Asian nations challenge for World Cup slots

Many of the best Asian nations will be on parade at the Fortis International Challenge from September 27-30 as they bid for a ticket to take on the world.

Home team Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore are amongst the top contenders vying for four available spots at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club to compete in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China later this year.

The Asian Tour, organising the event on behalf of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is expecting over 20 non-exempt teams from Asia, Europe and Africa to head full speed to Kuala Lumpur in their bid to sparkle in the Fortis International Challenge.

Malaysia will be represented by a new combination this year. Airil Rizman, winner of the Pakistan Open on the Asian Tour in January, will represent the country for the first time as a professional where he will partner seasoned campaigner Iain Steel, who will be looking to be third time lucky in the qualifier.

The Philippines will be led by the swashbuckling Angelo Que while Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing, fresh from his maiden Major appearance at the British Open in Scotland, will be eager to qualify for his fourth World Cup appearance alongside the republic’s number one, Mardan Mamat.

Last year, Lam and Mardan clinched top spot in the qualifier in Kuala Lumpur and featured in the World Cup in Barbados. “I’ve played in the World Cup on three previous occasions and I’ve enjoyed it. Mardan and I have gelled well together and while we face a different kind of pressure in a team atmosphere, it is fun and we enjoy playing as a team.

“It is nice to represent Singapore as it’s not often that we get to play in a team event in Asia. I hope to do that in every year,” said Lam, who had also played in the World Cup in 2002 and 2005.

A return to the highly acclaim Kota Permai course is an exciting prospect for the 30-year-old Lam. “It’s a good course. You have to hit a lot of solid drives there which I enjoy. With the World Cup being held in China this year, it’ll be easier for us to travel to the event unlike previously when we’ve had to travel to far away places like Barbados and Argentina.”

Ultimately, he knows that the successful teams at the Fortis International Challenge will be given a great opportunity to flex their muscles against the top nations in the World Cup. Germany is the title holder.

“It’s a chance for Asian teams to gauge ourselves. I’ve played with Choi Kyung-ju of Korea and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington in previous World Cups, so it has been a good experience. It’s a great concept that the organisers pair the Asians with top teams,” said Lam.

Malaysia’s Airil conceded that it will be a new experience for him in what will be his maiden appearance in a team event since turning professional five years ago. The talented Malaysian has chalked up one victory and another top-10 on the Asian Tour this season and will be hoping sweeten his year with a World Cup appearance.

“It is really exciting as it will be my first time competing in the Fortis International Challenge. I’ve always wanted to play in the qualifier and now that I’ve got my chance, I hope to do my best.

“During my amateur days, I played in several team events but I have not done so since turning professional. I know there will be a lot of pressure to perform on home soil as we are carrying our national flag,” said Airil, who was Malaysia’s number one amateur player before joining the professional ranks.

Que is yearning to play in the World Cup after several botched attempts. The 29-year-old Filipino will be hoping for Lady Luck to be on his side after coming close in his first attempt in 2003 in Singapore.

“It is a great experience playing against the top players from each country. But at the same time it is nothing new to me as I have been involved in team events since I was an amateur. The format for the qualifier is interesting and exciting with fourball and foursomes being used,” said Que.

Like Lam, Que is also looking forward to a quick return to Kota Permai. “I’ve played there previously and it’s really nice. The last time we were there, my partner Gerald (Rosales) and I were very tired. We had played seven back-to-back tournaments prior to Kota Permai so we were quite exhausted.

“This time around, I will be more prepared for the challenge and hope to make it through. But the qualifier is not like a usual tournament because it depends on how well both players fair. I am determined to do my best and support my partner,” said Que.

Kota Permai Golf and Country Club, which is located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur in Shah Alam, boasts of a top-class course designed by Australian architect Ross Watson. The club has in the past successfully hosted the Volvo Masters of Asia, the season-ending event on the Asian Tour.

This year, Fortis has come forward in a big way to title sponsor the qualifying event for the World Cup. Fortis is a global financial services provider specialising in banking and insurance and rated 18 in the Global Fortune 500.

The Qualifier in Malaysia is open to Asian, European and African nations. Two-man teams will converge in Kuala Lumpur to chase the opportunity to challenge title holders Germany and some of the world's best players in China.

The format for the Qualifier is the same as the World Cup, with fourball golf played on the first and third days and foursomes (or alternate shot) played on the second and final days.

Like Asia, South America will also host a Qualifier. A total of 28 teams will tee up in Mission Hills Golf Club.

August 8, 2007

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