Crans Montana, Switzerland: Players from the Asian Tour continued to be smitten by the Omega European Masters even as they narrowed the playing standards between the two continents at one of the most iconic events on the region’s premier Tour.

The Omega European Masters is the only tournament on European soil to be jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour since 2009 and has always been a key highlight for the best players from the Asian Tour.

The stunning views and hospitality at the majestic Swiss mountain resort in Crans Montana may have come to define the Omega European Masters, but it is also the performances of players from the Asian Tour in recent years that have caught the attention of many including Yves Mittaz, Tournament Director of the Omega European Masters.

“This year, more than 10 out of 30 players from the Asian Tour made the cut. It’s definitely a sign that the playing standards of Asian players are improving,” said Mittaz.

While no Asian players have yet to win the Omega European Masters, Mittaz believes it will not be long before the Swiss showpiece welcomes an Asian winner.

“It’s good to see Asian players making progress and as the Omega European Master continues to remain a co-sanctioned event with the European Tour, hopefully we’ll see one of them win here one day,” added Mittaz.

Philippines’ Angelo Que, who enjoyed his best finish of tied-seventh in 2009, summed up Mittaz’s assessment aptly after he ended his Swiss campaign with rounds of 70,70, 68 and 69 this week.

“A lot of our guys are right up there because we’re getting used to the course, the altitude, the weather and I think it goes to show that if you put us anywhere, we can pretty much do anything,” said Que.

“This golf course has some of the most amazing views in the world and with the kind hospitality shown by the organisers, it’s hard not to fall in love with this event,” added the Filipino.