Tabuena all smiles ahead of Myanmar Open
Yangon - Philippines' Miguel Tabuena is hoping his fine form early in the season will steer him towards a second Asian Tour victory at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open which starts on Thursday.
Tabuena's tied-eighth finish at the season-opening event in Singapore has given him an early head start on the Merit list where he currently sits in fourth place. After enjoying a tied-third result at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open last year, the 23-year- old believes he has the game for a podium finish at the Pun Hlaing Golf Club.
“ I am hitting the ball so well that it’s one of the best I’ve done in a long while. I also start off well in the season but tend to slack off a bit. I’ve planned my schedule better now as that I won’t be as tired as last year,” said Tabuena who enjoyed five top-10 finishes in 2017 to end the year in 23rd place on the Order of Merit.
“I’ve changed my practice routines and I’m more focus and hungrier as I know I’m capable of doing way better than what I did last year. I’m going to start the year strong,” added the Filipino finished in tied-38th place at the inaugural Leopalace21 Myanmar Open in 2016 but improved on that with a tied-third finish at the same event last year.
Newly-wed Gaganjeet Bhullar of India is happy his marital bliss has brought a new dimension to his game and hopes for an improved performance after holding the lead in Singapore briefly last week.
The Indian holds eight victories on the Asian Tour and knows the art of winning against a strong field at the US$750,000 event that is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).
"I played my first event in Singapore last week and the goal is to get into a good momentum at the beginning of the season. Obviously I have to work hard to realize my goals for 2018," said Gaganjeet Bhullar who missed the cut at the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open after posting matching 73s in the first two rounds last year.
2017 Asian Tour Rookie of the Year, Micah Lauren Shin is also aiming to make a big impact following a very successful season in 2017.
The Korean American, who lives in Davao in the Philippines, has not only developed immensely as a player but has also adapted well to the changing demands of the game.
