Hong Kong team aims to surprise in Malaysia

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Hong Kong plans to return into the World Cup fold at this week's Fortis International Challenge with Derek Fung and David Freeman determined to pull off a surprise at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club.

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Derek Fung will play in a team with David Freeman representing Hong Kong.

The experienced Fung will team up with big-hitting Freeman for the first time and hopes to send Hong Kong to the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China after a five-year lapse.

A total of 19 two-man national teams, which include the host Malaysia, will vie for three tickets to China.

Fung, who has played in two World Cups previously, feels he and Freeman make a good partnership, especially when their names already share the same initials of "DF".

"We haven't played that much together, but I feel we make a good team, and I think we have a good chance," said Fung, winner of Hong Kong's Order of Merit title last season.

The 39-year-old, widely regarded as one of Hong Kong's most talented players, has been inactive from the Asian Tour due to family commitments this season but is feeling excited at the prospect of going into battle for the three World Cup tickets.

"It's hard to tell (about my form) as I've not played at all on the Asian Tour. But I've played long enough, and my experience will help me. My game feels OK. Before arriving here, I didn't feel the buzz, but now that I'm here, I feel excited. I've played on this course a few times, and I'm comfortable here. We can play well here together."

The first and third rounds will use the fourball better ball format while the second and final rounds will use the more difficult foursomes (alternate shot) format.

After learning that they would team up for the Fortis International Challenge, Fung said they discussed the need to be non-apologetic to one another on the golf course. "What's important in foursomes is to not worry so much about letting your partner down. You're going to hit bad shots, and it's not as though you're trying to hit bad shots. It's important to stay relaxed and focused and worry about your own shots," said Fung.

Freeman has felt some good vibes after several practice sessions with Fung. "I haven't played an awful lot of golf with Derek, but we've had two or three practice rounds, and I'm looking forward to it," he said.

"We'll just tell each other to hit the fairway and hole the next putt. It's a case of leaving each other to do what they have to do and be there for each other. We know what we are capable of."

Like Hong Kong, Myanmar is also eager to play their way back into the World Cup and will rely on newcomer Zaw Zaw Latt, who will partner with the experienced Soe Kyaw Naing for the first time at the Fortis International Challenge.

Naing, who has played in three World Cups previously, hopes their month-long preparation will reap the rewards at the par-72 Kota Permai course. "Zaw is playing good, so I'm looking forward to a fourth World Cup appearance. He hits it longer than I do, so we'll get him to tee off on the par 5s in the foursomes," said Naing.

"There is no pressure on us. We've known each other for a while, and we play together very often at home. Last year, I had a chance to qualify with Zaw Moe, but we played badly on the final day," added Naing, whose featured in the World Cup in 2004.

The 30-year-old Latt, who has won five times on the local Tour, conceded he was feeling nervous on the debut. "I'm feeling a bit jittery. But I'm looking forward to it. I get on well with Soe, so we should be looking to achieve something this week."

Angelo Que and Mars Pucay of the Philippines are expected to challenge for one of the three tickets to China. The duo is hoping to extend its country's recent good run with four Filipinos winning on the Asian Tour over the past 18 months as well as qualifying for the British Open, U.S. Open and last year's World Cup.

"It's been a good year for the Philippines. It's nice to see the Filipinos play well. It's good for us to achieve success as others will follow," said Pucay.

"It's nice to come back to Kota Permai. This was the course where I qualified with Felix (Casas) in 1999. We've got a great team here. Our games complement each other, and we have a great chance of making it."