND).
   - 73 - William Harrold (ENG), Chayodom Chanjaruphong (THA), Kazuma Kobori (NZL), Tawit Polthai (THA), S.S.P. Chawrasia (IND), Marcus Fraser (AUS), Jed Morgan (AUS), Lachlan Barker (AUS), Naoki Sekito (JPN), Nattawat Suvajanakorn (THA).
   - 74 - Jaewoong Eom (KOR), Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND), Maverick Antcliff (AUS).
   - 75 - Othman Almulla (KSA), Faisal Salhab (KSA).
   - 77 - Shiv Kapur (IND), Deyen Lawson (AUS).
   - 78 - Ye Wocheng (CHN), Ashita Piamkulvanich (am, THA).
   - 81 - Saud Al Sharif (KSA).
END.
   - Jakkanat Inmee, Thailand - RT
   - Harrison Crowe, Australia - RT

ROCK-SOLID RATTANON WRAPS UP WIRE-TO-WIRE WIN AT SJM MACAO OPEN

October 13: Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan swept to a brilliant wire-to-wire victory in the US$1 million SJM Macao Open today for his first victory on the Asian Tour in seven years.

On a beautiful sunny day at Macau Golf & Country Club, the 29-year-old confidently completed arguably the finest week of his career by firing a four-under-par 66 to finish the tournament on 20 under.

Players from Thailand made it a clean sweep of the top three positions, with Gunn Charoenkul finishing second, two shots back following a 67, and Poosit Supupramai third, another two strokes behind, after a 64.

Current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader John Catlin from the United States returned a 65 to share fourth with Filipino Miguel Tabuena, who eagled the par-five 18th for a 63 – the perfect way to celebrate his 30th birthday today. They finished on 15 under.

Rattanon had a one-shot lead over Gunn at the start of the day and it never looked like he would surrender the lead. His nickname is ‘Fluke’ but it was all skill today as he pulled away from the pack. He had a four-shot lead over playing partner Gunn at turn, which moved to five after he birdied 10, and by the time they reached 18 the cushion was three.

Rattanon reached the green in two to ensure there would be no dramatic collapse and he could afford the luxury of a three putt, after missing a six-footer for birdie. Gunn made birdie there to close the gap.

Rattanon has won once before on the Asian Tour, at the Thailand Open in 2017, and is also a winner on the Asian Development Tour, claiming the 2015 Taifong Open.

“I'm so happy,” said Rattanon.

“I didn't think I could win again, because I had a very tough year in 2019. I played really badly that year, but I told myself to not give up, that's why I could improve my game and win again.”

He felt finishing fourth in the Mercuries Taiwan Masters last week did wonders for his confidence while he also clearly benefitted from having his girlfriend Manuschaya ‘Minnie’ Zeemakorn, a Thai LPGA Tour player, caddy for him.

He added: “She’s helped me a lot about life and golf. In life we stay together, we eat together, and we enjoy that life. That's why it’s made it fun for me to play golf.”

He earned a cheque for US$180,000 now heads into a busy and lucrative three-week run of tournaments full of confidence, particularly as the next two events are in Thailand: next week’s Black Mountain Championship, followed immediately after by the International Series Thailand.

For Gunn it was another near miss, and he has now finished second on four occasions on the Asian Tour.

“This is great. It’s another second place, not a win but I am fine with it,” said the 32-year-old.

“I found a lot more confidence this week especially after missing the cut the last two weeks. Just tried to keep things simple and I holed some great putts.

“With those three par fives on the back nine I thought I might have a chance of catching Rattanon but it wasn’t to be. I leave with a lot more confidence though.”

Pavit Tangkamolprasert closed with a 67 to finish solo sixth, six off top spot, one of seven Thais to finish in the top-10.

Defending champion Min Woo Lee from Australia signed off with a 66 to tie for ninth.

