PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung targeting a second straight victory at the inaugural Jakarta Classic to extend his Order of Merit lead on the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
The new Malaysian No. 1, who won his first ADT title on home soil two weeks ago, leads the field in the US$60,000 tournament, which begins today at the Imperial Klub Golf.
American James Bowen, Grant Jackson of England, Japanese Mitsuhiko Hashizume of Japan and Canadian Lindsay Renolds – ranked from second to fifth in the Order of Merit – are also taking part.
Venezuelan Wolmer Murillo, Koh Deng Shan of Singapore, Faiz Damit of Brunei and Australian Darren Tan make up a truly cosmopolitan field with more than 15 different nationalities playing in the event.
A total of six ADT events have staged so far with Nicholas leading the charge after enjoying a splendid season. He has three top 10s and one victory at the PGM-UMW Templer Park Masters.
“I’m getting better because I can win on the ADT. Now, I’m looking forward to win on the Asian Tour. There are many international players on the ADT so it isn’t easy to win,” said Nicholas, who earned his Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School in Thailand earlier this year.
Nicholas faces a tough fight from Bowen, who is also eyeing a return to the top spot of the Order of Merit.
Bowen occupied pole position before being displaced by Nicholas. And he is determined to prove his worth again.
“The course is in pretty good shape. I am very excited about coming to Indonesia and play at the Jakarta Classic this week.
“I feel good about my game and hopefully I can overtake Nicholas to lead the Order of Merit again,” said the 27-year American, who claimed his maiden victory at the PGM Sime Darby Harvard Masters in Malaysia earlier this year.
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