Kota Kinabalu [SABAH]: Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat is heads-on-favourite to complete a successful title defence when the US$100,000 Sabah Masters gets underway on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old is all geared up to lift the magnificent silver trophy for a record third time at one of his favourite hunting grounds but will need to first overcome a top draw of regional stars at the Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club.
The cast will also feature former champion Antonio Lascuna of the Philippines as well Singaporean legend Mardan Mamat.
The veteran pair went head-to-head in a memorable duel back in 2013, which extended into overtime before the wily Lascuna clinched his maiden ASEAN PGA Tour title on the third extra hole.
Golf fans are expected to come out in strong support of local boys Nicholas Fung and Ben Leong while the Malaysian challenge will be further strengthened by the return of Danny Chia, who is back to his fighting best after shrugging off the ill-effects of a major surgery on his neck and shoulder.
The 41-year-old displayed his remarkable fighting spirit to finish 2014 as the top-ranked Malaysian on the world rankings and comes into the tournament on the right footing after coasting to a comprehensive victory over a field of proven winners at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Panasonic Open Malaysia last Saturday.
But the spotlight is on Wisut, who will attempt to become the first player in the illustrious history of the Sabah Masters to triumph three times.
“I took one glance at the draw sheet yesterday and knew that I was not going to have an easy ride. We have a strong field this week and I will need to be a bit lucky if I’m going to win this tournament for a third time,” said the five-time ASEAN PGA Tour winner.
Local hero Nicholas has a mixed bag of results to show so far at his “home” tournament and hopes to get the new season underway with an inspired display. His best finish came in 2011 when he finished tied second behind Wisut.
“I’m coming back fresh after a lengthy Christmas break and it will be great to jump start my 2015 season with a good showing. I’m trying out some new clubs this week, so hopefully they’ll do the trick. As a Sabahan, I’m expected to do well and I hope to give the local fans something to cheer about,” said the Kota Kinabalu native.
Having extended their commitment to stage the Sabah Masters through 2017, title sponsor Sabah Tourism Board are reaping the benefits of the Road to Sabah Masters initiative launched last year – which cemented the tournament’s stature as the ASEAN PGA Tour Tour Championship.
“We are thrilled that the event as once again attracted a host of top players from South East Asia and beyond, which sets up for a bigger, better and more memorable tournament.
“In addition to the increased prize purse, The Road to Sabah Masters initiative that we launched last year has started to pay dividends and has added an extra competitive edge to the tournament as a whole,” said Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who thanked all the sponsors for their generous contribution and support.
The Sabah Masters also welcomed aboard a new premier sponsor in Warisan Harta Sabah Sdn Bhd this year and the investment arm of the Sabah state government is delighted to play its part in the development of game in the state.
“We have watched the growth of the Sabah Masters with much interest over the past years and can truly see what a great event it is for Kota Kinabalu and Sabah. Our business is focused on developing Sabah and increasing its appeal as a business and investment destination. Partnering with the Sabah Masters is a great fit to promote that agenda and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship,” said Warisan Harta Sabah Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Hj. Abu Bakar @ Wahab Bin Hj Abas.
This will mark the fourth consecutive season that Sutera Harbour has hosted the tournament. However, it was also staged at the impressive golfing facility in 1999 when American Robert Huxtable triumphed.