Scores after round 4 of the SJM Macao Open being played at the par 70, 6750 Yards Macau Golf and Country Club course (am - denotes amateur):
   - 260 - Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 61-66-67-66.
   - 262 - Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 65-64-66-67.
   - 264 - Poosit Supupramai (THA) 66-67-67-64.
   - 265 - Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 64-68-70-63, John Catlin (USA) 67-65-68-65.
   - 266 - Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 66-66-67-67.
   - 268 - Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (THA) 70-65-65-68, Liu Yung-hua (TPE) 64-67-68-69.
   - 269 - Chapchai Nirat (THA) 69-67-69-64, David Boriboonsub (THA) 69-65-69-66, Min Woo Lee (AUS) 68-68-67-66, Bjorn Hellgren (SWE) 64-70-68-67.
   - 270 - Yuvraj Singh Sandhu (IND) 71-67-64-68, Brian Harman (USA) 67-66-68-69, Seungtaek Lee (KOR) 68-65-67-70.
   - 271 - Matthew Cheung (HKG) 69-65-72-65, Wang Wei-hsuan (TPE) 65-68-72-66, Sampson Zheng (CHN) 68-67-69-67.
   - 272 - Berry Henson (USA) 69-69-66-68, Sam Brazel (AUS) 63-69-70-70, Chang Wei-lun (TPE) 64-71-67-70, Atiruj Winaicharoenchai (THA) 68-67-67-70.
   - 273 - Daniel Van Tonder (RSA) 67-69-72-65, Douglas Klein (AUS) 67-68-69-69, Kevin Yuan (AUS) 69-67-68-69, Jack Thompson (AUS) 72-64-68-69, Jaco Ahlers (RSA) 69-69-66-69, Ian Snyman (RSA) 69-66-68-70.
   - 274 - Sadom Kaewkanjana (THA) 68-69-71-66, Yurav Premlall (RSA) 70-70-66-68, Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND) 71-67-70-66, Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA) 67-63-75-69.
   - 275 - Michael Maguire (USA) 71-68-67-69.
   - 276 - Eric McIntosh (SCO) 72-68-67-69, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 68-67-73-68, Kosuke Hamamoto (THA) 69-70-66-71.
   - 277 - Chonlatit Chuenboonngam (THA) 67-66-74-70, Hongtaek Kim (KOR) 71-65-71-70, Maverick Antcliff (AUS) 73-66-70-68, Jeunghun Wang (KOR) 67-73-69-68, Scott Hend (AUS) 70-68-73-66.
   - 278 - Charng-Tai Sudsom (THA) 69-65-73-71, Saptak Talwar (IND) 70-68-72-68, Khalin Joshi (IND) 68-72-70-68, Austen Truslow (USA) 71-68-75-64, Jose Toledo (GTM) 71-68-76-63.
   - 279 - Manav Shah (USA) 68-69-71-71, William Harrold (ENG) 71-68-69-71, Prom Meesawat (THA) 68-66-74-71.
   - 280 - S.S.P. Chawrasia (IND) 69-68-69-74, Hung Chien-yao (TPE) 68-72-71-69.
   - 282 - Zhang Jin (CHN) 74-66-69-73, Poom Saksansin (THA) 71-68-72-71, Lu Wei-chih (TPE) 69-71-72-70, Huang Chi (TPE) 69-71-74-68.
   - 283 - Wade Ormsby (AUS) 70-68-70-75, Denzel Ieremia (NZL) 70-65-74-74, David Drysdale (SCO) 68-69-74-72, Ben Jones (ENG) 69-69-75-70, Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 72-68-74-69.
   - 284 - Aaron Wilkin (AUS) 72-68-70-74, Matt Killen (ENG) 70-70-71-73.
   - 285 - Marcus Fraser (AUS) 74-66-75-70, Jason Knutzon (USA) 68-72-76-69.
   - 286 - Ngai Si (MAC) 70-68-69-79, David Meyers (RSA) 71-69-73-73.
   - 287 - Sean Ramos (PHI) 71-68-74-74.
   - 288 - Kristoffer Broberg (SWE) 70-67-78-73, Justin Warren (AUS) 68-71-80-69.
END.

NO STOPPING UNFLAPPABLE RATTANON AT SJM MACAO OPEN

October 12: Thailand’s Rattanon Wannasrichan kept the lead in the US$1 million SJM Macao Open at Macau Golf and Country Club for the third straight day, once again producing a determined display, shooting a three-under-par 67.

It remains mainly an all Thai affair at this stage, as Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul is one-shot back in second, following a 66, with his compatriot Pavit Tangkamolprasert joint third along with Chinese-Taipei’s Liu Yung-hua.

Pavit, the champion here in 2016, carded a 67, while Lui shot a 68. They are five behind the leader.

Rattanon had a two-shot lead over Gunn at the start of the day, and stayed in front by making four birdies and one bogey – slightly more conservative playing compared with his first two rounds of 61 and 66 but a solid effort considering the pressure he was under on moving day.

