RELATED STORIES Singh hopes to shine at Fanling despite injury Asians aim to end European monopoly at Fanling Jimenez aiming to reclaim HK crown Local hopefuls play for slots in HK Open Asian hopes high ahead of UBS Hong Kong Open More European stars confirmed for Fanling Goosen and Campbell on a high for Hong Kong Choi joins stars to shine at Fanling Monty & Major winners fired up for Fanling ASIAN GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Ben Leong claims maiden victory PGA: Jeev and Wi tie for ninth Prom targets Thai win in Brunei Shin Ji-yai takes Women's British Open Asian Tour starts 2nd half on a high Norman to play 2009 Johnnie Walker Mission Hills to host AP Summit GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Darren Clarke boosts Ryder Cup chances with win Cristie Kerr snatches title with closing 65 Late birdies seal win for Tom Kite Kenny Perry fit again after eye infection Justin Rose looks to cement Ryder Cup place Tiger Woods won't swing a club till 2009

Prom hoping to close in on Singh in Fanling

Thai young gun Prom Meesawat will have to shift to top gear at the UBS Hong Kong Open if he hopes to catch India’s Jeev Milkha Singh in the race for the UBS Order of Merit crown.

Prom, who enjoyed his maiden triumph at the SK Telecom Open in May, has achieved a total of US$351,871 this season as he is placed second on the Order of Merit ranking.

With US$118,237 separating him from leader Singh, Prom realises that it will be an uphill task as he aims to close the gap at the Hong Kong Golf Club this week. Prom has to not only bounce back after a disappointing run last week when he finished 65th , but he is chasing a talent who is playing some of the golf in his career.

“I have to play really well this week to catch him (Singh). Jeev is in top form now and is looking good,” Prom said.

“I hope my putting will improve this week. In the first round last week, I was driving well but the rest of the times, I couldn’t make the putts. After the first three holes last week, I already felt like my swing was not very good.

“I am not tired heading into this event and I’m feeling good. My driving has been improving and my putting has also been good today so I hope for a strong outing.

“At this course, you cannot afford to make any mistakes here. The greens are firm and even the par three holes here are quite challenging.

“I will be hoping to close the gap and if I finish well, I will have a good chance at the Volvo Masters of Asia. I need to finish in the top three or top five finish here to keep my hopes alive before the Volvo Masters of Asia.

“But I am happy with my overall performance this season. I am pleased to be where I am, ranked number two on the Order of Merit. I had also won my first ever title on the Asian Tour this year, so it has been good,” he added.

With US$2 million in total prize money this week, Singh could seal his UBS Order of Merit title if he finishes among the frontrunners. He is riding on superb form after winning the Volvo Masters in Spain earlier in the month and had previously ended his seven-year winless run at the Volvo China Open in April.

With the presence of Asia’s and Europe’s top players on course at Fanling chasing for the top prize of US$333,330, Prom and Singh will have a tough task ahead of them as they fight for the number one spot.

November 15, 2006