PETALING JAYA: Ben Leong and Danny Chia have two things in common.
Both are one-time Asian Tour winners and are in the midst of resurrecting their careers after lengthy injury spells.
And they both put their setbacks behind in grand style last month – with Ben capturing the PGM Tour I&P Group Closed Championship and Danny winning the SapuraKencana National Qualifier to qualify for the lucrative CIMB Classic.
On Thursday, they will spearhead Malaysia’s charge in the opening round of the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters at the Seri Selangor Golf Club, near Kota Damansara.
Ben and Danny will be keen to build on their recent good run of form in the RM1.3mil event – and cap a memorable comeback.
The 28-year-old Ben, who was sidelined for the entire 2013 season with a back injury, is determined to shine at the Seri Selangor Golf Club – where he shot to fame when he stunned Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee to win the inaugural Selangor Masters in 2008.
“Every hole reminds me of 2008,” said Ben after a practice round on Wednesday. “Great memories definitely ... the only thing missing is my age I suppose.
“It’s been a while and it’s good to be back. I remember every shot I hit during the final round, especially the three-footer from left to right on the last hole that gave me the win.
“It’s fresh in my mind ... 2008 is six years ago but it doesn’t feel like it. It’s like a new life for me. It’s weird.”
Danny had surgery to remove bone fragments from his right shoulder last year and revealed that he may not regain his strength 100% after defying doctor’s orders during his recovery period.
“I’m a bit worried. It was looking good with the rehab but it’s not improving at this stage,” said 41-year-old Danny, the winner of the Taiwan Open in 2002.
“But I’m still able to hit balls. I’m trying to work harder on my rehab and regain the remainder of my strength. I think I’m at 80-85% now.”
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