Jarmo Sandelin, currently second in the Volvo Order of Merit, and Jean Van de Velde, team-mates in the 1999 Ryder Cup Matches, are the latest star players to join the field for next month's US$1 million Carlsberg Malaysian Open.
Justin Rose has also confirmed his participation at Royal Selangor Golf Club from February 28 to March 3 after his fledgling career finally blossomed with a maiden victory two weeks ago.
The talented trio are tipped by many to be amongst the main drawcards at this year's Carlsberg Malaysian Open, which is jointly sanctioned by the Asian PGA-run Davidoff Tour and The European Tour. Former Masters Champions Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam, World Number 13 Padraig Harrington and New Zealand’’s Michael Campbell are amongst the top stars who have also confirmed their entries.
"It is good news that Justin Rose, Jarmo Sandelin and Jean Van de Velde have all entered for the prestigious event. They are stars in their own right and will be wonderful additions," said Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad Managing Director Dato' Jorgen Bornhoft.
"Jean has become a popular figure in the world of golf. His swashbuckling approach is bound to be a huge hit with Malaysian fans."
Rose captured the dunhill championship in Johannesburg two weeks ago with a two-shot victory in the event which included US Open winner Retief Goosen and two-time Major champion Ernie Els.
The extrovert Sandelin is currently second in the Volvo Order of Merit after claiming victory in the BMW Asian Open in Taiwan last November, the opening event of the 2002 European Tour International Schedule.
It was his first triumph in two years but success has certainly fuelled his drive for more glory at the Carlsberg Malaysian Open. "It has been two years of a lot of struggling. From now on I am going to take it one week at a time. Last season, I finished 100th on the Volvo Order of Merit so this season I want to take the two zeroes off," said Sandelin, who has five European Tour titles to his name.
