Sep 22, 2016: Korea’s rising star Jeunghun Wang is eager to get into the thick of action at the Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup which gets underway at the Ibaraki Country Club’s West course on Thursday.
The 21-year-old Korean, who just recovered from a stomach bug which caused him to lose six kilograms in weight, hopes to regain his form as he continues his Order of Merit chase at the ¥150 million (approximately US$1.3 million) event.
“I was in Seoul the last three weeks. I was hospitalized for two weeks due to a stomach problem. I got really worried when I was in the hospital but I feel relieved that I am much better now,” said Wang, the top-ranked Asian Tour player in third place on the Order of Merit this week.
Wang has enjoyed a highly successful season on the region’s premier Tour so far. He has impressed with one victory in Mauritius and five other top-10s, which include an eighth-place finish in Japan earlier in April.
Prior to his win in Mauritius, Wang had secured a breakthrough win on the European Tour in Morocco. His memorable two-week swing in May saw him become the youngest player to secure back-to-back wins in the European Tour history.
“I started practicing just three days before coming here. A week ago, I could barely hit 100 balls as I was still low on energy. But after working on my fitness and starting to eat well, I feel a lot better. It is my first time playing this golf course so I am really looking forward,” added Wang.
Thanks to his stellar performances on the Asian Tour, Wang earned his Major debut at The Open in July and represented his country in the Olympic Games last month.
The young Korean is now fully focused on taking down the Asian Tour Order of Merit crown at the end of the season.
“It has been a big year for me so far. I have improved a lot as a golfer since my victories in May. I have gained a lot more playing experiences, having played on the European Tour over the last few months.
“The game has improved and I feel like I am getting better by the day. I just got to keep practicing. I will try and achieve better results in the remainder of the season and see if I can win the Order of Merit,” Wang said.
Chinese ace Liang Wen-chong is also relishing a return to one of his favourite hunting grounds at the Ibaraki Country Club. He had enjoyed a tied-fourth finish when the Asian Tour last hosted an event here in 2013.
“The game’s feeling alright. I am just trying to take it easy this week and not think too much about results. I have played this course a couple of times before. It’s nice to be back here,” said the 38-year-old, who had a second runner-up finish in Singapore earlier this season.
“The course is in top condition as always. It can be anybody’s game this week. The course is playing longer with some of the par-fives converted to par-fours. That will be the main challenge I think. Tee shots will be key,” Liang added.
Thailand’s Thitiphun Chuayprakong, a one-time Asian Tour winner, will take aim at another shot of glory at the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Japan Golf Tour.
“I have had a lot more playing opportunities after winning in Bangladesh. I gained a lot of experiences and confidence playing in bigger events. My short game has improved too so I hope I can play well again this week,” said the 24-year-old Thai.
The Asia-Pacific Diamond Cup is the Asian Tour’s second stop in Japan this season. The Tour will also be returning to the Ibaraki Country Club for the first time since 2013.
Asian Tour Release
