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Ben Leong wins Q-school by three

Malaysia’s Ben Leong fired a one-under-par 70 for a three stroke triumph in the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage at the Pattana Golf and Sports Resort on Saturday.

Leong, the 2003 and 2005 Putra Cup winner, carded two birdies against a lone bogey for a 12-under-par 273 total as he is joined by 43 other players who have booked their full playing rights for next season.

“This is definitely the highlight of the year for me, I’m so happy,” said a jubilant Leong who had the help of his father N.C Leong as his caddie.

“I never expected to finish on top but this is mainly thanks to my dad who has been guiding well throughout the four days here.

“As soon as the last putt went in, I said to myself that all my hard work this year had finally paid off. I focused a lot on my short game, even when I was in Doha, and today it worked out almost perfectly,” said Leong, who finished in the top-10 at the Asian Games on Monday.

Swiss talent Martin Rominger who shot a 69 finished in second spot alongside Australia’s Scott Hend who scored a similar score.

Tatsuhiko Ichihara, who won his maiden title on the Japan Golf Tour last month, is eager to tee off the 2007 season in Asia as he finished in tied fifth place five strokes off the pace.

“I wasn’t putting well today but I am indeed happy to get my card as now I get to play a full season in Asia,” said Ichihara.

“I would like to focus my game in Asia because the people here are friendly, the food is great and I would like to achieve success in the region. I made some friends here and I’m happy to face off with them in the near future,” he added.

Las Vegas-born Eddie Heinen, who played on the Canadian Tour in 2004, was in sheer delight when he holed his final birdie of the day on the 17th hole for a 282 total.

“I chipped in at the 17th hole and was overwhelmed by emotions when the ball went in for a birdie because I knew that I was going to make it,” said Heinen, who scored a 70 and finished in joint 14th place.

“This is my second attempt at the Qualifying School and I think it’s the right move for me to shift my focus in Asia. What better way to see the world while playing the sport you love against a good pool of players,” he added.

December 17, 2006