Thailand target first Nomura Cup title

Thailand target first Nomura Cup title

Thailand will be hoping to record their first win in the 26th Nomura Cup when they host the tournament at Santiburi Country Club in Chiang Rai from Nov 14-17.

There will be 36 nations from Asia-Pacific competing at the biennial amateur team tournament. Despite being recognised as one of the region's golfing powerhouses, Thailand have never won the championship before.

In 2007 in Taiwan, the Thai team _ consisting of Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Ekaluk Waisayakul, Varut Chomchalam and Thunyakorn Krongpa _ delivered the country's best performance, finishing third.

At the last edition in Fiji two years ago, Thailand _ featuring Atthachai Jaichalad, Nattawat Suvajanakorn, Natipong Srithong and Rattanon Wannasrichan _ finished 10th. Australia won, while New Zealand and India came second and third respectively.

As the hosts, Thailand will aim to make full use of their home-course advantage and, to be well-prepared for the event, Rungsrid Luxitanond, president of the Thailand Golf Association (TGA), has hired 'Pro Jiew' Boonyarit Ueasilapasart to coach the team.

Boonyarit also mentors Kiradech, who is currently playing on the Asian Tour and the Japan Tour.

The Nomura Cup will also be a warm-up event for the 2013 SEA Games, which will be staged in Myanmar the following month.

This week, the TGA will send three players _ Ornnicha Konsunthea, Serman Santiwiwatthanaphong and Chanya Prathetrat _ to compete in the 2013 Philippine Ladies Open.

The three-day event will be held at Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Batangas.

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