RELATED STORIES Singha Thailand PGA Ch. home page Prayad takes Misubishi Diamond Cup Thaworn claims record tenth victory Singha Thailand PGA to debut in June 2008 Asian Tour schedule and results MORE ASIAN GOLF NEWS Han Will Speak At IHT Sports Summit Volvik Agree With Asian Tour Over Sponsorship Memories Inspire Rai In Singapore Break Gives Mamat Route To Success Singapore Classic Welcomes Kia Motors PGA Malaysia Moves To OneAsia CCM Extends Sponsorship Of Impian Masters Faldo To Play In Pro-Am In Cambodia

In-form Prayad eyes Singha Thailand PGA

Thai star Prayad Marksaeng will be shooting for glory at the Singha Thailand PGA Championship presented by Sports Authority of Thailand from June 26-29.

The in-form Prayad, who has won once and finished joint third in his last two tournaments, is looking forward to a return to the Santiburi Country Club Chiang Rai as he has won previously at the top-class venue.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Prayad was unveiled as the top draw for the new Asian Tour tournament which will also include compatriot Thaworn Wiratchant, who claimed a record 10th victory at the Bangkok Airways Open last week, and Prom Meesawat.

“I am fresh and really eager to play in Chiang Rai, especially at Santiburi Country Club. I really like this course. I putted well when I won the Singha Masters in April (on the domestic circuit) and I hope to play well again this time,” said Prayad.

“I would like to come back and play this event for my sponsor Singha and I hope to win it.”

Thaworn, Asia’s number one in 2005, will be looking for an unprecedented 11th victory in the region when he lines up against the best players from Asia. And judging by his return to form where he coasted to a three-stroke triumph last weekend, the veteran could well make more golf history.

“I hope I can win again. Even though the course doesn't suit me because it is long, I will try very hard to win again in Thailand,” said Thaworn.

Like Prayad, the burly Prom knows the Santiburi course well as he has won on the venue previously. “I really like this course and I have won on this course as well when I was an amateur. I hope to get my form back as I’ve been struggling with my putting after the Pine Valley Beijing Open,” he said.

The press conference was attended by Singha Corporation Sports Promotion manager Suang Chantra-urai, Governor of Sports Authority of Thailand Kanokphand Chulakasem, Secretary General of Thailand PGA Torphong Chaiyasan, SMG’s vice president Panus Hiransirisombat and Asian Tour officials Wanchai Meechai and tournament director Jittisak Tamprasert.

Suang said: “Singha Corporation is proud to stage this event together with The Sports Authority of Thailand and Thailand PGA. This is a big event which Singha is happy to support towards the development of golf in Asia. We have supported players and other golf events for many years and hope that this event will help Asian Tour and Thai players.

“We would like to thank our top Thai players who will come back to support the event later this month. The tournament will be interesting.”

Kanokphand said: "This sporting event will be a platform for Thai golfers to improve their skills and develop their potential to the fullest, comparable with the international stars. It can evoke interest of Thai people in golf as well."

Torphong said: "The Thailand PGA is grateful to all the sponsors especially to the Sports Authority of Thailand and Singha Corporation, Santiburi Country Club Chiang Rai who have contributed greatly to this tournament."

The Singha Thailand PGA Championship presented by Sports Authority of Thailand is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Thailand PGA.

June 12, 2008