Johor Bahru: Fresh off qualifying for the Iskandar Johor Open, R. Nachimuthu has already set his sights on playing all four days at the fifth edition of the tournament, which tees off from November 17-20.

The 40-year-old has now qualified thrice for the marquee event but with the agony of making early trips home on two earlier occasions still fresh in his memory, Nachimuthu knows that he has to bring his top game to Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, with what is expected to be the strongest field in the tournament’s five-year history.

I am confident that by the way I am playing and results I have achieved so far this year, that I can go one better this year. I will spend the next two weeks honing my game with coach Andrew Argus and keeping an eye check on my errant swing,” said Nachimuthu, who claimed back-to-back victories at the Professional Golf of Malaysia Penang Classic as well as the Terengganu Masters earlier this year.

Starting the day four strokes off the lead, Nachimuthu closed with an impressive round of four-under 68 for a two-day total of  two-under-par 142 to finish in a tie for first alongside Wilson Choo (72) and M. Sasidaran, who shot a 70, in the two-day National Qualifier which ended today at Pulai Springs Resort.

“I’m hitting well these two days but my putting was better today,” added Nachimuthu, who fired birdies at holes 6, 8, 10, 11 and 14 for a near perfect round, marred only by a bogey on the 12th.

Choo on the other hand was understandably pleased to survive the qualifier and book his slot for a maiden appearance at the Iskandar Johor Open this year after a nervous start with  two successive bogeys from the third. “I didn’t even think about winning, just played my normal game but I’ve to say, nerves got the better of me at the start,” said Choo, who recovered well with a birdie on the fifth hole to get his round going.

“I chipped in for birdie at the seventh and that boosted my confidence and I’m happy to make the grade,” added Choo.

Sasidaran, 35, meanwhile was looking forward to another successful appearance at the Iskandar Johor Open. Last year he finished a creditable tied 33rd and this year with the bigger purse on offer, he intends to do even better.

“The championship boasts of a strong field this year but I think I’ve the game to improve on my result last year,” said Sasidaran, who is has a solid season, finishing second three times on the domestic tour and twice on the Asian Development Tour.

S. Murthy shot a 68 to finish on one-under-par 143 alongside S. Sivachandran who mustered a 71 today. Other players who qualified are Nicholas Fung on one-over-par 145 and Haziq Hamizan on two-over-par 146.

Three players – Mohd Sukree Othman, P. Gunasagaran and Khor Kheng Wai – finished on three-over-par 147 forcing a playoff for the last slot. Sukree won on the first playoff hole.

Leading final scores
142 R. Nachimuthu (74-68), M. Sasidaran (72-70), Wilson Choo (70-72)
143 S. Murthy (75-68), S. Sivachandhran (72-71)
145 Nicholas Fung (74-71)
146 Haziq Hamizan (72-74)
147 P. Gunasagaran (75-72), Mohd Sukree Othman (73-74), Khor Kheng Hwai (73-74)
         (Sukree wins on first playoff hole to qualify)