KUALA LUMPUR: Khor Kheng Hwai hopes to erase last year’s bitter memories of missing out on a CIMB Classic ticket by winning the SapuraKencana National Qualifier which begins tomorrow.

Kheng Hwai was pipped at the death by veteran Danny Chia at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club’s West Course despite leading by four shots with five holes remaining in the final round to miss out on the opportunity to tee up at the US$7 million event sanctioned by the PGA Tour and Asian Tour.

Nearly 80 Malaysians, including the likes of Chia, Gavin Kyle Green, Nicholas Fung and Airil Rizman Zahari, will battle over three rounds at the SapuraKencana National Qualifier for a coveted spot in the CIMB Classic, which will be held from October 29 to November 1.

“I’m going to try to do the same as last year. I’ve played the golf course for so many years now and I hope to piece it together again. Last year was really close. I took a lot of positives from there and moved on,” said Kheng Hwai.

“There was nothing much I could do (last year) and I didn’t fumble. Danny birdied the last two holes to force a play-off. I took it as a learning curve. Everyone in the field will be eyeing at the opportunity to play in a PGA Tour in Malaysia and it’s our best chance to get in. I’m going to give it a shot again.”

Kheng Hwai’s form has been patchy on the domestic circuit but feels he is starting to regain some form ahead of the national qualifier.

“I didn’t start the year too well and the game is not feeling too good. I’ve got no idea why I’ve had this sudden loss of form. Everything is not happening the way I want it to but I’m seeing some good signs of recovery. Hopefully returning to the KLGCC will give us a boost,” he said.