Asian Tour stars eye summit at Omega European Masters

August 31, 2013. As the only event on European soil to be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour, the Omega European Masters is an event like no other.

Played in the high altitudes at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, the breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and superb Swiss hospitality have left many players eager to return each year.

Rated as one of the most highly-anticipated events of the season, players from the Asian Tour will set out to emulate the success of Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee and India’s Jeev Milkha Singh who have led the way in finding success on European soil with their respective win in Wales and Scotland in 2012.

India’s Anirban Lahiri describes the picturesque scenery atop the Swiss Alps as the most stunning ever that he has seen in his burgeoning career.

Bolstered by his third win on the Asian Tour earlier this year, the 26-year-old hopes to ride on his good form and make up for the disappointment of missing the cut last year.

“The Omega European Masters is a great event and I always enjoy going back to compete. The scenery is beautiful and there’s no other place in the world like Crans Montana,” said Lahiri.

Compatriot Gaganjeet Bhullar, who was conferred the prestigious Arjuna award which is the second highest most prestigious sporting award in India earlier this month, will return to the Omega European Masters with renewed confidence.

Since making an early exit at the Omega European Masters last year, the Indian bounced back in the most emphatic way by winning two Asian Tour titles in a span of five weeks and finished the year in fifth place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

“I’m more familiar with the golf course now and I think I can do well. I’m also more familiar with the train ride and I know where to eat now so I’m really looking forward to the week,” said Bhullar, who is currently second on the Order of Merit.

American Berry Henson, who is seeking to extend his solid run where he has not missed a cut all season, is also looking forward to teeing up at the Omega European Masters which will mark the start of the second half of the 2013 Asian Tour season.

“The Omega European Masters is one of my favorite events of the year. I love going to Crans not only for the golf but the amazing town and spectacular views that surround the event,” said Henson, who has won once on the Asian Tour, which is celebrating its 10th season this year.

[highlight] This year, no fewer than 25 Asian Tour winners will be back to compete at the Omega European Masters which tees off from September 5-8. [/highlight]

The Asian Tour’s challenge will be spearheaded by Thongchai and Singh who will be hoping to notch up another victory in Europe while all eyes will also be on reigning Order of Merit champion Thaworn Wiratchant who will be determined to put up a performance worthy of his status as Asia’s number one.

Current Order of Merit leader Kiradech Aphibarnrat will also be eager to enjoy a good week in Crans to cement his lead on the rankings.

Singapore’s Mardan Mamat, Bangladeshi Siddikur and Japan’s Masanori Kobayashi will also be among the many Tour champions hoping to create history by becoming the first Asian to win the Omega European Masters since it became an Asian Tour and European Tour co-sanctioned event in 2009.

The European Tour will feature the likes of Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn, Italy’s Matteo Manassero, Major winner Padraig Harrington of Ireland, 2010 Omega European Masters champion Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain as well as Scotland’s Paul Lawrie and Richie Ramsay who will be returning to defend his title.

source: Asian Tour