Taipei: Asian Tour players were united in their support for Chinese Taipei’s Lu Wei-chih, who would not be returning to defend his title at this year’s Yeangder Tournament Players Championship as he recovers from a brain tumor surgery.

A three-time Asian Tour winner, Lu was the only player to win twice last season which included his victory at the Yeangder TPC.

The 33-year-old felt something was amiss when his memory started fading.

It was not until a check-up that later revealed he was suffering from a brain tumour known as Craniopharyngioma.

Upon the doctor’s advice, Lu decided to undergo an operation in August to remove the tumour which measured 4.4cm.

Lu, who is recuperating at home, remains sanguine and was relieved that the operation was a success.

“Such is life and there are certain things in life which you cannot control. I just feel very bad to let my wife worry so much about me,” said Lu.

While Lu is not scheduled to make his return to the Tour anytime soon as he has applied for medical leave, his peers on the Asian Tour are unequivocal in seeing Lu make his comeback.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, who has played alongside Lu on several occasions, wished him well and looks forward to his return on the Asian Tour.

“Lu’s a great friend of mine and it’s sad that he has to go through something like this. I hope to have him back on Tour again very soon and compete against him as he’s a very good player,” said Bhullar.

Korean-American rookie David Lipsky was also among the many players who penned their support and well wishes for Lu before the Yeangder TPC gets underway at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club on Thurday.

“I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him play on Tour again,” said Lipsky.