Thaworn Wiratchant
Khon Kaen, Thailand: The Singha Esan Open tees-off today to mark the start of the 10
th season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Thailand’s
Thaworn Wiratchant, the defending champion, is one of a wealth of leading players competing in the US$100,000 event which will be played at its traditional home, Singha Park Golf Club.
Also playing are Thais
Prayad Marksaeng, reigning ASEAN PGA Order of Merit champion,
Namchok Tantipokhakul, winner of the Sabah Masters in January,
Kwanchai Tannin,
Chapchai Nirat,
Gunn Charoenkul and
Wisut Artjanawat.
This year’s event is of special significance as it welcomes the graduates from the OneAsia Qualifying School, as part of new association with OneAsia and the four ASEAN PGA events in Thailand.
American
Roberto Galletti, Australian
Antonio Murdaca and Koreans
Choi Jung-gyu and
Jeong Dae-jin are some of the leading graduates playing.
Thaworn claimed the Singha Esan Open for the second time in his career last year when he marched to a four-stroke victory.
The Thai star, who also won in 2010, closed with a three-under-par 69 to finish the tournament on 18-under.
Namchok and his compatriots
Rattanon Wannasrichan and
Piya Swangarunporn all tied for second place.
The Singha Esan Open is one of four tournaments jointly sanctioned by the ASEAN PGA Tour with the All Thailand Golf Tour.
The others are the Singha Hua Hin Open, Singha Pattaya Open and Singh Phuket Open.
