By IANS
Manila : Digvijay Singh will be hoping to build on his good start early in the season as he begins his campaign at the Philippine Open which starts here Thursday. D Digvijay, whose fourth place at the EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters has still kept him in the top-10 of the Asian Tour Order of Merit, has almost made sure of his 2009 card with that superb result.
But what the India pro now wants it to get on to the winners’ list. Brother-in-law of Jyoti Randhawa, Digvijay has not been able to close out as he has often faltered in closing stages but hopefully with worries of the card behind him, he could be better of.
Other Indian players in the field are Harmeet Kahlon, Arjun Singh and Gurbaaz Mann as Randhawa, S.S.P.Chowrasia, Gaurav Ghei and Shiv Kapur have taken the week off.
Malaysian star Danny Chia will be banking on his new confidence for a successful outing. Chia believes that his commanding performance at the British Open qualifiers in Singapore last week has given him the extra drive needed for success at the $300,000 Asian Tour event.
The 36-year-old Malaysian last tasted victory at the 2002 Taiwan Open but backed by a rejuvenated mental game, Chia hopes to tackle the famed Wack Wack Golf and Country Club and claim the top prize of $47,550.
The other title contenders this week include nine-time Asian Tour winner Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, in-form Chinese Taipei star Lin Wen-tang, who triumphed at the Asian Tour International two weeks ago, Korea’s Lee Sung, Filipino Juvic Pagunsan and defending champion Frankie Minoza.
Frankie Minoza, with an impressive 16 professional titles in the past three decades, will lead the local charge as he returns to defend his title ahead of Chinese Taipei’s Lin who will be eager for a second consecutive win this season.
The Philippine Open is the eighth leg on the burgeoning 2008 Schedule.