Confident Salvador nears Asian Tour breakthru win

MANILA, Philippines - Despite two playoff losses, Elmer Salvador remains confident of finally scoring a breakthrough on the Asian Tour. 

“I still feel happy despite losing two times in a play-off. I don’t know why but I’ll keep trying. I know, it’s just a matter of time,” said the soft-spoken Salvador, who lost to American David Lipsky in the first playoff hole in last week’s Cambodian Classic.

It was his second playoff loss in the region’s premier circuit but the Davaoeño shotmaker said he’s satisfied with his performance and looks forward to getting another crack at the crown.

“I’m happy with my performance,” said Salvador, who is fast gaining a reputation as the dark horse on the Asian Tour.

With a never-say-never attitude, the Filipino shotmaker almost stole the show before a magical chip-in birdie by Lipsky on the first extra hole dashed his hopes of erasing last year’s play-off defeat to Himmat Rai of India at the Singapore Classic.

But his second place finish pushed him up the Order of Merit to 14th place where he has won $37,612 this season.

He tries again next week when he vies in the Panasonic Open in India.

Jbe Kruger of South Africa, winner of the Avantha Masters in India, paces the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit ranking with $394,589 earnings.

Juvic Pagunsan is the reigning OOM champion but will resume his campaign on the lucrative Japan PGA Tour, also starting next month.

Marcus Fraser of Australia is in second place with $109,380 while Prom Meesawat of Thailand is trailing closely in third with winnings of $103,187.