Chan aims to extend winning run at Panasonic Open

Updated: 2011-09-22 09:17

(Xinhua)

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Chan aims to extend winning run at Panasonic Open

Chan Yih-shin wins his second golf Asian Tour title in Macao, Sept 18, 2011. [Photo/sports.chinaluxus.com] 

TOKYO - Chinese Taipei's Chan Yih-shin is hoping that his winning run will continue when he tees off at the Asia Pacific Panasonic Open at Biwako Country Club in Shiga, Japan, on Thursday.

Fresh from winning his second Asian Tour title in Macao last week, Chan is relieved that his winner's exemption has been extended by another two years and he can focus on winning more titles now.

"It was a struggle in the beginning of the year and this victory eases my pressure as my winning exemption from 2009 expires this year," said Chan.

"It'll be my second year playing in Japan this week and obviously it's always nice to play in an event after winning. I'm going to stay patient like how I did in Macao and hopefully I can do well again," added the ever-smiling Chan.

With his return to form, the 34-year-old is setting his sights on going on to achieve more success at 1.7 million-US-dollar event jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.

"I didn't putt very well in the beginning of the year and that was why I didn't get a good result. Last week was the best that I've putted and I hope that I can maintain that form again in Japan," said Chan.

Chan's win in Macao saw him make the one of the biggest moves from 64th position to sixth place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Australia's David Gleeson also made a huge leap up the rankings following his runner-up finish. The two-time Asian Tour winner is in 16th place with $81,915.

Despite missing his first cut of the season in Macao last week, Bangladesh's Siddikur is determined to plot his return to the top.

Siddikur, who made history by becoming the first Bangladeshi to win on the Asian Tour has been a figure of consistency all season and sees his performance in Macao as a slight blip in form.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed four top-10s this season and he knows that a good result at the Asia Pacific Panasonic Open could see him overtake current leader S.S.P. Chowrasia of India.

"It's disappointing to have missed the cut for the first time this season. But that week's over and I can only focus on doing better in my next event," said Siddikur.

"I know I've a chance to go to the top of the Order of Merit with a good performance and will do my best," added the Bangladeshi who is currently in second place on the Order of Merit.

Myanmar's Zaw Moe who collected one of his biggest cheques this season of 31,050 dollars by virtue of his tied-fourth finish moved to 49th place while Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant rose to 11th place on 113, 591 dollars.

The top-60 players at the end of the season will keep their full playing rights for 2012.