Noh Seung-yul
Noh Seung-yul of Korea will be on defence mode at the Maybank Malaysian Open next month as he aims to retain the title he dramatically won last year.
Noh, the youngest ever to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season, will be joined by former champions Thongchai Jaidee, who won back-to-back Malaysian Open titles in 2004 and 2005 and Anthony Kang of the United States this April 14 to 17.
Peter Hedblom of Sweden and Alastair Forsyth of Scotland, winners of the tournament in 2007 and 2002 respectively will also feature in the US$2.5 million showpiece co sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour at the majestic Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
Noh secured his second Asian Tour title last year after producing a sublime chip shot over the left-hand bunker to within 18 inches of the 18th hole to defeat countryman K.J. Choi by one stroke.
Since his victory, Noh went on to enjoy one of his best seasons on the Asian Tour where he claimed four top-10s and missed only one cut the entire season. Noh reckons he is well prepared in his title defence next month.
“The first time I played in Malaysia, I had to adjust to the scorching weather. This time, I have prepared myself mentally and physically to withstand the heat in hopes to win the title again.
“The first win for me was meaningful because I defeated my boyhood idol K.J. Choi. This time around if I win again, I’ll dedicate it to my parents,” said Noh.
Major winners Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and Germany’s Martin Kaymer, who is currently ranked number one on the Official World Golf Ranking, have also confirmed their participation. They will be joined by South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel and Ireland’s Rory McIlroy.
This year, the tournament reaches a milestone as it celebrates its 50th edition.
Making history as the first ever co-sanctioned tournament in Asia by both the Asian and European Tours in 1999, the Maybank Malaysian Open 2011 will feature top players from the rankings of both these world-leading circuits to make up the 156-player line-up.
Points earned at the Maybank Malaysian Open 2011 will go towards the Asian Tour Order of Merit, and will also add to the player’s 2011 Race to Dubai Ranking, granting them a chance to qualify for the season-ending Dubai World Championship.
