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.