UBS HONG KONG OPEN RELATED STORIES UBS Hong Kong Open Preview Round 1: Randhawa and Lara tied for lead Round 1: Singh protects Order of Merit position Round 2: Lara leads as Zhang fires 63 for third Round 2: Randhawa and Singh battle for OoM Round 3: Pagunsan leads Asian challenge to Lara Round 3: Pagunsan, Thongchai boost OoM chances Round 4: Lara wins maiden title at UBS HK Open Round 4: Singh wins Asian Tour Order of Merit Final Scores & Prize Money Monty intent on defending HK title Prom hoping to close in on Singh in Fanling Singh hopes to shine at Fanling despite injury Asians aim to end European monopoly at Fanling Jimenez aiming to reclaim HK crown Local hopefuls play for slots in HK Open Asian hopes high ahead of UBS Hong Kong Open More European stars confirmed for Fanling Goosen and Campbell on a high for Hong Kong Choi joins stars to shine at Fanling Monty & Major winners fired up for Fanling More about the Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling ASIAN GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Bae clinches home win Tanihara takes Panasonic title Su Dong's lead cut to two Hole-in-One Jeev shares the lead Korea, Philippines, Italy for World Cup Lu wins record 4th Taiwan Masters Aussie PGA rethinks 'One Asia' GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Karlsson wins in a playoff Paula Creamer wins 4th title of 2008 Late birdies seal win for Dustin Johnson FedExCup an anti climax again European Tour increases minimum tournaments

Singh protects Order of Merit position

Indian ace Jeev Milkha Singh has taken a huge step in solidifying his position on top of the UBS Order of Merit after a steady round at the US$2 million UBS Hong Kong Open on Thursday.

The 34-year-old Indian leads Prom Meesawat by US$118,237 in the Order of Merit race and after a four-under-par 66 in joint sixth place, Singh is now confident having a three strokes advantage ahead of Prom.

“It was a good start and I’m happy as look forward to the next three days in the Order of Merit race,” said Singh.

Prom, however, is not throwing in the towel as he hopes to fight to the finish in the remaining rounds at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

“It’s not over yet. I have to really play well and be very accurate in the remaining rounds. I believe I can still do it and I hope for a change of fortune as well to help me close in on Singh. Let us see how the rounds unfold in the coming days,” said Prom.

Australia’s Gavin flint is hoping for a solid outing in Hong Kong in order to reach his goal of finishing in the top-60. He shot a 69 and will also be determined for an improved result as the remaining three days will determine his spot for next year.

“I am very happy with my start and obviously it’s a very important and I’ll try my best. It all comes down this week, if I can play well the next three days I will have a good chance for a top-60 on the UBS Order of Merit which is my main goal,” said Flint who is ranked 63rd on the Order of Merit ranking.

Malaysia’s Danny Chia is also approaching the final lap in Hong Kong hoping to keep his card for 2007. But after a nervy 72, Chia, the 2002 Acer Taiwan champion, knows that he has to push hard for a good outing. He is ranked 57th on the Order of Merit.

“I told myself not to think about it, but my wonders back to it. I know this event is crucial but I will try to treat it like any other event. I tensed up on the first nine but recovered on the back nine. I hope to have a more relaxed approach tomorrow,” said Chia.

November 16, 2006