2007 Motorola International Bintan

Thailand's newest star Chapchai Nirat is eyeing a second straight victory at the inaugural Motorola International Bintan starting on Thursday, declaring as well his intentions of becoming Asia's new number one.

The 23-year-old, nicknamed "King Kong" by his compatriots for his big-hitting game, claimed his maiden title at the co-sanctioned TCL Classic in China on Sunday and he is ready to let the good times roll by keeping his driver in his bag in his bid to tame the spectacular Ria Bintan Golf Club.

Chapchai will face a strong field that includes Australian veteran Peter Senior, a winner of 26 titles worldwide, Japan's Tatsuhiko Takahashi, a double winner in Japan, and some of the Asian Tour's leading names including former Asian number ones Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand and Chinese Taipei's Lin Keng-chi.

Australians Jarrod Moseley and Lucas Parsons, winners on the European Tour, are also tipped to sparkle in the US$350,000 Motorola International Bintan.

"I'm still feeling good after the big win," said a beaming Chapchai today. "I can't believe that I've done it so early in my career and I've now come to the Motorola International Bintan to try and win this tournament as well.

"I struck the ball well in the pro-am this morning and I'm feeling good. It's a great course that we're at this week and there are some strong finishing holes. Actually, the course doesn't quite suit my game as it's quite tight out there. That's why I'm using my driver only on the par fives and will use the three iron or five wood more regularly. It's about getting into position out there," he added.

Chapchai brilliantly led from start to finish in China, tying Asia's 18-hole record of 11-under-par 61 on the first day, to become the third Thai winner of an Asian Tour and European Tour event. The victory lifted him into third place on the UBS Order of Merit.

While it is still early days yet in the 2007 season, the burly Chapchai has set his sights on finishing the year as Asia's top player and lifting the Motorola International Bintan on Sunday would certainly brighten his chances.

"At the start of the year, I was aiming for a top-five finish on the Order of Merit. But my win now has allowed me to refocus my goal which is to become number one. I've got a great start and I'll give it a shot.

"I'll play in some big events in Europe but my focus will be very much on the Asian Tour," said Chapchai, who will play in the opening two rounds here with Senior and Takahashi.

While Senior may be turning 48 in July, the Australian veteran still feels competitive and is ready to take on the young guns like Chapchai in his bid for success at the Motorola International Bintan. A tied 14th finish at the Clariden Leu Singapore Masters two weeks ago has added to his growing confidence.

"I've pretty much finished in the top-20 of every event that I played in (this year) except for the Johnnie Walker Classic where I missed the cut by one. I only finished four off the lead in Singapore, so it doesn't take much to turn that around," said Senior, who is also the Chairman of the PGA Tour of Australasia.

"I practiced pretty hard last week and I'm looking forward to playing here. I've been putting in one mediocre round in every tournament, so I have to improve on that. I love the game and I enjoy being competitive. If I wasn't playing as well as I am, I wouldn't be playing," added Senior, who is eyeing a stint on the US Champions (Seniors) Tour when he turns 50.

Takahashi, 32, has been rated as one of Japan's rising sons thanks largely to his win in the UBS Japan Golf Tour Championship last year, which is one of four majors on the Japanese calendar.

With a five-year exemption in hand at home, Takahashi is dreaming of winning this week's Motorola International Bintan to secure playing privileges on the Asian Tour. "I hope to challenge," he said. "It's my first event of the year and you don't really know what to expect but I've practiced hard and I'm looking forward to this week.

"It's a great layout where we're at but the challenge for the Japanese players will come on the greens which is grainy. Back home, we're putting on bent grass which is so much different. I've got a great draw playing with Peter Senior and Chapchai Nirat and I’m looking forward to it," he said.

The Motorola International Bintan, promoted by Global Premier Sports and is a full field Asian Tour event, will feature 10 invited players each from the Japan Golf Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia.

March 21, 2007

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