Juvic kicks off HK Open bid vs Harrington

MANILA, Philippines - Juvic Pagunsan plans to wrap up the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit title with a strong showing in the $2.75 million UBS Hong Kong Open, which fires off today at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling.

Pagunsan, who leads the race to become Asia’s new No. 1 by $288,770 from second-ranked S.S.P. Chowrasia of India, is confident of contending against the stars of the game, including title holder Ian Poulter and world No. 2 Rory McIlroy.

It was in Hong Kong in 2006 that Pagunsan rose to prominence when he contended for the crown before finishing second. Since then, he has not missed a cut in Hong Kong but it is a second career victory that the sweet-swinging Pagunsan is chasing after following his near miss in the Singapore Open three weeks ago which shot him to the top of the OOM rankings.

“I still have big memories from 2006. Coming down the 18th hole that year, there were so many people watching me play. It was the first time I enjoyed that experience,” said Pagunsan, who has earned $733,298 this season.

“These are the last two events for us. I will try to secure the Order of Merit this week before the Thailand Golf Championship. I’m preparing myself for a big week here. I’ve got to concentrate well,” he added.

Pagunsan, who also clinched the OOM title in the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour, drew three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington and Thai ace Thaworn Wiratchant in the featured 12:20 p.m. flight on No. 1.

“I’m not feeling any pressure but I can’t relax too much. I’ve got to keep concentrating,” said Pagunsan.

He enjoyed a week at home last week, hanging out with his nine-year-old daughter but still put in the work on his game. “When I played golf, she would be out with me on the buggy or walking with me which was nice. I still put in some good practice. I didn’t take it easy. The game is feeling good. I’ve got big confidence to play well again,” said Pagunsan.

Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen-tang, winner of the UBS Hong Kong Open in 2008 when he defeated McIlroy and Francesco Molinari in a playoff, is backing Pagunsan to become the new OOM champion which comes with exemptions into the 2012 British Open and WGC-Cadillac Championship.

In fact, Lin will claim some of the glory if the Filipino does go on to make history as he gave Pagunsan a tip during the Mercuries Taiwan Masters earlier this month. “He told me he was scared as he was 64th on the Order of Merit back then but after Singapore, he’s top of the rankings now. I told him to play a bit quicker as his tempo was a bit slower than before.”

“Two years ago, he would play a shot quickly. I think he’s got a good chance to become the new number one. He’s got a big lead, he’s got a good feeling. Maybe he’ll win the Hong Kong Open as he’s a good putter,” said Lin.