Manila: Malaysia's Nicholas Fung hopes his good form will lead him to a maiden Asian Tour win when he challenges for the Resorts World Manila Masters that is set to tee off next week.
The 26-year-old Fung has enjoyed three top-10s on the Asian Tour this season and knows a victory is around the corner if he plays true to form at the highly-acclaimed Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.
Fung will return to the site where he enjoyed a tied-fifth result in the inaugural edition in 2013 and an eighth-place finish in 2014. He took the opening round lead last year but succumbed to pressure en route to a tied-32nd place finish.
“The game’s feeling good. I am very happy to be heading back to the Philippines for the Resorts World Manila Masters. I am looking forward to it. It is one of my favourite golf courses. I like the layout.
“I have had great memories there as well. I managed to keep my Tour card twice thanks to commendable results on that course,” said the bespectacled Fung, ranked 25th on the current Order of Merit.
With his Tour card saved for the next season, Fung is now fully focused on his breakthrough on the region’s premier Tour. He believes his mental game needs to improve as that affects his putting which will be the key to winning.
“I think my game is there. I just need to improve on my putting and my mental game. I am not putting badly but I realised I cannot make putts when I am tensed up. I need to learn to relax and not think too much when I am in contention,” added the Sabahan, who was crowned the Asian Development Tour Order of Merit champion in 2013.
Fung will be joined by Chinese Taipei’s Chan Shih-chang, a two-time winner this season, Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert, as well as the Indian duo of S.S.P. Chawrasia and Gaganjeet Bhullar at the US$1 million full-field Asian Tour event.
Miguel Tabuena, ranked sixth on the Merit list, will spearhead the local charge alongside Antonio Lascuna, Frankie Minoza and Juvic Pagunsan. They will all take aim at becoming the first Filipino to win the prestigious event.
Other notable players in the field include Singaporean veteran Mardan Mamat, who won the event in 2014, Thailand’s Prom Meesawat and Thitiphun Chuayprakong, as well as Lu Wei-chih and Lin Wen-tang of Chinese Taipei.
The Resorts World Manila Masters will celebrate its fourth edition as the richest golf tournament in the Philippines from November 10 to 13.
Resorts World Manila Masters partners include Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, Marriott (Official Hotel Partner) and supported by Aristocrat, IGT, Konami, Scientific Games, Empire Automation, LJ Industries, Levelwear, RGB LTD, PLDT Alpha, Dalmore, AVIS, Srixon and Bloomberg.
