Wang will return to defend Brunei title

Wang Ter-chang of Chinese Taipei will return for his title defence of the Brunei Open from August 30 to September 2 against a formidable field that includes many of this season’s Asian Tour champions.

The evergreen Wang, who turned 45 on August 9, will head to the Northern tip of Borneo in search of his fifth career victory at the imperious Empire Hotel and Country Club.

The US$300,000 Brunei Open is celebrating its third edition this year and will also welcome back its inaugural champion Terry Pilkadaris of Australia.

Other Asian Tour stars who have entered for the Brunei challenge include Filipino veteran Frankie Minoza, winner of this season’s Philippine Open, in-form Indian Gaurav Ghei, currently seventh on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit, and Malaysia’s Airil Rizman Zahari who lifted the season-opening Pakistan Open in January.

Brunei Tourism Director Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed was delighted with the line-up of Asian tour stars heading for the Brunei Open and predicted that it could be the most exciting affair yet.

“The Brunei Open has grown in stature and it has become one of the most eagerly awaited tournaments on the Asian Tour Schedule. We are delighted that our champion, Wang Ter-chang will defend his title against what looks like a high quality field.

“With an outstanding venue in Empire Hotel and Country Club, I am truly confident that this year’s Brunei Open will be a truly memorable experience for golf fans and television viewers.”

Wang, who turned professional in 1985, is living up to the adage that golfing life truly begins after 40 after securing two wins in as many seasons. Before his Brunei victory, the self-taught veteran also triumphed in the Macau Open in 2005, to go with two previous titles registered during the late 1990s.

“I was very happy to win the Brunei Open last year. I got lucky on a few occasions during the final round but it worked out in my favour,” said Wang, who edged out Australian David Gleeson in a play-off.

With his career now spanning over two decades, Wang attributed his longevity in the game now dominated by youngsters and power-hitters to frequent visits to the hot springs in Taipei.

“I like going to the hot springs. I do that about two to three times a week whenever I'm home, for about 90 minutes each time,” he said. “It helps remove the body toxins and you always feel refreshed after a session there. The warmth is good for the body.”

Pilkadaris contended in his defence last season but faded in the final round with a 76 to settle for 14th place. With his wife Monique caddying regularly, Pilkidaris, who made his Major debut at the British Open last month, will be eager to secure a second Brunei Open title at a venue which he clearly enjoys playing on.

With three top-10 finishes so far to go with his stylish victory at the inaugural Pine Valley Beijing Open, Ghei will arrive at Empire Hotel and Country Club as amongst the favourites.

He ended an agonizing 11-year drought last season at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters before pulling off a third career victory in Beijing in April, which prompted him to say that he was playing some of his best golf of his career.

“I've worked hard at my game and sometimes things fall into place and you get into a rhythm,” said Ghei.

Hours put in with coach Claude Harmon has also produced the desired results and made him realise that there is no perfect golf swing. “The biggest help that I've got working with him is that earlier, if I had a bad run, I would try to change things in my swing or try to find something new,” said Ghei.

“I have realised that you can never have a perfect golf swing and you will never perfect this game. You just try to work on what you have.”

Airil will be looking to repeat his Pakistan success in what is turning out to be a breakthrough year. After nearly quitting the professional trail, the Malaysian star is looking forward to the rest of the year.

“It’s been good. Previously, I used to call the Asian Tour office looking for tournaments to play in but now, I can pick and choose my events,” said Airil.

August 15, 2007

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