Ahmad Farhan Syariff, Wilson Choo and Mohd Rizal Amin claimed their spots to compete at the USD 3 million tournament

Kuala Lumpur, 19 November 2014: S. Siva Chandran carded a brilliant three-under 69 to confirm his spot at the Maybank Malaysian Open 2015, successfully overcoming a competitive field of Malaysian players; at the Maybank Malaysian Open 2015 National Qualifiers held at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club today.

Siva Chandran, who totaled one-under 143 over 36 holes, secured his ninth consecutive start at the national Open as a professional.

He is joined by Ahmad Farhan Syariff (69-75) and Wilson Choo (71-74), who finished second and third respectively as well as Mohd Rizal Amin, who saw off the challenge of Mohd Iylia Jamil in a sudden death shootout after both players had finished; tied at fourth place.

These local champions will play against some of the world's best for a prize purse of USD 3 million from February 5th to 8th 2015 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.

A three-time winner on the national Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) circuit, Siva Chandran was delighted to return with a scorecard of four birdies against a single bogey to add to his opening 74.

"This is the beginning of a journey to play in the Maybank Malaysian Open 2015 and on a personal note, I'm ready to confirm my place at this prestigious national Open. I've never made the cut here at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, so that's definitely the target come the tournament proper," said the 35-year-old.

"I made some good putts today which helped me garner my first-ever under par score on the West Course. It will definitely motivate me to do better when we come back here in February."

Runner-up Ahmad Farhan, meanwhile, felt the pressure coming into the second and final round of the qualifiers after a solid 69 yesterday.

"I'm really relieved that I've made it to the Maybank Malaysian Open because never in my wildest dreams did I think that it would come true. I was a bit nervous at the start and it just took its toll. I was five-over after 15th holes and my chances weren't looking good.

"But I birdied from the bunker on 16th and then drained a 30-foot birdie putt on the last to secure my berth rather comfortably, so I am really excited about playing in my maiden national Open," added the 26-year-old.

2015 marks a very special year for Maybank, as it celebrates a decade as the title sponsor of the national Open. In that time, the tournament has become a world-class fixture in the region and has been key in cultivating the sport at different levels in Malaysia.

Tan Sri Dato' Megat Zaharuddin Mohd Nor, Chairman of Maybank who attended the closing ceremony of the National Qualifiers said "Let us congratulate our four golfing professionals - S. Siva Chandran, Ahmad Farhan Syariff, Wilson Choo, and Mohamad Rizal Amin who have all earned themselves a coveted spot to play alongside international golfing greats at the Maybank Malaysian Open this February. You will be joining the remaining eighteen Malaysians for an intense yet memorable experience at the Maybank Malaysian Open and I hope you will do our country proud."

Tan Sri added, "Twelve other Malaysians have so far qualified for the Maybank Malaysian Open. And after this, there will be another 6 who will be selected, bringing the total to 22, who will represent Malaysia in this event. We are the only world class golf event here in Malaysia that provides so many opportunities for our Malaysian golfers, as part of our contribution to golf development in this country,"

The Maybank Malaysian Open offers the highest number of spots for Malaysian golfers in a co-sanctioned international golfing event in the country. It is a joint initiative by the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA), Maybank and GlobalOne to provide Malaysian sportsmen the opportunity to compete in the world class event.

Malaysian Golf Association's President, Admiral (R) Tan Sri Dato' Setia Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor expressed his enthusiasm for the progress of Malaysian golfers as well, saying, "The Maybank Malaysian Open is a vital platform for Malaysian golfers as it grants them a chance to hone their skills alongside an international playing field. Congratulations to the top four, and well done to the rest for a game well played."

Ranking points earned at the Maybank Malaysian Open go towards the Asian Tour Order of Merit and also count towards the European Tour's Race to Dubai at the end of 2015.

The Maybank Malaysian Open has over the years, attracted the best golfers from around the world including Peter Thomson, Vijay Singh, Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen, Michael Campbell and Sir Nick Faldo.

LEADING FINAL RESULTS:
143 - S. Sivachandhran 74-69
144 - Ahmad Farhan Syariff 69-75
145 - Wilson Choo 71-74
146 - Mohd Rizal Amin 73-73, Mohd Iylia Jamil 74-72
(Rizal wins on the first play-off hole)
148 - Muhd Al-Warith Damian 72-76,
149 - Mohd Amli Mohayideen 74-75, Shaifubari Muda 79-70
150 - Nicholas Pua 79-71
153 - Al Malik Faisal Zainuddin 79-74, Hilmi Abdul Rahman 75-78

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