Lam Chih Bing and Mardan Mamat miss out on golf world cup spot as Korea claim top honours

BY Lorna Campbell

Kuala Lumpur, Sunday, September 21, 2008 – Singapore missed out by two places on a trip to the World Cup after a round of one-under ended their Fortis International Challenge campaign and they tied for fifth place with hosts Malaysia.

Kota Permai Golf and Country Club welcomed 18 nations for the four day event with the alternating format of fourball and foursomes. Mardan Mamat and Lam Chih Bing started strongly, tying for second spot after day one, but struggled on the first round of foursomes and had an uphill battle if they were to get into the top three.

Lam said, "We just couldn't make a thing out there today. Nothing went in, absolutely nothing. Both of us played very well so no complaints; we just didn't get the job done today on the greens.

"We can both take positives from this week and I'll be back again next year if Mardan wants me."

Playing partner Mamat said, "We enjoyed it today, from tee to green. I really enjoy playing with Chih Bing; anytime and anyplace. Hopefully next year will be a better year for us."

Korea had performed well all week and took the lead back from the Philippines today with a round of 66 to finish 20-under for the trophy. The Philippines came in three shots behind (17 under), followed by the Molinari brothers from Italy who will take the final place from this Asian qualifying event.

Narrowly missing out were Nigeria who impressed opponents and spectators alike with low scoring each day, but things didn't go to plan on the final round with a one under just one shot short of a play-off with Italy.

Several players spoke of the confidence they have gained this week at the Fortis International Challenge with the team event making it easier to play aggressively.

"I am feeling really positive about my game after this week. In this tournament I could attack. In a full Asian Tour event I think I am more reserved as a missed shot can mean a lot, "said David Freeman of Hong Kong.

Mamat flies to Japan tonight for his next event feeling in good shape and looking ahead, "Personally I am confident with my hitting and just need to sharpen up a little bit around the greens. The Singapore Open is always in my mind and an event I want to play well in."

For Lam, he has a short break in Singapore before a hectic few weeks on the road, "I have one week back home with my new baby then I have five weeks non-stop on the Asian Tour."

Title sponsors, Fortis Insurance Asia were delighted with the turnout this week in Malaysia. Stuart Fraser, CEO Fortis Insurance Asia said, "The number of teams competing this year compared to last has gone up and to see the African nations and Italy joining us was great for the game."

THE TEAMS
Bangladesh (Md Siddiqur Rahman, Md Jibon Ali), Brunei (Pengiran Hassanal, Faiz Damit) Ghana (Emos Korblah, Victor Bravemensah), Kenya (Dismas Indiza, Anil Shah), Korea (Bae Sang-moon, Kim Hyung-tae), Nigeria (Oyebanji Gboyega, Odoh Andrew Oche), Singapore (Mardan Mamat, Lam Chih Bing), Sri Lanka (Anura Rohana, Lalith Kumara), Pakistan (Muhammad Shabbir, Muhammad Munir), Myanmar (Soe Kyaw Naing, Zaw Zaw Latt), Hong Kong (Derek Fung, David Freeman), Nepal (Deepak Thapa Magar, Deepak Neupane), Italy (Francesco Molinari, Edoardo Molinari), Indonesia (Junaedi Ibrahim, Sarmilih, Malaysia (Iain Steel, Danny Chia), Philippines (Angelo Que, Mars Pucay), Uganda (Deo Akope, Godfrey Mande), Swaziland (Robbie Wesselo, Meshak Zwane).

About Fortis
Fortis is an international financial services provider active in insurance and banking. Fortis ranks among Europe's top 20 financial institutions, with a market capitalisation of EUR 40 billion at year-end 2007. Together with ABN AMRO, we have a presence in over 50 countries and a dedicated, professional workforce of more than 85,000.

Fortis has been in Asia for over 105 years. It has successfully combined its banking and insurance expertise in key growth markets in Asia. Its regional headquarters are based in Hong Kong; other offices include Bangkok, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Mumbai, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei and Tokyo.

About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Carlsberg (Official Beer), ESPN Star Sports (Official Regional TV Broadcaster), Pin High (Official Apparel Partner), Sofitel (Official Hotel), TIME and FORTUNE (Corporate Partner) and Srixon (Official Ball). Sentosa, Singapore's premier island resort getaway, is the Home of the Asian Tour.