Two-time Asian Tour number one Jeev Milkha Singh is set to light up the Macao Open presented by Cityneon next week in his first appearance at the popular event since 1999.
The Indian star will be part of an elite cast of players to assemble at the US$750,000 showpiece which includes five of the top-10 players on the Asian Tour Order of Merit at the stunning Macao Golf and Country Club.
Current Order of Merit leader S.S.P. Chowrasia of India, an in-form Siddikur of Bangladesh, who is ranked second, South Africa’s Jbe Kruger and Rikard Karlberg of Sweden, who won two titles last season, are amongst those expect to contend in the Macao Open which returns onto the Asian Tour Schedule after a one-year lapse.
Singh, Asia’s number one in 2006 and 2008, last played in the Macao Open some 12 years ago where he finished in tied 15th place and he is hoping to cap a successful outing in his return to Asia.
“I have not played in Macao in years. I can’t even remember the last time I played there. But I love playing on the Asian Tour. That’s where I started from and I don’t want to forget where I got my career started,” said Singh, who is currently 14th on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.
After competing in four consecutive weeks in Europe, Singh is looking forward to catching up with his fellow competitors on the Asian Tour and also reuniting with his family, who will travel to Macao as part of his fan club. He will also compete in the following week’s Asia Pacific Panasonic Open in Japan, which is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
“I always like to keep my membership on the Asian Tour and I look forward to playing in as many events as I can. My family is coming to Macao with me. I’ll be looking forward to that as it will be about four weeks since I last saw them,” he said.
Singh, who has won six times on the Asian Tour and has seven other international victories in Europe and Japan, struggled with injuries last year but has battled back to form in recent months. He was tied sixth in the Nordea Masters in July and finished tied 35th at the Omega European Masters last week.
“I’m pretty happy with my game. I’ve worked hard on it and I don’t have any more injuries. I’m working on the right stuff and that’s the main goal for me – to stay fit,” said Singh, who recently surrendered his playing rights on the PGA Tour.
“I can’t hold on to so many cards. That’s too much travelling and with the injuries I’ve had, I need to take care of my fitness. It will be less tournaments but more hard work and quality golf,” he added.
The Macao Open has been a regular fixture on the Asian Tour calendar and has previously attracted some of the world’s best players. The tournament has been won by many world stars, including Lee Westwood of England (1999) and Colin Montgomerie of Scotland (2003).
Asian luminaries who have triumphed in the tournament include China’s Zhang Lian-wei (2001 & 2002), Lu Wen-teh of Chinese Taipei (2007) and Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant (2009). The trio have also confirmed their participation for this year’s edition.
The Macao Open presented by Cityneon will be beamed live during all four rounds on the Asian Tour’s television platform of over 200 nations and 850 million homes, ensuring that Macao will be the centre of attention during the week.
