Asian Biggies set for King

January 12, 2014: Come January, 16th and all eyes will be on Asian stars, who take on first challenge of the year, King’s Cup at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin. A seasoned brigade of more than 30 proven champions of the Asian region will be part of the last battle of the season.

Order of Merit winners Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines and Jyoti Randhawa of India will headline the US$1 million Asian Tour event alongside a plethora of exciting talents from January 16 to 19.

Asian Tour’ no.2, Scott Hend of Australia will be big challenger given his last three victories. Rikard Karlberg of Sweden, Anirban Lahiri of India, Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman and defending champion Arnond Vongvanij of Thailand will be the stars to watch out King’s Cup.

Hend has enjoyed a sensational season and will be determined to equal Thaworn’s record in 2005 where the Thai won four titles in a single season.

“ To win three times anywhere is good especially with the competition we have on the Asian Tour. I have a one more tournament to try and win so we will see how that works out,” said Hend.

Overwhelmed with his second Asian Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in November, Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh hopes to end his 2013 season on a winning note and make his place in first Eurasia Cup.

“It is definitely my goal to qualify for the EurAsia Cup. I think it is going to be an exciting event. I hope I will be able to play. It looks like I’m in a good position to qualify,” said the straight-hitting Siddikur.

Lahiri credited his solid 2013 season to his mental fortitude, which he hopes to use to his advantage and capture his first Asian Tour victory outside of India.

“I think this is probably my most consistent year. I’ve played really solid golf. My game has become much sharper than it was. In terms of my ball striking, I think it’s been on and off. It comes and goes.

Ranked fifth on the Order of Merit, Lahiri needs to maintain his position to earn his place in Team Asia for the EurAsia Cup as the top four Asians on the ranking.