Hot Lascuña over the moon with spot in WGC-HSBC tilt

SHANGHAI—A jubilant Antonio Lascuña will head into next month’s $8.5-million WGC-HSBC Champions in high spirits after scoring on both his career and personal front.

The Filipino veteran has been one of the standouts on the Asian Tour this season, catching everyone’s attention with his sparkling form.

After finishing tied for 11th at The Championship in Singapore, the 43-year-old nailed five top 10s including three runner-up finishes in the Philippines, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei to move to fourth in the Order of Merit.

While Lascuña may not have won his maiden title on the region’s premier Tour yet, his results point to an imminent breakthrough.

His performances have earned him a spot at the WGC-HSBC Champions as one of the leading four available players from the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.

Current Merit leader David Lipsky of the United States, India’s Anirban Lahiri and American Jason Knutzon have also qualified for the WGC-HSBC Champions, which is the richest tournament in Asia.

“It has been a good season and it has exceeded my expectations,” said Lascuña. “I couldn’t have asked for more especially with my place secured in the WGC-HSBC Champions. I’m really happy as this is the first time I’ll be playing at the WGC-HSBC Champions and I’m really looking forward to it.”

A huge part of Lascuña’s success can be attributed to his wife who has been his pillar of support.

“My wife has always been encouraging me to stay fit so that I can keep up pace with the younger golfers,” he said. “I’ve been going to the gym and it has been working out really well.”

With the impending arrival of his baby boy too, the father-to-be is ready to ride on his joy and create an impact in Shanghai.

Lascuña will face a formidable test as the final World Golf Championships event of the year will feature the world’s leading players like Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson, Justin Rose and Martin Kaymer.