BEN Leong and Danny Chia hope to cap their comeback from lengthy injury spells with a memorable showing at the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters which tees off at Seri Selangor Golf Club today.
Leong, who shot to fame by winning the Selangor Masters in 2008 where he beat Thai great Thongchai Jaidee, will start in only his second Asian Tour event of the year while Chia hopes to build on his recent run of good form which saw him qualify for the cash-rich CIMB Classic next month and finish tied 17th in Taiwan last weekend.
The 28-year-old Leong sat out the entire 2013 season due to a back injury but returning to the scene of his most famous victory has fired up his determination to shine on home soil. “Every hole reminds me of 2008,” said Leong.
“Great memories definitely ... the only thing missing is my age I suppose. It’s been a while and it’s good to be back. I do remember every shot I hit during the final round especially the three footer from left to right on the last hole that I made for the win. It’s fresh in my mind.”
Leong showed glimpses of his old form by winning a domestic tournament last month and said returning to action on the Asian Tour felt like a second beginning.
Chia had surgery to remove bone fragments on his right shoulder last year and revealed that he may not regain his strength 100 per cent after defying doctor’s orders during his recovery period.
“I’m a bit worried at the moment. It was looking good with the rehab but it’s not improving at this stage. I’m quite sad about it but I’m still managing to hit balls. I’m trying to work harder on my rehab and regain the remainder of my strength. I think I’m at 80-85 per cent now,” said Chia.
But despite his limitations, the 41-year-old has managed to produce some strong performances. He topped the SapuraKencana National Qualifier to earn spot in the CIMB Classic and produced a top-20 at the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship on Sunday.
“I’ve been doing three quarter and half swings and I found something in my game. I’ve used that on the course and it’s worked for me, especially off the tee. That is the good part,” he said.”
Thailand’s Pariya Junhasavasdikul will be defending his title in the tournament which offers RM1.3 million in prize money.