“Today was really tough for me because I felt a little bit pressure, but I tried not to think too much about it,” said the leader.

“Also, today my tee shots were not as good I wanted, so that's why I couldn’t score more under par.”

Rattanon has won once before on the Asian Tour, at the Thailand Open in 2017, and is also a winner on the Asian Development Tour, claiming the 2015 Taifong Open.

On playing with Gunn and Suteepat Prateeptienchai today, he said: “It felt like the All Thailand Tour, because we’ve known each other for more than 10 years, we had a lot of fun today on the course.”

He also has the benefit of his girlfriend Manuschaya Zeemakorn, a Thai LPGA Tour player, caddying for him.

Both him and Gunn made birdie on the last to put some daylight between them and the chasing pack.

“I am really happy to be in this position,” said Gunn, desperate to win for the first time on the Asian Tour having finished runner-up on three occasions.

“I am still battling a slice, fighting old bad habits as I am coming over the top of it but it’s under control. I’ll put some more work in on the range. I putted great and holed some crucial putts.

“Just need to make sure Rattanon doesn’t get too far ahead tomorrow.”

Pavit’s victory here eight years ago was his first on the Asian Tour. He beat India’s Anirban Lahiri in a sudden-death play-off and would dearly love to complete the double tomorrow.

Said the Thai: “Oh, it would be fantastic [to win], especially, you know, this week and tomorrow, it's the 13th of October, our King Rama Nine passed away on that day. So, it would be very emotional, definitely.”

Having finished second and fifth the last two weeks on Tour he will fancy his chances on Sunday.

“I think just I found a rhythm hitting my irons and my putting has been very good for the past two weeks. So yeah, that's good thing, because I have been able to keep the momentum from the last two weeks into this week,” he said.

Asian Tour number one John Catlin is in a group of players in joint fifth place. The American fired a 68 and is six back from Rattanon and has a lot of ground to make up if he is to add the SJM Macao Open title to his International Series Macau win, recorded here back in March.

American Brian Harman, winner of The Open last year, also came in with a 68 and is nine under, while Australian Min Woo Lee, the defending champion, returned a 67 and is seven under.

Scores after round 3 of the SJM Macao Open being played at the par 70, 6750 Yards Macau Golf and Country Club course (am - denotes amateur):
   - 194 - Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA) 61-66-67.
   - 195 - Gunn Charoenkul (THA) 65-64-66.
   - 199 - Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 66-66-67, Liu Yung-hua (TPE) 64-67-68.
   - 200 - Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (THA) 70-65-65, Poosit Supupramai (THA) 66-67-67, Seungtaek Lee (KOR) 68-65-67, John Catlin (USA) 67-65-68.
   - 201 - Brian Harman (USA) 67-66-68.
   - 202 - Yuvraj Singh Sandhu (IND) 71-67-64, Atiruj Winaicharoenchai (THA) 68-67-67, Chang Wei-lun (TPE) 64-71-67, Bjorn Hellgren (SWE) 64-70-68, Sam Brazel (AUS) 63-69-70, Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 64-68-70.
   - 203 - Min Woo Lee (AUS) 68-68-67, Ian Snyman (RSA) 69-66-68, David Boriboonsub (THA) 69-65-69.
   - 204 - Berry Henson (USA) 69-69-66, Jaco Ahlers (RSA) 69-69-66, Jack Thompson (AUS) 72-64-68, Kevin Yuan (AUS) 69-67-68, Douglas Klein (AUS) 67-68-69, Sampson Zheng (CHN) 68-67-69.
   - 205 - Chapchai Nirat (THA) 69-67-69, Kosuke Hamamoto (THA) 69-70-66, Wang Wei-hsuan (TPE) 65-68-72, Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA) 67-63-75.
   - 206 - S.S.P. Chawrasia (IND) 69-68-69, Michael Maguire (USA) 71-68-67, Matthew Cheung (HKG) 69-65-72, Yurav Premlall (RSA) 70-70-66.
   - 207 - Ngai Si (MAC) 70-68-69, Hongtaek Kim (KOR) 71-65-71, Charng-Tai Sudsom (THA) 69-65-73, Chonlatit Chuenboonngam (THA) 67-66-74, Eric McIntosh (SCO) 72-68-67.
   - 208 - Manav Shah (USA) 68-69-71, Sadom Kaewkanjana (THA) 68-69-71, Wade Ormsby (AUS) 70-68-70, Daniel Van Tonder (RSA) 67-69-72, Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND) 71-67-70, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 68-67-73, William Harrold (ENG) 71-68-69, Prom Meesawat (THA) 68-66-74.
   - 209 - Denzel Ieremia (NZL) 70-65-74, Maverick Antcliff (AUS) 73-66-70, Jeunghun Wang (KOR) 67-73-69, Zhang Jin (CHN) 74-66-69.
   - 210 - Saptak Talwar (IND) 70-68-72, Khalin Joshi (IND) 68-72-70, Aaron Wilkin (AUS) 72-68-70.
   - 211 - David Drysdale (SCO) 68-69-74, Scott Hend (AUS) 70-68-73, Poom Saksansin (THA) 71-68-72, Hung Chien-yao (TPE) 68-72-71, Matt Killen (ENG) 70-70-71.
   - 212 - Lu Wei-chih (TPE) 69-71-72.
   - 213 - Ben Jones (ENG) 69-69-75, Sean Ramos (PHI) 71-68-74, David Meyers (RSA) 71-69-73.
   - 214 - Austen Truslow (USA) 71-68-75, Huang Chi (TPE) 69-71-74, Chikkarangappa S. (IND) 72-68-74.
   - 215 - Kristoffer Broberg (SWE) 70-67-78, Jose Toledo (GTM) 71-68-76, Marcus Fraser (AUS) 74-66-75.
   - 216 - Jason Knutzon (USA) 68-72-76.
   - 219 - Justin Warren (AUS) 68-71-80.
END.

