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Stellar line-up for Maybank Malaysian Open

The 47th edition of the US$2 million Maybank Malaysian Open is set to host a stellar line-up of stars at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club from March 6 to 9.

Europe’s Ryder Cup stars Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland and England’s David Howell, two players who have outdueled Tiger Woods, have confirmed their participation alongside Asian Tour stars Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and India’s Jeev Milkha Singh.

Rising stars, teen prodigy Rory McIlroy and Charls Schwartzel, who have both dazzled the golfing fraternity with their many achievements, will also feature in Malaysia.

Title sponsor Maybank’s Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Datuk Johar Che Mat said: "The Maybank Malaysian Open continues to attract leading marquee players who are among the world’s best professional golfers.

"We're excited with the participation of the star players like Darren Clarke, David Howell, Jeev Milkha Singh, Thongchai Jaidee, Rory McIlroy and Charls Schwartzel, all of whom will draw the crowds to the Open next month."

Datuk Johar added: "Hopefully the participation of the quality of players that this event is attracting will one day produce a Malaysian golf champion in the near future".

Clarke heads the list as both a local crowd favorite and front runner to win Malaysia’s most prestigious golf event. Back from a difficult 2007 which saw him slip down the rankings, Clarke is set to find his form with a busy schedule in 2008 as he bids for a fifth successive Ryder Cup appearance.

"I really enjoyed playing in the Maybank Malaysian Open last year and I am looking forward to returning. With my game coming together this year, I definitely hope to be in the running to take the title," said Clarke.

Englishman Howell joins his fellow Ryder Cup teammate in pursuit for a win in the Maybank Malaysian Open. Howell enjoyed a steady climb to the top of his profession and peaked in 2005 when he outplayed world number one Woods on the final day to win the HSBC Champions Tournament in Shanghai.

In 2006, he captured the BMW Championship, making him the first English winner of the championship since Nick Faldo’s record breaking fourth title in 1989.

After an injury marred 2007, Howell is looking forward to regain his form. "I have been working hard to get back to my best form and I hope my new swing and improved fitness will help me. I am looking forward to playing in Malaysia – the climate is great and the people are very hospitable," said Howell.

Spearheading the Asian Tour field will be two-time Malaysian Open champion Thongchai and Singh, Asia’s number one in 2006. Thongchai, a two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, almost became the first player to win three-in-a-row at the 2006 edition when he finished second behind Korea’s Charlie Wi. After a disappointment outing last year where he missed the cut, the Thai will be looking to reestablish himself in Malaysia.

Singh enjoyed a stellar 2006 season where he won four times around the world and claimed the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit title. "I have always felt at home playing in Asia. In the past few years, I have supported the Maybank Malaysian Open and I’m looking forward to returning," said Singh.

Adding to the star appeal are up-and-coming star McIlroy and Schwartzel. Both youngsters have enjoyed tremendous successes which have propelled them to stardom at a young age. Schwartzel became the second youngest player to secure a European Tour card through qualifying school when he was 18 years old. By the age of 23, the South African celebrated three professional tour victories and currently sits inside the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking.

McIlroy turned professional in 2007. At the age of two, he recorded a 40 yard drive and struck a hole in one at the age of nine. At 16 years, McIlroy played his first professional European Tour event and in 2007, became the second player to top the World Amateur Rankings in 2007.

"I am looking forward to my debut at the Maybank Malaysian Open, and I hope to get my first professional win under my belt soon and break into the world’s top 100 so I will be giving my all in this tournament," said McIlroy.

Malaysian Golf Association President Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Abdul Majid Iskandar said: "The depth of the field in recent years just goes to show how the Maybank Malaysian Open continues to mature not just as the premier event in Malaysia but as an international event of the highest caliber.

"This year’s Maybank Malaysian Open is building up to be a feast of top-quality golf and intense competition and other players will be announced very shortly."

The Maybank Malaysian Open has been a major fixture on the Asian and European Tours since 1999 when it became the first National Open in Asia to be granted co-sanctioned status. Past champions include three-time Major winner Vijay Singh of Fiji and US-based Indian star Arjun Atwal.

February 5, 2008