Thai quartet aim to shine

THAILAND’S Phachara Khongwatmai, Poom Saksansin, Jazz Janewattananond and Praya Marksaeng all eye on making history in this week’s CIMB Classic.

For the record, no Thai player has ever won the title with

Kiradech

Aphibarnrat coming closest at third (in

2013) since the t o u r n ament inception in

2010.

But, the Thais have doubled their odds as they have recorded 13 victories on the Asian Tour.

Poom came close to lifting his third Asian Tour title in Japan last month, where he squandered a four-shot lead to eventually finish tied-second.

“It has been a great year for me. I won again in India after recovering from an injury and while I did not win again in Japan, it provided me with valuable lessons about golf and myself,” said Poom.

Jazz is also excited to be teeing up for his maiden appearance in the CIMB Classic especially after turning his game around with his breakthrough win in Bangladesh to regain his playing rights on the Asian Tour before going on to secure three other top-10s in Taiwan and Thailand.

“The CIMB Classic is one of the biggest events in Asia and it’s an awesome feeling knowing that you can get to play in it. The win in Bangladesh really changed my life.”

“I remembered being the first reserve on standby in this event in 2015,” he said.

While Phachara has yet to win on the Asian Tour, his good form this season suggests that a breakthrough could be imminent.

The 18-year-old finished second in Singapore and Australia this year and currently occupies sixth spot on the money list.

“I’m playing well and it has been a good year for me. I have had so many near-misses. I feel a win will come soon,” said Phachara.