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Aussie pair looking to go one better in Brunei

Australian duo Adam Le Vesconte and David Gleeson will be looking for redemption when they compete in the Brunei Open next week.

Gleeson and Vesconte have finished runner-up in the popular Asian Tour event over the past two years and both are determined to improve by one rung at the renowned Jack-Nicklaus-designed course from August 21 to 24.

They will join a strong Asian Tour line-up for the US$300,000 event who include Chinese Taipei veterans Wang Ter-chang and Lu Wen-teh, defending champion Lin Wen-tang, former Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, Filipino Angelo Que and Korean young gun Noh Seung-yul.

Gleeson has been pleased with his recent form where he produced a third place finish at the Singha Thailand PGA Championship in June. The former Volvo China Open champion said his decision to stop tinkering with his equipment has helped turn his fortunes around.

“I’m traveling with 14 golf clubs now instead of the usual 20. That’s been the key to my change in form recently. I’ve just found a set of clubs which I’m really happy with now. I’m driving it great and it’s taken so much pressure away at the par five holes. Before, I was just relying on my iron play,” said Gleeson.

He is looking forward to a return to Empire Hotel where he lost to Wang in a play-off in 2006. “There is a good mixture of holes. You can play aggressively or conservatively and end up with the same score. Not many courses are like that. A long hitter can dominate and a straight hitter with precision can also do well,” said Gleeson.

Last year, the Taipei-based Gleeson enjoyed a solid campaign on the Asian Tour when he sealed his card by finishing in the top-60 of the Order of Merit following three top-10s. He also enjoyed a maiden major appearance at the British Open in Carnoustie where his parents came out to support his campaign.

With his parents bound for Brunei next week, Gleeson will be hoping to enjoy a winning run at the Brunei Open. “My parents will come and see me play, much like how they used to during my amateur days. So it’s going to be fun and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” added the 30-year-old Australian.

Compatriot Vesconte, the 2005 Philippine Open champion, has scaled down his schedule but is looking forward to a return to the Brunei Open.

Last year, he led into the final round but was overhauled by a fast-charging Lin. With a proven track record of two top-10 finishes in the 2005 and 2007 editions at the Empire course, the Queensland-based player will be determined to rejuvenate his fading form next week.

“I’ve not been playing too well but I hope to get back my rhythm in Brunei. I’ve finished runner-up last year so I’m targeting to go one better next week. The course suits a lot of players and I believe accurate shots will be the difference.

“I’ll be competing in just a few events this season because I do not have full playing rights but I will strive to produce a couple of good results this year starting with the Brunei Open.

“It’s a very relaxed atmosphere when you’re playing at the Empire course and I enjoy it. I aim to use that to my advantage and change my slow spell this year,” said Vesconte.

August 12, 2008