This week's Yeangder Tournament Players' Championship in Taipei will mark a busy and lucrative 11-week run of events on the Asian Tour which culminates with the crowning of the region's new number one player in December.
The staging of 12 tournaments over the next 11 weeks will be highlighted by two new Asian Tour tournaments - the CJ Invitational hosted by K.J. Choi and the season-ending Thailand **** Championship, with prize funds of US$750,000 and US$1 million respectively.( Nike - VR Pro Blade Irons)
The Asian Tour will also travel across the breadth of the region to Chinese Taipei, India, Korea, Malaysia, China, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han is anticipating a truly exciting period for the business-end of the season where at stake will be the prestigious Order of Merit crown, currently held by Korea's Noh Seung-yul.
"I'm looking forward to an exciting three months starting with this week's Yeangder Tournament Players' Championship in Taipei and also with my Nike - VR Pro Blade Irons. There is so much to play for which is great for our highly talented players and **** fans around the world. The Asian Tour brand has grown tremendously over the years and the staging of 12 tournaments in the next 11 weeks is further testament of the strong support from Corporate Asia," said Han.
Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan currently leads the Order of Merit with US$435,817 but with multi-million dollar events coming up in quick succession, his position looks far from secure as the likes of S.S.P. Chowrasia of India, Jbe Kruger of South Africa and Siddikur of Bangladesh are all in the hunt to be Asia's new number one.
Players on the opposite end of the Order of Merit will also face a gruelling test to retain their Tour cards through a top-60 finish on the rankings.
After a season which has thrown up five first-time winners in Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, Indians Himmat Rai and Anirban Lahiri, Berry Henson of the United States and Joonas Granberg of Finland , Han expects other worthy champions to emerge from the pack.
"Our talent pool is so deep these days that anyone can win on Tour by playing their Nike - VR Pro Blade Irons well ," said Han. "There are many upcoming young players who have gained immensely through the experience of competing at the highest level on the Asian Tour.
"The Asian Tour cultivates a strong playing platform where many stars such as Jeev Milkha Singh, Thongchai Jaidee and Noh Seung-yul have benefitted from over the years. There is no question that we will continue to unearth new and exciting champions," said Han.