Chia aims to shake inconsistent tag

03/02/1999

IF you are looking for a Malaysian to sizzle in the first round of the
US$750,000 Benson and Hedges Malaysian Open at the Saujana Golf and
Country Club, Danny Chia is your man.
But the sad part is Chia is not a consistent golfer, like at the 1998
MPGA Championship where he shot a sizzling 65 but ended up with a final
round of 10-over 82.
"I admit that my game has not been consistent but I have been working on
improving it," said Chia.
Chia sunk an eagle and six birdies on his way to a fine seven-under 65
on the opening day of the 1998 MPGA Championship at Saujana's Crocodile
Course.
Only an unexpected bogey on the par-3 12th blotted his otherwise
excellent scorecard but all the same he took a three-stroke lead over
Victor Lim.
He had a 74 in the second round but improved with a 71 in the third.
However, in the final round when it mattered most, he blew up with a 10-
over par 82 to drop to the eighth spot.
"Since then I have had similar experiences because I think too much of
the crowd and what they are thinking," said Chia.
"But that is the past because I have managed to overcome the fear of
taking the lead."
Chia has been working with Malaysian Professional Golfers Association
consultant Allan Murray to maintain his game.
If Murray is any good, there is a good chance of seeing Chia finishing
among the top 40.
P. Gunasegaran, who finished runner-up in the 1994 Malaysian Open, was
an almost there golfer at the recent Myanmar Open.
After a sizzling 66, and two rounds of 69 at the Myanmar Open, Guna blew
up with a 74 in the final round to finish 10th.
Guna refused to talk to certain members of the media yesterday, claiming
that their report on local golfers are usually not favourable.
(END)