Top Asian players to challenge for S'pore Open

Top Asian players to challenge for S'pore Open

Agence France-Presse, Singapore

Nine of the top 10 golfers on the Asian Tour's current Order
of Merit will challenge world number seven Adam Scott for honors
when the Singapore Open returns next month, organizers said on
Tuesday.

Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant, who tops the Order of Merit and
was the last man to win the tournament in 2001 before a three-
year hiatus, will lead the Asian charge in the US$2 million event
at Sentosa Golf Club from Sept. 8-Sept. 11.

"The return of the Singapore Open has really captured the
attention of our membership and not surprisingly nearly every
player who is eligible to play will be making the trip to the
Lion City," said Asian Tour chief executive Louis Martin.

"Not only will the Singapore Open see our leading players
compete, but the field will also be strong in depth and will also
feature tournament winners this year and former Singapore Open
champions," he added.

The order's top five are all taking part in the tournament
where Thaworn will be joined by second-placed compatriot
Thongchai Jaidee, Jyoti Randhawa from India and Australians Terry
Pilkadaris and Scott Barr.

Scott, along with fellow Australians Craig Parry and Nick
O'Hern, England's Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke from Northern
Ireland and Japanese legend Isao Aoki, were confirmed last week.

Thaworn is one of three past champions, including Randhawa
(2000), and Myanmar's Kyi Hla Han (1994), hoping for a second
victory in the prestigious championship.

The Thai player won the Indonesia Open earlier this year at
Cengkareng Golf Course in West Jakarta.