EurAsia Cup: Heads up Nicholas!

SUBANG JAYA: Malaysian golfer Nicholas Fung can hold his head high despite losing to Miguel Angel Jimenez by one hole in a tightly contested singles match-up in the EurAsia Cup at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.

Team Asia went into Saturday’s singles match-up 7-3 down to Team Europe. And Nicholas was given the unenviable task of taking on unbeaten Team Europe captain Jimenez in the opening singles showdown.

Although Nicholas lost, his spirited performance in the opening match inspired Team Asia to stage an amazing comeback by earning seven out of the possible 10 points on the last day of competition to draw 10-10.

The teams were declared joint champions.

Nicholas went one-down after three holes but levelled it at the next hole before turning things around to go one-up on the eighth. 

But Jimenez, a winner of 20 European Tour titles, made it all square at the very next hole. It was then all-square until Jimenez went one-up on the 14th.

It was neck-and-neck from then on as Nicholas then made it all square on the 15th before Jimenez again went one-up on the 16th.

But Nicholas showed that he was not overawed as he earned a point at the 17th to make it all square again and pushing their match-up all the way to the final hole.

Nicholas, however, was floored by the experienced Spaniard, who finished off with a birdie at the 18th to win by one hole.

“I was so happy that I could get to the last hole. I made a lot of birdies ... although I also made a couple of bogeys. Overall, I’m proud of myself and very happy with my performance,” said Nicholas.

“I’m happy to see the large turnout supporting me and Team Asia. I enjoyed the whole week a lot and learnt many things from the match play. It has been an awesome week as I got to play with the top golfers from Asia and Europe.”

Nicholas, who had a very good 2013 – rising in the Official World Golf Ranking from No. 1,428 to No. 239 at the end of the year – proved that he has managed to carry his form and momentum into this season.

The golfer is not content to remain where he is right now. “I need to work harder to improve. I also need to learn to be more patient. When I see Jimenez in action, he is not pressured when making shots. He remains patient and calm,” said Nicholas, who will be seeking to do well in the European qualifying school later this year.