Tuck Soon to lead Malaysia in team championship

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) have named Chan Tuck Soon, Mohd Afif Razif, K. Rhaasrikanesh and Muhd Afif Fathi to carry the host nation’s challenge in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Team Championship.

A total of 25 countries will tee up in the biennial championship, commonly known as the Nomura Cup, at the Sungai Long Golf and Country Club in Cheras from Nov 9-12.

The Malaysian quartet, however, face a daunting task to equal their 10th-place finish in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, in 2015. Tuck Soon, Daeng Abdul Rahman Abdul Aziz, Amir Nazri Jailani and Ervin Chang were the representatives.

This time, Malaysia are without Galven Kendall Green and Ervin, their top two-ranked amateurs, as they are studying in the United States.

But MGA vice-president Boo Chi Chai remains optimistic about Malaysia’s chances.

“I think our golfers can produce the fireworks depending on their game plan at Sungai Long. Our target is to finish in the top 10.”

He added that Malaysia will be counting on the experienced Tuck Soon to lead by example.

Tuck Soon was Malaysia’s best individual performer in Abu Dhabi, finishing joint 20th in the 86-man field.

“We are counting on Tuck Soon as he will be the key contributor in the team event. He’s always very dependable.”

Defending champions Japan are expected to face stiff challenges from Australia, South Korea, China and Thailand for the team title. Japan and Australia are the most successful nations with nine titles each.

Malaysia have twice hosted the championship – in 1977 and 1993 at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC).

Malaysia’s best-ever finish was third in 1977. Then, Malaysia were represented by Sahabuddin Yusof, Tan Yee Khan and Eshak Bluah.