Nicholas feels good about defending Queen’s Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: Nicholas Fung will bid to become the first Malaysian to successfully defend an Asian Tour crown when the US$300,000 (RM1.2mil) Queen’s Cup gets under way in Pattaya, Thailand, today.

The venue may have changed but not his goal as the 28-year-old seeks back-to-back glory at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.

The Queen’s Cup, held in honour of Queen Sirikit, is one of Nicholas’ favourite tournaments on Tour as he also finished seventh in 2016.

“I come to Thailand very often. In the past, I always come here hoping to win my first title but this week feels different,” said Nicholas.

“I’m defending the title for the first time on the Asian Tour. I feel good.”

Nicholas is unfazed by the challenge of defending his title at the venue where he had an unforgetable outing during the Royal Cup in December last year.

“I feel I have a good chance after playing this course the last two days,” he said.

Fellow Malaysian Danny Chia is also in the 150-man field which include former champions Chawalit Plaphol, Chinnarat Phadungsil and Thaworn Wiratchant.

Nicholas has yet to impress this season although he missed only two cuts out of nine appearances on Tour.

His best finish was a tied 14th at the Panasonic Open in Japan in April and is currently ranked 42nd on the Order of Merit.