Malaysian Leong hoping to make his mark on Mercedes-Benz Tour

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Tue, 07/22/2008 5:58 PM | Sports

Malaysia's rising young star Ben Leong makes his debut on the Mercedes-Benz Tour this week on home soil.

"It's been a good year in Thailand especially. I was also joint fifth in the Thai PGA and in the top-15 in Samui. I have been at home in Sabah for the past few weeks resting, but I am looking forward to the week," Leong said Tuesday in statement made available to The Jakarta Post.

Currently enjoying his best year as a professional, he starts as one of the favorites in the Mercedes-Benz Masters Malaysia at Saujana Golf and Country Club, near Kuala Lumpur.

The US$50,000 tournament tees off Wednesday boasting an impressive field of 125 players including other top Malaysians Danny Chia and Airil Rizman, leading Filipinos Mars Pucay, Artemio Murakami and Anthony Lascuna, and Thai star Wisut Artjanawat.

The 22-year-old won the Asian Tour Qualifying School in 2007 and 2008.

This year he boasts two top-five finishes on the Asian Tour to lie in 56th place on the Money List with US$40,215. His best result was tied third in the Asian Tour International in Thailand.

He turned professional after representing his country in the Asian Games in Doha in 2006 and he enjoyed a stellar amateur career, highlighted by his triumphs in the individual section of the Putra Cup in 2003 and the team title in 2005.

"I just have a bit more confidence and experience this year which is why I am playing better," added Leong, who attended the David Leadbetter Academy in America.

In 2005 he became the first Malaysian to qualify for the prestigious US Amateur Championship, which he also qualified for in 2006.

Leong has been paired with compatriot Faridi Atras Othman and Filipino Carito Villaroman at 8.40 a.m. tomorrow in what is the fourth event of the season on the Mercedes-Benz Tour.

During his amateur days Leong was a regular opponent of Wisut, who is currently enjoying a purple patch on Tour.

He won the second event, the Mercedes-Benz Masters Philippines and finished second in the following tournament, the ICTSI Mt. Malarayat Championship, the Philippines.

Leong is currently in fourth place on the Merit list which is currently being led by Filipino Angelo Que, who is not competing this week.

However, the number two and three ranked players, Pucay and Chia are strongly fancied.

Chia especially will be looking to play well. He competed in the British Open last week and in extremely difficult conditions, he did not make it through to the weekend. Saujana's Bunga Raya Course will pose less of a problem for the Malaysian number one.(**)

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