KUALA LUMPUR: The organisers of the China-Malaysia Diplomatic Relations Golf Series are looking to expand the playing field for the third round of the championship.
WDA Technology Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Martial Loh, whose company jointly organises the series with The Golf Goddess, is expecting 120 players to tee off at the Sungai Long Golf and Country Club on June 23.
"We have over 120 players registered to compete in the series this season," said Martial yesterday.
"However, due to certain limitations, we decided to cap the field at 100 players for the second round at Impian Golf and Country Club (yesterday).
"But we are looking to increase the field to at least 120 players for the third round, so there will be 60 Malaysian and 60 Chinese players.
"This will be the highest number of players so far this season, as we only had 108 for the first round (which was held at The Mines Resort & Golf Club).
"We hope to attract more strong sponsors to come and support the series. This would allow us to make the tournament more premium."
The series this season commemorates 50 years of bilateral relations between China and Malaysia. It is intended to showcase Malaysian golf courses and promote tourism in Malaysia.
The event is also intended to promote closer business relations and friendship among players from both countries.
The second round yesterday saw Malaysian players edging their China counterparts 174-167 in the team matchplay category. The two countries drew in the opening round.
"Despite a short spell of rain in the afternoon, it went very smoothly and the players were very happy," added Martial.
"New Straits Times" group editor Farrah Naz Karim and executive editor Sharanjit Singh presented prizes to the winners in the second round.