Taipei, Sep 27 (IANS) Korea’s Baek Seuk-hyun is eager to shed his ‘Nearly Man’ tag when he tees up for another shot at glory at next week’s $600,000 Taiwan Masters.
The 23-year-old has been in contention for his maiden Asian Tour title on numerous occasions but has yet to convert those close calls into victories.
With memories of last year’s performance at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club still firmly etched in his mind, Baek is hopeful of securing that elusive win when the event makes its return from Oct 3-6.
“I played very well last year but I just messed it up on the last day. I guess I was too eager to win and got carried away,” said Baek, who was well placed to clinch the title until a closing 78 saw him finish eighth last year.
Baek has posted four top-fives in 11 starts this season and is currently in fifth place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. While he is well positioned on the rankings to feature in other high profile events, it is a win at one of his favourite golf courses that Baek is keeping his focus on for next week.
“I like Taiwan Golf and Country Club as it suits my game. This year, I’ll try to be smarter and play my own game. My drives and putting are getting better and I’m returning as a totally improved player. I just want to do my best and I know the result will come,” said Baek.
Bangladesh’s Siddikur is, meanwhile, hoping to ignite a late charge and break into the top-10 on the Order of Merit to secure a place at the CIMB Classic. His confidence has been buoyed by historic qualification for the World Cup of Golf which is the first ever by a Bangladeshi.
The Mercuries Taiwan Masters has long been the mainstay of the Asian Tour schedule and will welcome over 30 tour champions as they battle for the winner’s prize purse of $120,000.
Other contenders for the Taiwan Masters include the leading three players from the Asian Tour Order of Merit — Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar and Australia’s Scott Hend.
