Manila: Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena hailed the inaugural ICTSI Riviera Classic as another significant boost to the Asian Development Tour (ADT) as it will continue to shape the development of the game in the region.

The 19-year-old will tee up alongside many of the region’s promising talents at the newest US$60,000 ADT event that will be held at the Riviera Golf and Country Club from May 28 to 31.

“It’s always good to see new tournaments coming up in the Philippines as it gives players like us more opportunities to play and compete at the highest level. It has been some time since I last played at the Riviera course but I’m definitely looking forward to going back there again next week,” said Tabuena.

The young Filipino lost his Asian Tour card after finishing outside the top-60 on the Order of Merit last season. He is eyeing a quick return to the region’s premier Tour by seizing whatever playing opportunities he has.

“My current game is great and I’m certainly looking to finish inside the top-60 on the Asian Tour this season. I’ve been playing a lot lately, event after event every week. I’m taking a good rest at home before the tournament starts next week,” said Tabuena, who first broke onto the scene as a 16-year-old amateur at Qualifying School.

Meanwhile Thailand’s Sattaya Supuramai believes memories of his maiden ADT win in the Philippines last year will spur him to do well as he returns to the country to compete at the ICTSI Riviera Classic.

“I’m looking forward to return to the Philippines next week. That was where I won my first ADT title and I’ve got fond memories of the country,” said Sattaya.

The Thai, who is currently fifth on the ADT Order of Merit, is confident that together with his new coach, he can challenge for more honours.

“I think my game is better than last year. I am hitting the ball better after I engaged a new coach, Boy, about two months ago. I’m feeling more comfortable about my swing now.

I will try to play as many tournaments as I can as I think that’s the best way to practice and hone my game. The ADT is a good platform for players like us to work on my game and it provides playing opportunities for upcoming players as well,” said Sattaya.

The ICTSI Riviera Classic will welcome aspiring professionals from over 17 countries and features the likes of ADT winners including American Brett Munson, Japan’s Masaru Takahashi, England’s Grant Jackson and Scotland’s James Byrne.

The ADT, which was launched in 2010 with five tournaments before growing to eight in 2011, 13 in 2012 and a record 16 in the 2013 season, has established itself as a gateway to the Asian Tour.