Malaysia’s Danny Chia believes the partnership with his coach will be decisive in cementing his place with the EurAsia Cup Team this week.
Chia, a two-time Asian Tour winner, will take his place among the game’s elite at this week’s Thailand Golf Championship and with his coach on the bag, the Malaysian knows a good showing at the US$1 million Thai showpiece will guarantee him a spot at the match-play event on home soil in January.
“The game’s good. My coach, Steven Giuliano, is on my bag for the first time this week. I actually wanted him to get into the ropes with me to see what else I need to do to improve my game. It’s going to be an interesting week,” said Chia.
Placed eighth on the money list, Chia is currently the fourth leading Asian on the Order of Merit after Thai veteran Thongchai Jaidee, Indian duo Anirban Lahiri and S.S.P. Chawrasia, poised to qualify for the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM.
The 43-year-old Malaysian is determined to round off a great season, where he has already notched one victory and three top-10s, with a resounding result at the Amata Spring Country Club.
“The golf course is playing long but I will try my best to cap a good week as I need a good result to secure my place at the EurAsia Cup.
“It’s a tournament which I have never play before and I really want to try and get in as it’s a big event at home. I really want to experience it,” said Chia.
Meanwhile Thai veteran Prayad Marksaeng, who trails Chia by about US$30,000 in ninth position on the money list, will need to finish inside top-six at the Thailand Golf Championship to pip Chia to the final EurAsia Cup spot.
The 49-year-old Thai, a nine-time Asian Tour winner, played an integral role at the inaugural edition where he helped Team Asia to an enthralling 10-10 draw with Team Europe in 2014.
“The EurAsia Cup holds very special memories for me. Nobody gave us a chance when we went down 0-5 to Europe on the first day. I remembered the team talk by Thongchai and how he rallied us together. We did the impossible and the joy and happiness was for all to see on the 18th green on the final day,” Prayad reflected.
Team Asia, captained by Jeev Milkha Singh of India, will name its 12-man team for the EurAsia Cup following the conclusion of the Thailand Golf Championship, which is the penultimate event on the 2015 Asian Tour schedule.
Team Asia will be selected as follows: the leading four available Asian players from the 2015 Asian Tour Order of Merit as of December 14, the leading four eligible and available Asian players from the Official World Golf Ranking as of December 14, and four captain’s picks.
