Chopra to participate in inaugural World Manila Masters

Sweden's Daniel Chopra will be looking to land another victory in Asia when he returns to the region for the inaugural $750,000 Resorts World Manila Masters which tees off at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club here next week.

Chopra's earned his breakthrough in Asia when he won the Johor Open in Malaysia in 1993. It was his first victory a year since turning professional and since then the 39-year-old, born to a Swedish mother and Indian father, has gone on to record a total of 14 victories including the Taiwan Masters in 2001.

While he is now focused on his career in the United States where he has won twice on the PGA Tour, Chopra is looking forward to returning to the region which has brought him much success.

"It has been a long time since I last played in the Philippines. I can't wait to go back there and see for myself how much things have improved," said Chopra.

The Swede enjoyed two top-10 finishes on the Asian Tour last season and will be determined to win his first title of the year here.

"I'm looking for my first win this season and hopefully it will come at the Resorts World Manila Masters. I've fond memories of playing at Manila Southwoods and I remember it being a terrific course," said Chopra.

Chopra will be among the leading contenders where a mix of players from over 22 countries are expected to battle for world ranking points and the winner's purse of $135,000.

Other likely contenders include Chinese Taipei's Lin Wen-tang, China's Liang Wen-chong, Singapore's Mardan Mamat and Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant, who is the reigning Order of Merit champion.

Filipino duo Angelo Que and Antonio Lascuna will spearhead the local charge and take aim at putting on a good show before heading to Australia to represent the Philippines at the World Cup of Golf.