Nicholas Fung, Jazz Janewattananond join band of Asian young guns

Kuala Lumpur, Nov 18 (IANS) Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung and Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand displayed true grit at the Resorts World Manila Masters golf last week to reinforce their status as Asia’s rising stars.

Fung and Jazz, aged 23 and 17, respectively, were in contention at the inaugural $750,000 event before settling for tied fifth at the Asian Tour tournament that was won by China’s Liang Wen-chong.

Despite missing out on an emphatic first tour win, the talented duo soaked in the positives and the experience that will strengthen and enhance their games.

Jazz’s result in the Philippines was his second top-five finish this year which propelled him to 39th place on the Order of Merit with a haul of $84,306. The top-60 players at the end of the season will earn an Asian Tour card for 2014.

“I’m glad I managed to keep my card. My game has been pretty consistent this season and if you continue playing consistently and make cuts in every event you play, you will pretty much be able to keep your card,” said Jazz.

“I played really well last week and it is good to see myself in contention. I had a lot of fun on the last day even though I got a bit stressed towards the end but I guess I just have to learn how to deal with it.”

Asian Tour rookie Fung enjoyed his best result on the Asian Tour. The result pushed him to 88th on the Merit list with earnings of $32,608 to give him a battling chance to break into the top-60.

“This is my first ever top-five on the Asian Tour and I’m very happy with my game right now. It has been a great season so far.”

Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand stayed in the forefront to win the Order of Merit with winnings of $1,117,074. Scott Hend of Australia is in second place on $569,464 while Siddikur, winner of the Indian Open two weeks ago, sits in third on $449,167.

Indian duo Anirban Lahiri ($387,608) and Gaganjeet Bhullar ($327,378) are fifth and sixth, respectively.

Asian Tour Order of Merit (Top-10)

1. Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) $1,117,074

2. Scott Hend (AUS) $569,464

3. Siddikur (BAN) $449,167

4. Liang Wen-chong (CHN) $398,798

5. Anirban Lahiri (IND) $387,608

6. Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) $327,378

7. Baek Seuk-hyun (KOR) $323,743

8. Shiv Kapur (IND) $263,013

9. Thongchai Jaidee (THA) $248,991

10. Wade Ormsby (AUS) $213,349