Cream of Asia’s golf compete at Black Mountain

The top players from Asia are set to end their seasons at the Asian Tour finale at the Black Mountain Masters in Thailand.

With the Order of Merit title already won by Korea’s Noh Seung-yul, this week’s tournament in Hua Hin, provides the opportunity for players to either improve their rankings on the Order of Merit or secure their Tour card for next season.

Australia’s Marcus Both believes the Black Mountain Masters will provide an exciting climax to year-long season.

“I’m obviously looking forward to this week and next week and hoping for a big finish like everyone else,” Both said.

“It’s a motivation for all of us to try and win the tournaments or try to secure the card.

Three-time Asian Tour number one and winner of the Cambodia Open at the weekend Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand is aiming for a good finish on home soil, where the large home crowd is expected to follow him.

“The Black Mountain Masters is a great tournament and as my last tournament of the year, I’ll try my best to do well, especially in front of the home fans,” said the Thai star.

Reigning champion Johan Edfors of Sweden will defend his title while top stars from the Asian Tour including Singapore’s Mardan Mamat, Australia’s Marcus Fraser and India’s Jyoti Randhawa are expected to vie for victory.

The Black Mountain Masters will also be a last chance for Tour hopefuls to secure their full playing rights for next season.

With the top-61 as the cut-off mark for players to earn their full playing privileges for 2011, a host of players will have to play above themselves for their Tour cards.

India’s Anirban Lahiri currently lies on the bubble in 61st place on the Order of Merit and will need a good result to ensure he earns his full Tour card for next year.

Five-time Asian Tour winner Lu Wen-teh of Chinese Taiepei, England’s Simon Griffiths and Thailand’s Prom Meesawat are amongst those fighting for their cards as well.