Q-school winner Leong goes for maiden win in Karachi

Malaysia’s Ben Leong will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of defending champion Chris Rodgers as he aims for a maiden win at the Pakistan Open which starts on Thursday.

Leong had a dream launch to his career as a pro when he won the Asian Tour Qualifying School last month. Turning pro straight after his outing at the Asian Games in Doha last December, Leong then leaped to the top of the leaderboard where he enjoyed a three stroke triumph in Pattaya. Hoping to continue his winning performance, Leong is looking forward to the challenges at the Karachi Golf Club.

“After Q-School, I took it easy for a week but got back to the grind after that. My fitness and putting was quite rusty but I managed to get it back together again,” said Leong.

“It’s my first time in Pakistan and I’m looking forward to playing golf here as I’ve not played competitive golf the past month, so I’m very excited to start my pro career,” he added.

Leong has drawn inspiration from Rodgers’ double success last year when the Englishman, who finished 25th on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit last season, won the Qualifying School before clinching his maiden title at the 2006 Pakistan Open.

“Chris’ feat has definitely inspired me and made me believe that I too could win it and hopefully I have what it takes to deliver a winning result,” said Leong.

“My dad (N.C Leong) will be with me almost throughout the entire season this year as he has been very supportive towards me. His presence here makes a difference and I feel confident as he knows my game really well,” admitted Leong.

India’s Amandeep Johl will also be in search of his elusive first win on the Asian Tour. Finishing joint second last year, Johl is hoping to notch one better in this edition at Karachi.

“I’ve made some good changes to my swing. Obviously you need to get a bit lucky to win a tournament but on my part, I’m pretty much right there. I am feeling quite confident,” said Johl.

“I’ve got a few things up my sleeve but I’ll let my clubs do the talking.

“With the Asian Tour growing, you are bound to find good players coming here. With the increase in prize money and the increase in the quality of the game in Asia, we are definitely going to see more and more talented youngsters here such as Ben Leong,” he added.

Mohammad Munir will lead the Pakistan charge as he is fired up to impress in front of the local fans.

“My aim is to win. I have been here for the past six days getting the feel of the course. The greens are to my liking and with that extra bit of luck, I think I can make it this time, but nothing is definite,” said Munir.

Munir will be flanked by other top local players that include Muhammad Shabbir Iqbal, Imdad Hussain, and Mohammad Siddique. The other Asian Tour stalwarts that will be on course are Australia’s Brad Kennedy, American Anthony Kang, who was last year’s Birdie Leader winner, and India’s Gaurav Ghei.

The Pakistan Open is the opening event of the 2007 season which will stage no fewer than 29 events with a total prize money of over US$26 million.

January 17, 2007