Nicholas Fung in a file photo. He will partner Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar on the second day of the EurAsia Cup.
SUBANG JAYA: It was a day of highs and lows for Team Asia’s Nicholas Fung in the EurAsia Cup at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.
The Malaysian was paired with Kim Hyung-sung of South Korea against the more established European pair of Graeme McDowell and Jamie Donaldson in the fifth and final fourball match.
In the first seven holes, the Asians were on a roll as they went three-up.
But McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion, showed his class as he and Donaldson overcame the deficit for a 3 & 1 win to give Team Europe a clean sweep of all the matches.
Despite the defeat, Nicholas said it was a good experience.
“We played well at the beginning. When we got to three-up, I told Kim that we should try and maintain it and try for four-up. I told him we should just play our game and not think too much. But McDowell started to play well from the eighth hole onwards till the end,” lamented Nicholas.
“We both played well. My performance has given me added confidence and I will take that with me when I go and play in the European qualifying school later this year,” he added.
Hyung-sung was full of praise for Nicholas.
“He played a fabulous round today. He carried me through the whole match as I didn’t hit the ball too well. I wish I could have played a little bit better. It is frustrating as nobody wants to lose,” said the South Korean.
“The Europeans played better than us today but the game is not over yet. There are 15 matches left and we still have two more days. We just have to go out there and play our best,” added Hyung-sung.
Nicholas will have another go at McDowell and Donaldson in the foursome on Friday. Instead of Hyung-sung, Nicholas will partner Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar.
Hyung-sung will pair up with Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng for the match against Victor Dubuisson-Joost Luiten.
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