Atwal to represent India at CIMB Asia Pacific

Indian golfer Arjun Atwal, a two-time Malaysian Open champion, will represent Indian challenge at the inaugural CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia next week.

Atwal recently became the first Indian and just the sixth Asian-born player to win on the US PGA Tour when he secured a one-stroke victory at the Wyndham Championship in August.

Besides Atwal, the field will have some sparkling stars such as Singapore's Lam Chih Bing.

The Asian Tour stalwart was the last man to gain entry into the cash-rich $6 million tournament, which takes place at the Mines Resort and Golf Club from October 28 to 31, after countryman Mardan Mamat broke into the top-10 of the Order of Merit last Sunday.

Among other stars in the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour, PGA Tour and Professional Golf Association of Malaysia (PGAM), would be current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Noh Seung yul of Korea, Australians Marcus Fraser and Andrew Dodt and popular Thai duo Thaworn Wiratchant and Thongchai Jaidee.

They will be joined by Europe's Ryder Cup hero Luke Donald of England, rising star Rickie Fowler of the United States, South Africans Retief Goosen, a two-time US Open champion and Ernie Els, Asian Tour honorary member and seven-time PGA Tour winner K J Choi of Korea and Australian Robert Allenby, who is a four-time winner on the PGA Tour.

Asia's first Major champion, Y E Yang of Korea will also feature in the event.