Liang increases Order of Merit lead

China’s Liang Wen-chong has stretched his lead on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit after notching his ninth top-10 of a stellar season over the weekend.

Liang shared eighth place in the inaugural Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational where his week’s winnings of US$8,242 raised his season’s haul to US$477,950. It saw him increase his advantage over second-ranked Anton Haig of South Africa to a little over US$50,000 with five events remaining this season.

The top-10 positions on the UBS Order of Merit did not change with Scott Hend of Australia lying in third place on US$346,026 while Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat, who was joint 10th in Jakarta, remains fourth on US$294,033. Scotsman Simon Yates is a further rung below with US$286,693.

With the Asian Tour moving to Singapore for this week’s US$4 million Barclays Singapore Open, Liang knows he needs to keep his foot firmly on the pedal to secure the prestigious UBS Order of Merit crown.

“I am very pleased with my position (last week). I had a good finish in Jakarta and the result has cemented my position at the top of the rankings. However, there are a few big events lined up and it could all change but this (last) week has been solid,” said Liang, who has registered one win at the Clariden Leu Singapore Masters this year.

Filipino rising star Juvic Pagunsan rose to 33rd place on the UBS Order of Merit with winnings of US$92,027 after securing his maiden victory, thanks to a glorious eagle on the 72nd hole.

With several other lucrative events lined up until December, Pagunsan, last season’s Rookie of the Year, will be looking to improve on his rankings and add to the silverware collection.

“This is a great result for me. It has not been a steady year but it all came together (in Jakarta). I was putting really well and that was my strong point. I hope this will spark a good run of form as I would like to shoot for more success in future events. I’ve been in contention before but to finally win is a whole new experience,” said Pagunsan.

Indian rookie Gaganjeet Bhullar was disappointed to finish second behind Pagunsan but he found some measure of consolation with his runner-up cheque of US$37,975 which pushed him up 60 places to 73rd on the UBS Order of Merit. His high finish also earned him a spot in this week’s Barclays Singapore Open at Sentosa Golf Club.

The top-60 players at the end of the season will qualify for the Volvo Masters of Asia in Bangkok and more importantly, secure their full playing rights for the 2008 season, a privilege which Bhullar is now eyeing.

“Although I did not win, this has definitely put me in a better position on the UBS Order of Merit. I would really like to earn my full playing rights for next season and this week has given me the inspiration to aim for a strong finish to the year. I had a great experience in Jakarta and will learn from it. My time will come,” said the 19-year-old, who won a silver medal at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.

UBS ORDER OF MERIT – TOP-20 (click here for the full Order of Merit):

Pos. Player Winnings (US$)

1. LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) 477,950
2. Anton HAIG (RSA) 427,685
3. Scott HEND (AUS) 346,026
4. Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 294,033
5. Simon YATES (SCO) 286,693
6. LU Wen-teh (TPE) 236,709
7. Gaurav GHEI (IND) 235,749
8. Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 223,623
9. KIM Kyung-tae (KOR) 222,047
10. Simon DYSON (ENG) 216,260
11. Iain STEEL (MAS) 202,643
12. Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 190,989
13. Scott BARR (AUS) 173,782
14. Frankie MINOZA (PHI) 165,622
15. LEE Sung (KOR) 163,882
16. BAE Sang-moon (KOR) 160,909
17. Adam BLYTH (AUS) 149,858
18. Jason KNUTZON (USA) 137,428
19. Scott STRANGE (AUS) 125,888
20. Unho PARK (AUS) 120,448

October 29, 2007

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