Kuala Lumpur: The Maybank Malaysian Open today confirmed the participation of 2010 Open Championship winner Louis Oosthuizen and six-time European Tour winner Alvaro Quiros at the 51st edition of the National Open.
Leading what is anticipated to be a formidable European Tour challenge, the duo will join earlier-announced players Martin Kaymer and Charl Schwartzel for the prestigious co-sanctioned championship with the Asian Tour scheduled from April 12 -15 at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
Mohamed Adam Wee, Maybank Chief Marketing Officer, said, “The second wave of star players committing to the Maybank Malaysian Open is a clear indication of the standing of the event as an important fixture on The European Tour's year-long Race to Dubai. We are pleased to welcome back a Major-winning star in Louis Oosthuizen and the effervescent Spaniard Alvaro Quiros, whose fiery style of play and booming drives are a marvel to watch.
"The challenge upon us was to deliver a better Maybank Malaysian Open than the previous editions and I'm proud to say that the 156-player field will comprise of some of the world's top stars; a balance of experienced and exciting young talents from both the European and Asian Tours as well as a healthy injection of domestic players, underlining the tournament's legacy as one of Asia's premier golf tournaments."
Oosthuizen, who is no stranger to the Maybank Malaysian Open, will be one of the must watch stars based on his current form. A former prodigee of fellow South African great Ernie Els, Oosthuizen got his 2012 campaign off to a great start when he successfully defended his Africa Open title in January, claiming his fourth European Tour title. The victory underlined his return to his Major-winning form and the 29-year-old will be well-equipped to face the challenging layout of the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club's West Course.
Making his debut at the Maybank Malaysian Open, the lanky Alvaro Quiros needs no further introduction to local fans as the big-hitting Cadiz-native will definitely relish the chance to go the distance at the tournament. With two titles to his name last year including a thrilling victory at the season-ending Dubai World Championship presented by DP World, the 29-year-old finished 2011 on a high, placing sixth on The Race to Dubai and will look to kick-start his 2012 campaign in Kuala Lumpur.
Admiral (R) Tan Sri Dato' Setia Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, President of the Malaysian Golf Association added, “The confirmation of these world-class players is a timely boost for the growth of golf in the country and I would like to urge all golfing enthusiasts especially the younger players to come and savour the live action at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club from April 12-15. It is a golden opportunity to witness the likes of Martin Kaymer, Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen and Alvaro Quiros battle it out for the top honors and support our 22-strong domestic line-up, who will go all out to claim the Seagram Trophy for the first time”.
“Over the years, the Maybank Malaysian Open has cemented its status as one of the region's most prestigious national Opens and the 2012 edition is building up to be just as successful as the previous editions," said John Eu, Chief Executive Officer of GlobalOne. “It is great to see the number of high calibre of players that we have confirmed to date and we still have a few more announcements coming up so stay tuned.”
A star-studded field is expected at this year’s Maybank Malaysian Open, with the Malaysian professionals competing with some of the world’s best players for the championship title. With a prize purse of US$ 2.5 million up on offer, spectators can expect an exciting tournament this April