RATTANON RACES INTO LEAD AT SJM MACAO OPEN WITH SUPERB 61

October 10: Rattanon Wannasrichan’s nickname is “Fluke” but there was certainly no element of luck in his nine-under-par 61 today at the SJM Macao Open.

The outstanding opening round gave him a two-stroke lead over Australian Sam Brazel, who returned a 63 – who like the Thai leader eagled the par-five 18th.

Filipino Miguel Tabuena, Chinese-Taipei’s Chang Wei-lun and Liu Yung-hua plus Sweden’s Bjorn Hellgren, shot 64s, here at Macau Golf & Country Club, while Chinese-Taipei’s Wang Wei-hsuan and Gunn Charoenkul from Thailand are next best placed following 65s.

Rattanon has been playing this event for 10 years but hasn’t come close to shooting such a low round here before.

He started on 10, making four birdies on the back nine, all four in-a-row from hole 13, and an eagle on 18, where he drained a 40-footer. Birdies on three, four and nine completed one of the finest rounds of his career.

“It’s not my lowest as I have shot 10 under on the Asian Development Tour but it’s amazing,” said the 29-year-old, who tied for fourth in the Mercuries Taiwan Masters at the weekend for his best result of the season.

“I was just hoping to shoot a couple under today, didn’t expect to go so low. But I do like this course, there are a lot of chances to shoot birdies.”

He is trying to win for the second time on the Asian Tour, having won the 2017 Thailand Open. He came close to a second title in 2022 when he was beaten by Korean Tom Kim at The Singapore International following a sudden-death play-off.

“It’s a great start but there is a lot of golf still to be played,” he added.

Americans John Catlin, who won the International Series Macau at this same venue in March and is ranked first on the Asian Tour and International Series, and 2023 Open winner Brian Harman, are in a group of players tied for 11th following 67s.

Defending champion Min Woo Lee has started slowly with a 68 – last year he fired rounds of 62, 64, 65 and 63 – while South African Jbe Kruger, winner of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters, is in a group of players who shot 70.

Thailand’s Poom Saksansin, runner-up here last year, has work to do after firing a 71.

Scores after round 1 of the SJM Macao Open being played at Macau Golf & Country Club, a par-70, 6,750-yard course (am - denotes amateur):
   - 61 - Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA).
   - 63 - Sam Brazel (AUS).
   - 64 - Miguel Tabuena (PHI), Chang Wei-lun (TPE), Bjorn Hellgren (SWE), Liu Yung-hua (TPE).
   - 65 - Wang Wei-hsuan (TPE), Gunn Charoenkul (THA).
   - 66 - Poosit Supupramai (THA), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA).
   - 67 - Daniel Van Tonder (RSA), Chonlatit Chuenboonngam (THA), Siddikur Rahman (BAN), Brian Harman (USA), John Catlin (USA), Jeunghun Wang (KOR), Suteepat Prateeptienchai (THA), Douglas Klein (AUS).
   - 68 - Sadom Kaewkanjana (THA), Meenwhee Kim (KOR), Panuphol Pittayarat (THA), Khalin Joshi (IND), Hung Chien-yao (TPE), Atiruj Winaicharoenchai (THA), Justin Warren (AUS), Leon D'Souza (HKG), Sampson Zheng (CHN), Jazz Janewattananond (THA), Min Woo Lee (AUS), David Drysdale (SCO), Jason Knutzon (USA), Prom Meesawat (THA), Yeh Yu-chen (TPE), Seungtaek Lee (KOR), Manav Shah (USA).

