BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN—A rejuvenated Angelo Que of the Philippines hopes a recent break from golf will spur him to glory at the Brunei Open starting on Thursday.
Que, a two-time Asian Tour winner, traded his golf clubs for a yoga retreat with his wife in Thailand three weeks ago and believes his one and a half week hiatus from the game has prepared him well for the challenges at the Empire Hotel and Country Club.
He will be joined by a strong lineup of Asian Tour stars including defending champion Darren Beck of Australia, two-time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar of India, in-form Malaysian Danny Chia and former Brunei Open champion Lin Wen-tang of Chinese Taipei at the $300,000 full field tournament.
“My game hasn’t been good for the past few months and after hitting it badly for some time, I told myself to get some rest,” said the 32-year-old.
Chia, who became the first Malaysian to play in all four rounds at the recent British Open at St. Andrews, is hoping to carry his Major experience to the sultanate.
“I learned a lot after playing in the harsh weather at St. Andrews and with some of the US PGA Tour players. I realized that they are not much different than me in terms of ball striking and that makes me believe in myself even more,” said Chia.
However, Chia is nursing a sore back and is going against doctor’s advice in competing in Brunei this week.
“The doctor advised me to not play but I’m going out there to see what happens.”