Golfer Thaworn ready for World Manila Masters

Thaworn-WiratchantManila, Nov 10 : Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand is ready to put up a commanding performance at next week's inaugural Resorts World Manila Masters.

Thaworn, who sealed his 16th unprecedented Asian Tour title in Chinese Taipei in September, will be up against a strong line-up expected to ignite fireworks at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club from Nov 14-17.

The Thai will face off against the likes of two-time PGA Tour winner Daniel Chopra of Sweden, China's Liang Wen-chong, Singapore's Mardan Mamat and Chinese Taipei's Lin Wen-tang. Angelo Que and Antonio Lascuna will be the local representatives at the $750,000 event.

Thaworn, a two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, will be looking to boost his current ranking on the merit list where he is currently in 16th after a season's haul of $129,634.

"The field is going to be a strong one and I'm determined to put up a good performance worthy of my reputation as the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion," said the 46-year-old.

Thaworn showed never to write off an old man when he claimed three victories in 2012 to become the oldest Order of Merit champion at the age of 45 years and 354 days.

"It's amazing that I can still win at the age of 46. I'm rediscovering my best form and I'm feeling great at the moment. Age is not a barrier to success," said Thaworn.

Other likely contenders include Thailand's Pariya Junhasawasdikul and Arnond Vongvanij, India's Digvijay Singh and S. S. P. Chowrasia as well as Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea, who is currently fifth on the Order of Merit.(IANS)