   - 69 - Trevor Simsby (USA), Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (THA), Natipong Srithong (THA), Lu Wei-chih (TPE), David Boriboonsub (THA), Kosuke Hamamoto (THA), Chapchai Nirat (THA), Ian Snyman (RSA), Mardan Mamat (SIN), Charng-Tai Sudsom (THA), Sihwan Kim (USA), Berry Henson (USA), Jaco Ahlers (RSA), Carlos Pigem (ESP), Matthew Cheung (HKG), Kevin Yuan (AUS), S.S.P. Chawrasia (IND), Huang Chi (TPE), Justin Quiban (PHI), Ben Jones (ENG), Shahriffuddin Ariffin (MAS), Wen Cheng-hsiang (TPE).
   - 70 - Deyen Lawson (AUS), Kristoffer Broberg (SWE), Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA), Yurav Premlall (RSA), Jbe Kruger (RSA), Xu Wang (CHN), Honey Baisoya (IND), Karandeep Kochhar (IND), Pui In Hun (MAC), Chanat Sakulpolphaisan (THA), Matt Killen (ENG), Jonathan Wijono (INA), Varun Chopra (IND), Minhyeok Yang (KOR), Wade Ormsby (AUS), Ngai Si (MAC), Scott Hend (AUS), Denzel Ieremia (NZL), Liu Yanwei (CHN), Harrison Crowe (AUS), Saptak Talwar (IND), Settee Prakongvech (THA).
   - 71 - Michael Maguire (USA), Yuvraj Singh Sandhu (IND), Austen Truslow (USA), Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND), William Harrold (ENG), Lachlan Barker (AUS), Jose Toledo (GTM), Hongtaek Kim (KOR), Brendan Jones (AUS), David Meyers (RSA), Jordan Zunic (AUS), Rashid Khan (IND), Poom Saksansin (THA), Zach Murray (AUS), Todd Sinnott (AUS), Naoki Sekito (JPN), Sean Ramos (PHI), Peter Gunawan (INA).
   - 72 - Jack Thompson (AUS), Koh Dengshan (SIN), Ollie Roberts (SCO), Chikkarangappa S. (IND), Chen Guxin (CHN), Aaron Wilkin (AUS), Eric McIntosh (SCO), Chan Shih-chang (TPE), Jed Morgan (AUS), Miguel Carballo (ARG), Pawin Ingkhapradit (THA), Zhang Jinshen (CHN), Chiu Han-ting (TPE).
   - 73 - Rory Hie (INA), Gabriel Tomas Manotoc (PHI), Nick Voke (NZL), Dodge Kemmer (USA), Phachara Khongwatmai (THA), Maverick Antcliff (AUS), Itthipat Buranatanyarat (THA), Ho Yu-cheng (TPE), Ervin Chang (MAS), Zhang Zihong (CHN), Isaac Lam (HKG).
   - 74 - Lei Kun Wang (am, MAC), Sun Haohua (am, CHN), Ryan Van Velzen (RSA), Marcus Fraser (AUS), Liu Yen-hung (TPE), Zhang Jin (CHN), Lv Junhan (CHN), Steve Lewton (ENG), Pattaraphol Khanthacha (THA), Zhang Lianwei (CHN).
   - 75 - Fang Xiang (CHN), Ye Wocheng (CHN), Michael Herrera (USA), Yashas Chandra (IND).
   - 76 - Tanapat Pichaikool (THA), Tsai Kai-jen (TPE), Wei Tianyou (CHN).
   - 77 - Li Jun Hong (CHN), Lion Park (KOR), Aung Sann Myo (MYN).
   - 78 - Cui Jingguo (CHN).
END.
   - Michael Regan Wong, Hong Kong - DQ