Mercedes Benz Asean Tour

Filipino Artemio Murakami, a familiar face on the Mercedes-Benz Tour, won this year’s Asian Tour Qualifying School to set up an exciting season for the talented golfer.

He was one of seven members from the Mercedes-Benz Tour to earn Tour cards for 2010, which was an impressive figure that once again demonstrated the Mercedes-Benz Tour acts as a stepping stone for the region’s players.

Murakami, who has come close to victory on the Mercedes-Benz Tour several times, won the tournament after beating Duthcman Guido Van Der Valk on the second extra hole.

November 23: Mercedes-Benz Tour regular Shaaban Hussin produced the finest performance of his career to take second place in the US$300,000 Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open on the Asian Tour.

The young Malaysian finished in second place one stroke behind winner Marcus Both from Australia.

Shaaban finished with a four round aggregate of eight-under-par 280 after carding rounds of 71, 67, 72 and 70.

He missed a birdie putt on the final hole that would have forced a play-off and so picked up the runners-up cheque for US$32,550.

Hanoi, November 14: Namchok Tantipokhakul completed the finest season of his fledgling career today by winning the US$80,000 Mercedes-Benz Masters Vietnam and securing the Mercedes-Benz Tour Order of Merit title.

The 22 year old Thai fired a final round one-over-par 73 to finish one stroke ahead of compatriot Pavit Tangkamolprasert. Pavit came in with a 67 at Kings’ Island Golf Club, north of Hanoi.

Namchok finished with a four-round-aggregate of 16-under-par 272 and earned a cheque for US$13,000.

Hanoi, November 13: Namchok Tantipokhakul opened up a three stroke lead in the US$80,000 Mercedes-Benz Masters Vietnam today after the third round with another polished sub 70 performance.

The Thai golfer fired a five-under-par 67 at Kings’ Island Golf Club, north of Hanoi, for an impressive total of 17-under-par 199.

His compatriot Tanatchan Puaktes is in sole possession of second place after also shooting a 67