Lee Westwood
Lee Westwood (England)
The world number two is set to light up this week’s event. He has won more than 30 international titles including being crowned Europe’s number one in 2000 and 2009. Reached a career high when he became world number one for the first time in his career in November 2010. He had an outstanding 2010 season when he won twice around the world and posted seven other top-fives. He had previously tasted victory in Malaysia, Japan and Macau.
World Ranking: 2nd
Siddikur (Bangladesh)
Siddikur has turned out to be one of the most successful players on the Asian Tour in recent times. Coming from humble beginnings, the man from Dhaka has been on fire following his win at the 2010 Brunei Open. He came close to winning his second Asian Tour title last year at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters before losing in a play-off to Pariya Junhasavasdikul of Thailand. He suffered the agony of defeat again when he finished second at the SAIL Open, losing to Kiradech Aphibarnrat by one shot but finished impressively at last week’s Maybank Malaysian Open in eighth place.
Order of Merit: 2nd
Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Thailand)
After coming close on so many occasions, Kiradech finally made a stunning breakthrough at the SAIL Open in India last month. The big-hitting Thai is known as Asia’s version of John Daly and will be eyeing a fast start in the inaugural event.
Order of Merit: 6th
Anirban Lahiri (India)
Anirban is the newest golfer from India to join the winners’ circle following his victory in the Panasonic Open (India) earlier this month. He had three top-10s last year but with a victory already in the bag, expect the young Indian to aim for more glory starting this week.
Order of Merit: 7th
Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand)
Thongchai is no stranger in Indonesia having won before in the country in 2009. The decorated Thai has won three Asian Tour Order of Merits and currently holds the most wins with 13 victories. Highly regarded as the ambassador of Asian golf, expect Thongchai to shine this week.
Order of Merit: 10th
Lin Wen-tang (Taipei)
Lin will be playing in his second Asian Tour tournament this week. The five-time winner on the Asian Tour is determined to kick-start his season and iron out the kinks in his game after enjoying a four-month break prior to last week’s Maybank Malaysian Open.
Order of Merit: 57th
Rory Hie (Indonesia)
Hie will lead the local charge and the weight of winning on home soil will fall on his slender shoulders. He was the first Indonesian to earn an Asian Tour card and showed his immense talent by making four consecutive cuts at the end of last season with his best finish in tied 12th place at the season-ending Black Mountain Masters in Thailand.
