Home > Sport > LIN ENJOYS STEADY RISE ON UBS ORDER OF MERIT

LIN ENJOYS STEADY RISE ON UBS ORDER OF MERIT

Kuala Lumpur, September 3: Behind every successful man is a woman as reflected through Lin Wen-tang who paid tribute to his wife's support for his two wins in the past one year on the Asian Tour.

The Chinese Taipei stalwart enjoyed a steady track record the past 12 months, including his recent triumph at the Brunei Open on Sunday, thanks to the undying support of his wife, Ou Shu-feng.

"I'm very grateful to my family for their continuous support, especially my wife. There's a saying that goes, behind every successful man is a woman. I'm glad that my wife is really one of them.

"All these years when I'm competing on the Asian Tour, she has never failed to lend me her utmost support. She had been good taking care of the house and my kids, leaving me with the peace of mind and assurance to compete in all my tournaments," said Lin.

In 2006, Lin broke through with a maiden triumph at the Taiwan Open which had ended a frustrating career having previously chalked up 15 top-10 finishes.

"The winning feeling is simply wonderful! This is the third time that I've competing in this tournament in Brunei and I must say that my performance here has been very good so far. I am definitely very happy with my win."

Lin, 33, comes from a successful golfing family where his father Lin Chia was a prominent player in the local scene as he won the ROC PGA Championship, one of the country's top events. Lin's uncle, Lin Chi-hsiang, is a winner in Asia while his brother Wen-hong also features regularly on the Asian Tour.

Thanks to his formidable performance the past one year and second triumph on the Asian Tour on Sunday, Lin has now gained renewed confidence in his aim to earn a spot on the US PGA Tour.

"This win has given me a lot of confidence to go on and compete in the bigger tournaments. I'll be going to the US Tour 'Qualifying' school and I'll continue to do my best there," admitted Lin, who produced a stunning final round performance at the Empire Hotel and Country Club to take the top prize on Sunday. He rose to 30th place on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit and is playing in his ninth season in Asia.

Filipino Tony Lascuna, featuring in his first full season on the Asian Tour, has also been making a steady rise on the ranking in 40th position with total earnings of US$66,728. Lascuna has found the right balance between coaching and playing when he finished runner-up at the Iskandar Johor Open two weeks ago prior to his joint third place result at the Brunei Open.

"I'm very happy. My target was to finish in the top five, so top three is really good. At least now I've kept my card for next season."

"I'm going to coach the Philippine amateur team for the Southeast Asian games. They've asked me to help, so I'm going to assist. On Tuesday, I'll start teaching for one week than I'll go to China for the Midea China Classic.

"I'll coach and play. It is not going to be easy. I don't think I want to play full time though I enjoy teaching all the young players and they are all my friends. Chief coach Bong Lopez looks after the team and checks my swing too so it benefits my game as well," said Lascuna.

Australia's Adam Le Vesconte made his move up to 48th place on the UBS Order of Merit when he claimed the runner-up spot in Brunei while compatriot Scott Hend produced his fifth top-10 finish this year on Sunday as he solidified his ranking in third place with earnings of US$338,715. China's Liang Wen-chong remains on top of the money list with US$448,422.

UBS ORDER OF MERIT - TOP-20

Pos. Player Country Winnings (US$)

1 LIANG Wen-chong (CHN) 448,422.82

2 Anton HAIG (RSA) 427,685.29

3 Scott HEND (AUS) 338,715.17

4 Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 252,138.75

5 Simon YATES (SCO) 239,755.50

6 Gaurav GHEI (IND) 227,174.74

7 Simon DYSON (ENG) 216,260.16

8 Iain STEEL (MAS) 191,609.68

9 Prayad MARKSAENG (THA) 185,549.07

10 Frankie MINOZA (PHI) 165,622.42