Rookies going for glory at Volvo Masters

Asia's young guns shoot for glory at this week's Volvo Masters of Asia, the region's grand finale which in the past has produced talented rookie champions.

Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines, Korea's Park Jun-won and India's S.S.P. Chowrasia are amongst the new breed of rising stars who have emerged on the Asian Tour this season and they will be hoping to emulate previous winners, Korea's Kevin Na and Shiv Kapur of India, at the spectacular Thai Country Club.

Na triumphed in the inaugural Volvo Masters of Asia in 2002 in Malaysia and has gone on to play on the US PGA Tour while Kapur has firmly established himself as one of the region's top talents, earning his European Tour card for 2007. The victories sparked both players to lift the Asian Tour's Rookie of the Year award as well.

All eyes will be on Pagunsan, presently ranked seventh on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit. The Filipino has come of age in his debut season where a second-place finish at the co-sanctioned UBS Hong Kong Open last month has given him the impetus to go for victory here.

"It's been a great year. I've managed to focus on my own game and to finish in the top-60 of the Order of Merit is mission accomplished," said Pagunsan, 28. "I didn't want to have to go back to Qualifying School and playing well also gets me into the bigger events next year, which is a big thing for me.

"I'm proud to have qualified for the Volvo Masters of Asia as it's restricted to the top-60 players on Tour. I think a win is coming. But I know that you can't push it. You just have to let it happen and I will play to my own game. It's getting closer, I think."

Thailand has been a good hunting ground for the former amateur star, who lifted the Thai Amateur title last year. "It's my first time to Thai Country Club but I've won here before. It'll be nice if I can challenge for the title this week," said Pagunsan.

The 20-year-old Park says Na's previous success in Asia is a source of inspiration. "I don't know Kevin personally but he's a big player along with KJ Choi in the US," said Park, runner-up at the Philippine Open. "I'm happy to see them succeed and it gives me hope that I can do it as well."

When the slightly built Korean first step foot on to the Asian Tour after earning his card from Qualifying School in January, he said he didn't know what to expect. "I came with zero expectations but that's been the key. I've gained some experience along the way and it's helped build my confidence.

"I don't feel like I belong on the Asian Tour just yet. I just feel blessed that I've had the opportunity to play in so many tournaments. Hopefully I can continue to play well," said the 37th-ranked Park.

Chowrasia, who grew up at Royal Calcutta Golf Club where his father was the greenskeeper, is dreaming of becoming the third successive Indian winner in the Volvo Masters of Asia. Jyoti Randhawa triumphed in 2004 before Kapur tasted victory last year.

"I'm looking forward to this week, I hope to play well. My game feels okay. I drove the ball poorly in Hong Kong (where he missed the cut) but I've put in a lot of practice."

The ever-smiling Indian made nine cuts in a row and was poised for a winning breakthrough at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters in September. He had led at the halfway stage but was later disqualified when officials discovered that he had not signed his scorecard.

"Now, I sign my scorecard before checking my scores," he said with a smile.

But Chowrasia bounced back in style after his Taipei debacle and even had a putt to win the Hero Honda Indian Open a few weeks later but was forced to settle for the runner-up place after losing to compatriot Randhawa in a play-off.

"My performances have been very good this season. I lost in play off but I was happy. I'm looking forward to 2007, I'll be looking for a win next year. I think I've improved. The standard is high on the Asian Tour but I've practised hard to keep up."

December 11, 2006

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