PETALING JAYA: Seasoned campaigner Danny Chia will end the year as the national No. 1, thanks to his late-season resurgence.
With two top-10 and two top-20 finishes in four of his last six events on the Asian Tour, the 41-year-old Danny was able to overhaul Nicholas Fung’s 18-month-long reign as the highest-ranked Malaysian on the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) on Dec 15.
In June last year, Nicholas made big strides on the OWGR following his maiden Asian Development Tour (ADT) triumph at the PGM UMW Templer Park Masters to end Danny’s stranglehold as Malaysia’s No. 1.
But Danny’s impressive run since November, including a tie for seventh at the Chiangmai Golf Classic and joint ninth in the Manila Masters, ensured he’s back where he belongs.
Danny, who started the year as the world No. 702, is now ranked No. 451 while Nicholas is at No. 479.
“It was an amazing comeback for me. When I think about it again, it’s just simply unbelievable,” said Danny, a one-time Asian Tour winner.
“I’m glad it’s all over now. In my last few tournaments, I played through a lot of pain on my right shoulder. I was also feeling worn out.
“But it’s worthwhile in the end. It has paid off and I’m now the the top-ranked Malaysian. Most importantly, I’ve retained my playing rights on next season’s Asian Tour,” added Chia, who finished 46th in the Order of Merit with earnings of US$80,855 (RM282,992).
Arie Irawan Fauzi, who finished sixth on the ADT Order of Merit, and Mohd Rizal Amin are the two biggest movers of the year.
Arie was at No. 1,158 at the beginning of the season but is now No. 486. Rizal, who clinched his maiden ADT title at the PGM MIDF KLGCC Championship, climbed 753 spots to No. 755.
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