Sentosa, Singapore, January 14: Japan’s Norihiko Furusho was delighted to be extending his stay in Singapore when he topped the Monday Qualifier with a six-under-par 64 to confirm his place for the SMBC Singapore Open this week.

The US$1 million SMBC Singapore Open will raise the curtains for the 2019 Asian Tour season when it starts at the Sentosa Golf Club on Thursday.

Furusho, together with compatriots Ryutaro Nagano (65) and Daisuke Matsubara (66) took the top three available spots after emerging as the best players among the 68 qualifiers who were all hoping to stake their place in the iconic Singapore showpiece.

Furusho struck a formidable partnership with his brother, a member of the Sentosa Golf Club, who also acted as his caddie.

The 44-year-old took advantage of his sibling’s intimate knowledge of the course and powered his way to the top by mixing his card with seven birdies, an eagle and three bogeys at the New Tanjong course at the Sentosa Golf Club.

“I’m playing at the Sentosa Golf Club for the first time and it’s definitely not an easy course. So it’s very pleasing to sign for a 64. It helps that my brother is a member here and he knows this course well,” said Furusho.

The Japanese, who turned professional in 2003, is still searching for his maiden win and hopes he can find success at the SMBC Singapore Open which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).

“This is a very big event with many good players. I know the challenge will be tough but after today’s qualifying round, I’ve gained my confidence back and hopefully, I can do well,” said Furusho.

Matsubara will have another opportunity to make up for last year’s early exit as he readies himself for battle with the top players from across the globe.

Apart from the best players from the Asian Tour and JGTO, a host of other star players including defending champion Sergio Garcia from Spain, American great Davis Love III, the World Golf Hall of Famer, Englishmen Paul Casey and Matthew Fitzpatrick will also tee off at the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club.

“I’m really excited to earn my place at the SMBC Singapore Open again. This will be my second time playing in Singapore and I want to do well. I had two top-10s in Japan last year and I’m ready to put up a good show this week,” said Matsubara.

The SMBC Singapore Open continues to be part of The Open Qualifying Series for the third consecutive year with the leading four players (not otherwise exempt) who finish in the top 12 and ties earning their places at the 148th Open in July.

Ends.