120 world-class golf players swing into action at 61st Hong Kong Open

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 -- The 61st Hong Kong Open concluded recently, following four days of rigorous competition beginning Jan 9, at the pristine Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling.

The international event drew 120 world-class players from 23 countries including Europe, North America, South America, Southeast Asia, North Asia and Australia, to battle for the coveted title, Official Golf World Ranking points and a share of the US$1 million prize. (US$1 = RM4.06)

At Sunday’s final, Australia’s Wade Ormsby clinched the championship title for the second time, marking the conclusion of this year’s Open, which is one of the region’s most prestigious golf titles and Hong Kong’s longest-standing professional sporting event.

Ormsby overcame formidable competition to win the crown. Hailing from all over the world, his rivals included major champion Shane Lowry from Ireland, American power-driver Tony Finau and SMBC Singapore Open winner Jazz Janewattananond from Thailand.

“The success of this event underlines our commitment and that of the Hong Kong Golf Association to the ongoing development of the game, locally and internationally,” said Hong Kong Golf Club captain, William Doo, Jr. in a statement.

“The atmosphere created by the fans and players from around the world made this tournament one of the most exciting on the international golfing calendar. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next tournament in Hong Kong!”

The 61st Hong Kong Open was hosted by Hong Kong Golf Club and sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Hong Kong Golf Association. The next edition of the tournament will return to the Hong Kong Golf Club in November.

More details at https://thehongkongopen.com.

-- BERNAMA

Asia-Pacific dominates world´s most punctual airlines ranking - OAG

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 3 -- OAG, the world’s leading provider of travel data and insight has released its annual Punctuality League 2020, the industry’s most comprehensive ranking of on-time performance (OTP) for the world’s largest airlines and airports.

Asia-Pacific airlines dominated global rankings with nine out of the top 20 most punctual airlines in the world: Garuda Indonesia (1), Skymark Airlines (3), All Nippon Airways (7), Jetstar Asia (8), Singapore Airlines (9), Thai AirAsia (10), Japan Airlines (15), Qantas Airways (18) and Indonesia AirAsia (20).

Garuda Indonesia takes the top spot globally and regionally, with an impressive OTP of 95.01 per cent. Skymark Airlines (OTP 90.12 per cent) ranks in the top three for both the Global Airline and Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) categories.

“Asia Pacific carriers and airports continued to demonstrate exceptional OTP this year, with many LCCs and legacy carriers improving year-over-year performance. The leading performance of Garuda Indonesia, Skymark Airlines, Osaka Itami and Tokyo Haneda on the global stage is commendable,” said OAG head of JAPAC, Mayur (Mac) Patel.

The region’s LCCs performed exceptionally well, with nine carriers ranking in the top 20 for that respective category, including Skymark Airlines (1), Jetstar Asia (2) and Thai AirAsia (3), according to a statement.

In addition, Japanese airport Osaka Itami (ITM) finished as the most punctual Large Airport for a second consecutive year with an OTP of 88.03 per cent. Singapore Changi (SIN; OTP 84.03 per cent), Kuala Lumpur (KUL; OTP 75.04 per cent) and Seoul Incheon (ICN; OTP 74.95 per cent) all improved their OTP in the Mega Airport category.

More information at www.oag.com.

-- BERNAMA