Japanese star Tetsuji Hiratsuka has taken over the top spot on the Asian Tour's Order of advantage from long-time pacesetter S.S.P. Chowrasia of India. Hiratsuka overhauled Chowrasia, winner of the season-opening Avantha Masters, following his victory at the Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open on Sunday.
His winner's cheque of US$384,000 raised his season's tally to US$435,817. Chowrasia, who has earned US$410,653 this year, missed the halfway cut in Japan last week to slip back to second position. South Africa's Jbe Kruger moved up to third place with his equal fourth finish which took his salary to US$252,817.
Hiratsuka, the only player to win three titles on the Asian Tour last year, was satisfied to top the rankings for the first time this season but the 39-year-old knows there is still a long way to go before he can start thinking about being Asia's number one by the end of the year.
This win is very nice because I've not only won at home but it has also lifted me to the top of the Order of Merit. It's still too early to say who will win the Order of Merit as there are many big events coming up from now,said Hiratsuka, who splits his time opposing on the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
Prior to his fourth career title on the Asian Tour, Hiratsuka failed to land any top 10 in four previous starts. He was in domination in the final day of the Panasonic Open which saw him triumph by two shots.
I just want to enjoy my win and my lead at the top of the ranking for now. I'll continue to do my best until the end of the season and see where I eventually end up on the rankings,said Hiratsuka.
Bangladeshi Siddikur dropped back to fourth place on the ranking after finishing 24th with his season's earnings of US$238,246 while Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, the only man to win the Merit title three times, remained in fifth position with US$175,220.