Malaysian Golf Squad Fields Young Athletes to Asian Games

  KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Golf Association (PGM) is fielding seven new faces with a target of one medal at the Asian Games in Indonesia which will take place from August 18 to September 2. Head of the Contingent to the Asian Games, Abdul Azim Mohd Zabidi, said golf team manager Teoh Piek Kee explained to him that the number one national golfer Gavin Kyle Green was not participating in the Asian Games as the player was a professional. Abdul Azim said amateur athletes consisting of Ervin Chang, Adam Arif Madzri, Muhammad Afif Mohd Fathi, Kanavathi Rhaasrikanesh, Ng Yu Xuan, Ashley Lau, Natasha Andrea Onn were selected based on their current encouraging performances to take on the challenge in Jakarta. "Three of these athletes are based in the United States, they are students and play for their universities there. In terms of 'scoring' they are satisfactory and chosen by the association to represent the country to the Asian Games. "When we asked about their rivals there, the PGM explained that the competitions will be from Thailand, Japan, South Korea and India. Currently, the players are in the top five at the Asian Games level, "he said after a meeting with PGM at Wisma Olympic Council Malaysia (OCM) here today. He said although the golfers were amateurs but they were in the top ten in Asia. "They are athletes in the B category, namely, the athlete or the association pays the expenses to the Asian Games. I understand that the squad is not only a new team to the Asian Games but they also have never played in the SEA Games last year, "he said. -- BERNAMA