Benz Masters under way

TAGAYTAY – The Mercedes-Benz Masters Philippines fires off today at the Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club with Juvic Pagunsan, Angelo Que and Mars Pucay tipped to lead the local challenge against a slew of talented foreign players in the $50,000 event serving as the second leg of the Mercedes-Benz Tour.

Pagunsan, one of Asia’s most exciting young prospects, shoots for his first title on what used to be the Asean Tour, hoping to make up for his absence in the kickoff leg of the circuit in Indonesia last week with a solid performance here.

“I have been trying to hit the ball with a bit of fade this year but it hasn’t worked out and I haven’t played well. I have been practicing on hitting my normal right to left shot over the past couple of weeks and I am much happier now,” said Pagunsan, who opted to stay home and practice at his home club in Bacolod.

Pagunsan, who has already made his mark on the Asian Tour with one victory, played in one event on the fledgling circuit last year, the Mt. Malarayat Championship topped by Mars Pucay. He failed to gain any headway but is confident of a better result this week.

“I am hoping for a better season from now on. There are a lot of good players here so it will be tough to win especially on this tough course,” said Pagunsan.

One hundred seven players are seeing action in the four-day championship, including Cassius Casas, Tony Lascuna, Que and Pucay who are all expected to crowd Pagunsan for top honors.

Que, winner of last month’s Philippine Open at Wack Wack, moved to number one spot on the Mercedes-Benz Tour Order of Merit on Saturday after finishing second in the Mercedes-Benz Masters Indonesia.

He leads the Merit list, which has been carried from last year, with earnings of $18,576. Malaysian Danny Chia is in second place on $16,211 while Pucay, winner of two of the five legs last year, is in third with winnings of $16,015.

“I am feeling pretty confident after last week’s performance in Indonesia. I have played here at Tagaytay Midlands about five times before. It can be a tough track particularly if the wind blows. Like last week I am just going to try and focus on my rhythm and try to slow it down as it gets a bit quick,” said Que.

Thailand is represented strongly by Panuwat Muenlek, Somkiat Srisanga, Atthaphon Prathumanee and Nakul Vichitryuthasastr.

Malaysia has also sent a powerful contingent headed by Sukree Othman, Anis Helmi Hassan, Shaaban Hussein and Khor Kheng Hwai.   

“We are delighted that all the top golfers in the Philippines are competing this week and also that so many leading players from overseas are here,” said Felix Ang, president, CATS Motors Inc.