Angelo Que upbeat as Hong Kong Open unfolds

MANILA, Philippines — Angelo Que puts premium on irons and putting as he slugs it out with some of the world’s long hitters, including two Major champions, in the rich Hong Kong Open which unwraps today at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling.

The Filipino ace is coming into the $2 million event brimming with confidence following a breakthrough win and a string of strong finishes in the Japan PGA Tour, not to mention his fondness for playing in the premier Asian Tour and European Tour championship which drew Major champions Patrick Reed of the US and Sergio Garcia of Spain and world No. 9 Tommy Fleetwood of England.

“I always liked this event and coming off good finishes in Japan, I’m really excited to play,” said Que, who barely lost the 2014 HK Open crown to Aussie Scott Hend in a playoff where he missed the 18th green and under-hit his chip shot.

But the former three-time Asian Tour winner is upbeat of his chances this week, boosting his stock and confidence with impressive finishes in the last few tournaments in the Japan PGA Tour, highlighted by his victory in the TOP Cup Tokai Classic in Aichi last September.

“This is one of the toughest fields but I love the challenge and that motivates me to always do better with my family as my inspiration,” said Que, who kicks off his bid against Spain’s Alejandro Canizares and Thai Panuphol Pittayarat at 7:20 a.m. on a composite course that includes 10 holes from the Eden Course and eight from the New Course.