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Donald confirms participation in Malaysian Open

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The excitement leading to one of the most important golf tournaments in the region, the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013, intensifies as the title sponsor, Maybank, unveiled today its first confirmed Star Player, the current World Number 2 – Luke Donald.

The Maybank Malaysian Open 2013 which will be held from March 21 - 24 at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) is regarded as the most prestigious golf event in the country and a leading National Open in the region. The event has hosted some of the best international and regional professional golf players. This year, the tournament ups the ante with a prize purse of US$2.75 million, an increase of US$250,000 from last year's tournament.

Donald, a native of Hertfordshire, England, will be making his debut in the tournament. The 35 year old is determined to regain the World Number One crown this year from Rory McIlroy, one of his team-mates in Europe's thrilling success at The 2012 Ryder Cup. Donald, who won the Money Lists on both sides of the Atlantic in 2011, has accrued a total of seven European Tour titles, including back to back success in the Tour's Flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship.

In making the announcement today, Maybank Chairman, Tan Sri Dato' Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor, said, "The confirmation of Luke Donald is indeed another boost for the Maybank Malaysian Open. Since we took over the title sponsorship of this tournament in 2006, we have endeavoured to bring world class golfing personalities to Malaysia."

"Donald's presence, like many other top players we have had in the past, will not only draw the crowd but also strengthen Malaysia's standing in the global golfing map. Given the growing interest and spectator numbers at the Maybank Malaysian Open, we intend to continue inspiring our local fans and golfers with the opportunity to see the world's best on our greens, and in the process, raising the standard of golf in Malaysia."

Tan Sri Megat also announced another initiative to ensure that the Maybank Malaysian Open continues to excite the public. "For the first time, our Platinum cardholders and above from around the region will be given free access to watch the golf tournament live. All they have to do is to show their cards at the point of entry."

Tan Sri Megat added that to further promote the Maybank Malaysian Open, it will expand its Corporate Golf Challenge to Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia this year. Winners from the Maybank Corporate Challenge will experience the tournament LIVE, with exclusive access to the Maybank Hospitality Marquee and get the chance to play at the championship course during the Corporate Golf Day."

Since taking up the title sponsorship of the event eight years ago, Maybank has managed to attract high-caliber golfers from around the world with the likes of Rory McIIroy, Louis Oosthuizen, Matteo Manassero, Martin Kaymer, Charl Schwartzel, Charlie Wie, Thongchai Jaidee, KJ Choi and Alvaro Quiros.

The first National Open in Asia to be co-sanctioned by both the European and Asian Tours in 1999, Mr. John Eu - Chief Executive Officer of GlobalOne shared that "Luke Donald is just the start of many exciting reveals leading up to this year's tournament. We've got so much more planned out leading up to and during the tournament it's definitely an event not to be missed."

The Malaysian Golf Association (MGA), who incorporated the championship some 52 years back, and the official owner cum custodian of the tournament, looks forward to some exciting and top quality action, good sportsmanship and memorable moments at the upcoming Maybank Malaysian Open 2013. "Maybank Malaysian Open has always been a platform for professional golfers to elevate their performance and propel their careers in the international arena, further. Many of our Malaysian players have benefited tremendously from the exposure and opportunity to play in an international event, alongside professionals from around the world. The Maybank Malaysian Open 2013 will bring out the A-Games of our participants leaving spectators with 4 days of truly spectacular golf action, said MGA Vice President Datuk Mohamed Zain Yusuf.

"Every year, the Asian Tour stars look forward to competing in the Maybank Malaysian Open, which is a world-renowned championship. Our talented members have always been successful in this prestigious event with the likes of Arjun Atwal, Anthony Kang, Thongchai Jaidee and Noh Seung-yul winning the championship in recent years. We are pleased to work closely with the Malaysian Golf Association, European Tour and GlobalOne to promote golf at the highest level in Asia where Malaysia contributes immensely towards the growth and success of the Asian Tour through the staging of great events like the Maybank Malaysian Open," said Mr. Mike Kerr, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Tour.

Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of the European Tour said: "Luke Donald's debut in this year's Maybank Malaysian Open and the increase in the prize fund will serve to further heighten the profile of what is already a well-established and prestigious tournament on The European Tour International Schedule. Since we began co-sanctioning the event in 1999, the stature of the Maybank Malaysian Open has grown year on year, and so we should thank our partners at the Asian Tour and the MGA for all their efforts, as well as the title sponsor Maybank and the promoter GlobalOne."

Come March 2013, KLGCC will be the place to be for electrifying golf action and Mr. Steven Thielke –General Manager of the well-known golf club shares the club's excitement to once again be part of the prestigious event. "This will be KLGCC's fourth year as the official venue of Maybank Malaysian Open. We are extremely proud and honoured to once again work with Maybank, MGA and GlobalOne to make this international event a success. We look forward to an all-around good camaraderie amongst the golfers and spectators during the 4-day event".