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.