Hong Kong Golf Qualifiers

Rahil Gangjee will be looking to end a difficult year on a high after booking his place in next month’s UBS Hong Kong Golf Open. The Indian star secured one of three spots in the US$2.5 million showpiece when the international qualifying tournament was finally completed today (21 October) after being suspended on Tuesday due to bad weather at the Palm Resort Golf and Country Club in Johor, Malaysia.

Gangjee posted a five-under-par 67 in the one-round shootout and was joined on that total by Thailand’s Udorn Duangdecha and Nick Redfern of England as all three secured their places in the main draw for this golf in Hong Kong event.

The Hong Kong golf bound trio finished one shot clear of South African Jbe Kruger, Thailand’s Sattaya Supupramai – one of last year’s successful qualifiers – and Chang Tse Peng of Chinese Taipei. Gangjee, 31, was considered one of India’s rising stars when he burst on the Asian Tour scene in 2004. But he has struggled with his game in the past two years and has posted just one top-10 finish this season.

He will have his chance on the big stage again when the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Golf Open is held at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from 12-15 November. The world-class field will be spearheaded by Korean ace Yang Yong Eun, who became Asia’s first Major winner when he triumphed at the US PGA Championship in August.

Also in the line-up will be defending champion Lin Wen Tang of Chinese Taipei and the man he beat in last year’s unforgettable playoff duel, brilliant Northern Irish youngster Rory McIlroy. The tournament – golf in Hong Kong’s oldest professional sporting event, having started in 1959 – will once again be co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.

Four Hong Kong golf professionals – William Fung, Lokky Lee, Chris Tang and Derek Fung – booked their UBS Hong Kong Golf Open places at last week’s domestic qualifying tournament. Stay tuned to golfinhongkong.com for all coverage of the Hong Kong Golf Open