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Kapur shifts focus to Malaysia

India's Shiv Kapur is feeling wiser by a year and eager to land a big win after an impressive campaign at the Johnnie Walker Classic which shot him to third place of the Asian Tour UBS Order of Merit.

Kapur finished tied 12th at The Vines Resort and Country Club with a 12-under-par total and earned US$35,336, which was a nice birthday gift after turning 24 on Sunday.

His solid performance, which impressed the likes of Fred Couples and Robert Allenby, saw him surge into third position in the UBS Order of Merit with a season haul of US$65,431.

Australia's Andrew Buckle, tied 15th in Perth at the weekend, leapfrogged to fourth place with US$58,355, while Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng in fifth on US$54,589.

It was a memorable week for Kapur, who enjoyed the opportunity of playing alongside great names like Fred Couples, Craig Parry and Robert Allenby. But he has now immediately switched his focus on the next four events coming up in Asia, beginning with the Maybank Malaysian Open starting from February 16-19.

"I'm pretty satisfied with four decent rounds, to shoot under par on four days on a course like this, especially in the final when the wind was blowing," said Kapur, who carded rounds of 68, 71, 67, 70 and 72.

"I had another week where I wasn't really happy with my putting and if I had putted a bit better, it could have been a different story. I'm not ashamed to be 12-under."

Former Masters winner Couples was impressed with Kapur's ability, saying the Indian reminded him of Ryder Cup star Justin Leonard. He predicted that Kapur has the game to qualify for the US PGA Tour, an opinion shared by Allenby, one of Australia's greats.

"Shiv's a very good golfer, especially with the fact that he still very young," said Allenby. "He's got a solid game, keeps the ball in play and is a good putter. He's long enough to play on the US PGA Tour and it's just a matter of whether he wants to play his way there. I'm pretty impressed with him," said Allenby.

Kapur has grown in stature over the past 12 months, first winning the Volvo Masters of Asia last December to cap an outstanding rookie season which included five other top-10s. He says he is still very much on the learning curve but hopes to reach the pinnacle again soon.

"I've learned a lot. Playing with Allenby who shot 66 in the last round in Perth was fantastic. He finished birdie, eagle and he kept fighting till the very end. They (the top players) have fantastic short games. There is so much to learn from them, the way they manage their games and the composure," said Kapur.

"I think I missed just one fairway all week in Perth and I'm feeling good with my putting. I just need a few more to drop and may be contend or win (in Malaysia)."

February 13, 2006