Mamat opens RW Masters title defense

CARMONA, Cavite, Philippines – Defending champion Mardan Mamat and local ace Angelo Que face off in an early duel of the fancied bets while Miguel Tabuena slugs it out with Thai ace Prom Meesawat in two of the featured flights in the kickoff of the $1 million Resorts World Manila Masters at the Manila Southwoods here today.

Mamat put on a dominating performance to fashion out a six-shot romp here last year with the veteran Singaporean campaigner, who also won an Asian Tour event in Bangladesh last May, upbeat of his chances for a back-to-back feat in the country’s richest tournament hosted by the Manila Southwoods.

“I’m looking forward to defend my title. Believe it or not, I like the Masters course by (Jack) Nicklaus which I think favors my game so much,” said Mamat, who opts for a conservative approach, particularly on a course like the Masters.

“I like to make good use of my shots and take advantage of the par-5s,” added Mamat, who strung up solid rounds of 65-68-66-69 here last year to beat Frenchman Lionel Weber by six.

But Que hopes to provide the early challenge in their 11:05 a.m. flight on No. 1 with Thai Danthai Boonma. The three-time Asian Tour winner is coming in fresh and confident in what could be his best chance to end a long title spell.

“I took time out from competitive golf last week to prepare for the Masters. I sort of got burned out last year because I kept playing in every tournament towards the end of the year,” said Que. “But it will be different now since I am well rested and better prepared.”

What motivates the long-hitting Filipino ace is his desire to make up for his missed cut stint here last year with a new mindset and a confidence built around his familiarity with the hazard-laden layout.

“I really looked forward to this tournament and I hope I can do a big rebound this year,” said Que. “I’ve been playing Southwoods since I was an amateur and I know where to put the ball even if I miss the targets.”

Tabuena also exudes confidence heading to the event, having won the local circuit’s Order of Merit title. But he will be as much tested as Que and Mamat as he faces Meesawat and Japanese Masahiro Kawamura in the 11:15 p.m. flight, also on No. 1.

Meanwhile, a VIP aircraft service worth $250,000 will be up for grabs as hole-in-one prize at the 241-yard No. 13 while a brand-new Mitsubishi ASX car worth $32,000 will be staked for ace at the 191-yard No. 17.