Kuala Lumpur, October 24: Argentinian maestro Angel Cabrera believes he has hit top form in time to bid for glory at the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic Malaysia, starting Thursday.
Cabrera, a two-time Major winner, will be among the elite line-up in the US$6.1 million event co-sanctioned by the Asian and PGA Tours at the Mines Resort and Golf Club.
Defending champion Ben Crane of the United States, former world number one Vijay Singh of Fiji and Jhonattan Vegas of Venezuela will also feature in the event alongside some of Asia’s leading golfers including Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and Jeev Milkha Singh of India, who have a combined total of five Asian Tour Order of Merit titles between them.
Cabrera finished in seventh place in this year’s Masters and went on to claim a tied third placing in the Scottish Open in July before missing three consecutive cuts in the United States. He placed tied sixth in last week’s McGladrey Classic in the United States and is determined to add the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia title to his impressive resume where he has won 39 international victories.
“I have not had a good year up until a couple of weeks ago at Sea Island and I’m going to try my hardest to have a good week,” said the 42-year-old, who won the U.S. Open and The Masters in 2007 and 2009 respectively.
“This is my first time playing in this tournament and I’m very happy to be here. This is an important tournament and it will be a good way to finish the year,” said Cabrera, who played at the Mines Resort and Golf Club in the 1999 World Cup and finished in second.
A rejuvenated Vegas won his first PGA Tour title in January and is ready to make a title assault after taking a three-week break. “It has been a really long year but I’m feeling great, a lot of high energy. I’m playing with confidence and I have high expectations this week,” said Vegas, who picked up the game by playing with a broomstick and a rock.
He was delighted to be making his debut in the 48-man field of the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic.
“This is a great tournament with a lot of quality players. You always want to try and compete against high quality field like this one. We have tons of Major and tournament winners here and it is good to compete outside the United States,” said the 27-year-old PGA Tour rookie.
