Que primed for title defence

Defending champion Angelo Que of the Philippines has renewed hopes of a tournament win as he headlines the US$200,000 Carlsberg Masters 2005 Vietnam presented by Thai Airways International starting on Thursday.

The 27-year-old Que, who clinched his first Asian Tour title in last year’s inaugural event, has endured a lackluster past few months but feels he is finding form at the right time at Chi Linh Star Golf and Country Club.

“It was a good practice round for me today as I was able to find my groove. I struggled with my form after the Double A International Open in Thailand a few weeks ago but I'm feeling confident now,” said Que.

“I am relieved because it was a different scenario yesterday where I was unable to strike the ball well. I'm looking forward to this week."

Twelve months ago, Que produced a stunning victory when he outclassed Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee and former US Open champion Corey Pavin for the title, but despite the absence of Thongchai this year, Que will be faced with new challenges.

“The biggest factor for me is the wind. It was only windy on the final day last year but this year it is extremely windy throughout the day. The rough is also much thicker than last year,” said Que.

With four more events before the curtain comes down on the 2005 Asian Tour season, it is looking promising for Order of Merit leader, Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand. He will be looking for a fourth title of the year in Hanoi and has already built a US$65,800 lead over second placed Thongchai, who is competing in the US PGA Tour Qualifying School this week.

“Even without the presence of Thongchai, the event is going to be very tight as they are many good golfers competing. If I do win here, I am still not assured of clinching the Order of Merit title because there are still several big money events after this week,” said Thaworn, who finished eighth at last week's HSBC Champions tournament in China.

It will be an eye opening experience for Vietnam’s Huynh Van Son as he prepares for the biggest event of his golfing career. As part of the efforts to develop golf in Vietnam, seven amateurs have been invited to play in the Carlsberg Masters 2005 Vietnam.

“In any tournament, I will try my best to finish strongly and this is no different. Of course the quality of the field is very much higher here but I hope to improve my game while I am out there with the professionals,” said Huynh.

Other top names competing in the second edition of the Carlsberg Masters 2005 Vietnam include this season's winners Richard Lee of New Zealand, Scott Strange and Adam Le Vesconte, both from Australia.

Filipino veteran Frankie Minoza will also be in action in Hanoi and can be expected to challenge his younger compatriot for the title.

November 16, 2005

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