Fuente: © Asian Tour
http://www.asiantour.com/

GOLF: ASIAN TOUR: ICHIHARA INSPIRED TO DELIVER AT Q-SCHOOL

/noticias.info/ Pattaya, December 14: Tatsuhiko Ichihara, after his maiden triumph in Japan last month, is determined to make the grade on the Asian Tour after a steady second round performance at the Qualifying School Final Stage on Thursday.

Ichihara, 28, admitted that he enjoyed his experience playing in Asia back in 1999 and the win on the Japan Golf Tour in November has only inspired him to try and claim success on the Asian Tour next year.

“I love to play here as the Asian Tour has a lot of events and is very competitive. After a memorable week in Japan last month, I hope deliver a similar performance in Asia so I am motivated to get my card here,” said the Japanese talent who shot a one-under-par 70 at the par 71 Pattana Golf and Sports Resort for a 142 total in tied 36th position.

India’s Ashok Kumar, who enjoyed two top-10 finishes at the Aamby Valley Asian Masters and the Pakistan Open this year, is now confident of meeting the mark this week as he aims to solidify his position in the region. He earned a conditional card for the 2006 season.

“I am determined to get out there and prove myself as I know I can deliver a top performance very soon,” said Kumar, who shot a 72 as he achieved a 138 total in joint third place alongside Troy Kennedy who was even-par at the par 72 Emerald Golf Course.

Martin RomingerMalaysia’s Ben Leong, with the support of his father N.C Leong on the bag, improved with a 68 as he also stood in tied third position. Compatriot S. Sivachandran carded a similar score in joint 10th position on 139.

Switzerland’s Martin Rominger, the 2004 Swiss Amateur champion, was tied for the lead after his second straight 67 for a 134 total alongside Craig Smith, who is a first timer to Asia, as the Welshman scored a 66.

England’s Matthew Woods fired a hole-in-one after an accurate nine iron of the tee at the par three 144 yard 11th hole at Pattana. He ended the round with a 67 in tied 53rd spot.

“I struck it well but I was not happy with my putting. I have a lot of friends who have been playing well on the Asian Tour like Chris Rodgers, Yasin Ali and Anton Haig and I hope to emulate their performance. The hole-in-one was fantastic and was definitely a surprise,” said Woods, who had four top-10s on the domestic circuit in 2006.

Thailand's 15-year-old pro Choengchai Panpumpo carded a 73 as he stood in 78th place on 145.

Australia’s Andy Martin narrowly missed the cut by one stroke when he shot a 77 for a 147 total in tied 104th place.

Only the top-40 and ties after four rounds will gain full playing privileges for next season. notas_de_prensa_archivo