Major Man Yang Eyes Success at Barclays Singapore Open

Singapore, November 2: Korea's Y.E. Yang wants to add an "Asian Major" to his collection of titles with victory in next week's star-laden Barclays Singapore Open.

Yang became the first Asian to win a Major when he held off then world number one Tiger Woods to lift the PGA Championship in 2009.

The 41 year old has set his sights on winning at Sentosa Golf Club from November 10-13 after lighting up last year's tournament with a sensational burst of scoring.

Yang reeled off three straight birdies from the 16th hole at The Serapong course to make the cut in brilliant fashion before going on to shoot 66-72 over the weekend for a top-20 finish.

"I had a really great finish on the final three holes of round two last year. I needed to go three under in the last three holes just to make the cut, and the round was suspended because of darkness when I had 16, 17 and 18 left to play," he recalled.

"Oh! was it sweet or not. It was without a doubt the most clutch display of golf I had exhibited in my golf career through a three-hole stretch.

"So this year? I want that clutch-ness to be there for 72 holes, when I gun for the top spot in one of Asia's Majors."

Yang will battle a cast of Major champions including American Phil Mickelson, Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, Ireland's Padraig Harrington and the South African duo of Retief Goosen and Ernie Els in the European Tour/Asian Tour co-sanctioned event.

While Yang has cemented his place in golf history, he does not view himself as a role model for Asian players aspiring to match his success.

"I really don't see myself as a role model or inspiration to others. I don't have a grandiose view of myself so I hope I don't get too obnoxious with my success," he said.

"But at the same time, if I have inspired anyone, it will be my privilege and honour of doing so. I just hope that the bar for golfing in Asia has been raised internally with the likes of K.J, Choi winning The Players Championship (this season), Kim Kyung-tae being ranked in the world's top 20, Ryo Ishikawa being sensational and (China's) Liang Wen-chong being inspirational to billions.

"And if my small win in Hazeltine (PGA Championship) has anything to do with kids and parents lifting up golf bags instead of cleats or high tops, then I am so much more satisfied with my career.

"And hopefully those inspired generations can win a Major again soon. As for a bolder prediction of another Asian winning a Major soon, well, I see someone doing it in the next 5-7 years."

The Barclays Singapore Open will be broadcast live for all four days on the ESPN Star Sports network through the efforts of event organiser World Sport Group.