Asian, European golfers tee off in Malaysia for World Cup slots

Asian, European golfers tee off in Malaysia for World Cup slots

Associated Press Kuala Lumpur

Top golfers and emerging stars from Asia and Europe tee off in Malaysia this week in a bid to earn berths at this year's World Cup championship.

Eighteen teams, each comprising two players, will compete for four days beginning Thursday at the Palm Resort Golf and Country Club in Malaysia's southern Johor state for three slots at November's World Cup in Seville, Spain.

Among the most closely watched participants is India's Rahil Gangjee, who hopes to sweeten his rookie season - and celebrate his 26th birthday Saturday - with a top three finish for him and his partner, the more experienced Amandeep Johl.

"It's nice to represent India as a pro," Gangjee said Wednesday. "I'm feeling excited."

Meanwhile, the Philippine team of Gerald Rosales and Angelo Que plan to improve on last year's qualifier, when they were positioned to finish among the top teams, but hit a double bogey and bogey on the last two holes of their final round.

"We had a nightmare last year, but that is in the past now," Rosales said. "Let's hope we can do it this time. I'm playing well and Angelo is playing well too."

Other teams hail from China, Fiji, Finland, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Marianas, Mauritius, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan and Thailand.

The Asian Tour is staging the qualifier on behalf of the International Federation of PGA Tours, organizer the World Golf Championships-World Cup.

The format of play is the same as the World Cup, with fourball golf played on the first and third days, and foursomes - or alternate shot - on the second and final days.