Chan Shih-chang set sights on Rio Olympics

Chan Shih-chang

Singapore, Oct 17 (IANS) Asian Development Tour (ADT) standout Chan Shih-chang hopes his journey on the less travelled road will ultimately lead him to Rio de Janeiro in two years' time. The 28-year-old Chan has propelled up the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) this season following three victories on the ADT and hopes that his success will sustain his dream to qualify for the Olympics in 2016.

The ADT welcomes worthy winners every year and 2014 has proven to be exceptional for Chan, who has been busy rewriting history on the burgeoning circuit which is the pathway to the elite Asian Tour.

After breaking through with his maiden title in Sabah, Malaysia last September, the slightly built Chan has claimed three more victories this year to become the player with the most wins on the ADT since its inauguration in 2010.

He has also become the first player to secure three titles in a single season and was subsequently rewarded with playing rights on the Asian Tour for the second half of the 2014 season. "My next aim is to win on the Asian Tour," said Chan, who leads the ADT Order of Merit with $66,991 which is also a record-high.

"I broke into world's top-200 after winning the Taifong Open in July. It is my first time getting into top-200 and it feels great. I'm still hoping to grab more victories this year to boost my ranking.

"Hopefully I can continue to stay in that position as the leading player from Chinese Taipei so that I qualify for the Olympics in 2016. It would be an honour if I can represent Chinese Taipei in the Olympics."