KUALA LUMPUR: After missing the cut at last weekend’s Korea Open, Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung will be hoping for a better show as he defends his title at the Asian Tour’s Queen’s Cup in Thailand, which starts on Thursday.
The Queen’s Cup is special to Nicholas as it was his first Asian Tour title, achieved last year.
The Sabahan has missed four cuts from 11 events so far this season and is currently ranked 42nd in the Tour’s Habitat for Humanity standings.
“I have been playing well. I did some work with my coach (Steven Giuliano) and I’m gaining more distance than before. I am not a long hitter, so I have to work on my distance if I want to improve.
“I waited very long for that first win (last year in Thailand). That victory has given me confidence and I am looking forward to defending my title,” said Nicholas.
The golfer, the 2013 Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit champion, has recorded three victories on the region’s secondary circuit.
“This will be my first experience defending a title on the Asian Tour. I have done it on the local tour (Professional Golf of Malaysia) and the ADT before.
“It’s going to be different this year as the field is stronger and there are many young players out there looking for their first win as well. I am, however, more than happy to take up the challenge,” Nicholas added.
American Sihwan Kim, ranked sixth on the Asian Tour, along with Thailand Chawalit Plaphol, Chinnarat Phadungsil and Thaworn Wiratchant are among those competing in the tournament.
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