Millions of reasons why golf stars visit Asia
HONG KONG: Asia has become a happy hunting ground for many golf stars who are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars - and in one case, millions - just to turn up.
While officials refuse to discuss figures, Colin Montgomerie reportedly pocketed $280,000 in fees at last week’s UBS Hong Kong Open - more than his $200,000 for winning the event. Tiger Woods left the HSBC Champions tournament with an unconfirmed $2 million in fees, on top of his $800,000 for second place.
Retief Goosen and Michael Campbell supposedly got between $200,000 and $300,000 for headlining a weak field at the Volkswagen Masters-China. KJ Choi, Thomas Bjorn and Miguel Angel Jimenez were also understood to have received hefty pay-outs at the Hong Kong Open - although Bjorn and Jimenez finished way off the pace. According to the money men, it’s all part of the game.
More: dailytimes.com.pk
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Japan paints vision as leader of Asia
JAPAN has opened up a new front in its rivalry with China, declaring itself the true leader of Asia.
In his first big speech as Foreign Minister, Taro Aso painted his landscape vision of Japan as an intellectual power, adviser and problem solver in the region.
"First and foremost Japan is, for the countries of Asia, a 'thought leader"', he said in fluent English, using a term drawn from American business gurus.
"A thought leader is one who through fate is forced to face up against some sort of very difficult issue earlier than others."
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Roos stars unavailable for cup
While Socceroos management is still holding on to a thread of hope that Mark Viduka, Tim Cahill, John Aloisi, Mark Schwarzer, Harry Kewell and Marco Bresciano will be available for their away game on February 22 and home game on March 1 against yet-to-be-determined opponents, the odds are heavily against them playing.
Despite some optimism a month ago that the Socceroos would be able to field a very strong line-up, an overseas source confirmed yesterday that the players will be forced to stay with their clubs when the cup qualifiers are being played.
"The players have
Capital could gain millions from daily Asia flights
Direct air services between Wellington and Asia would be worth tens of millions of dollars to the region each year, Positively Wellington Tourism says.
Wellington International Airport says demand could sustain daily service by a new technology Boeing 787.
Its analysis showed 256 passengers a day flew from Wellington via Auckland and Christchurch to Asias four main hubs – Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Bangkok. Most joined flights to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere in Asia.
Positively Wellington Tourism general manager of marketing Chris Lamers said establishing direct long-haul
PCB wants extra ODI as compensation for Asia cup postponement
Lahore: After acceding to the BCCI's request to postpone the Asia Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) now expects, as a quid pro quo, India to play six one-dayers as against scheduled five when they arrive here next month.
PCB chief Sharayar Khan has announced the postponement of the six-team Asia Cup, scheduled from February 16-18, citing the ''valid reasons'' put forward by the BCCI and said the tournament will be held later at a mutually convenient date.
The BCCI sought the postponement to allow Indian players rejuvenate before the England series
Pearce Survives Wobbles At Asia Open
New Zealands Mahal Pearce has won a share of fifth place on the European Golf Tour in the Asian Open in Shanghai, but it could have been so much better.
Pearce fired a final round 71 ending up five-under for the tournament, and tied for fifth, two shots off winner, Spains Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano.
However, the New Zealander had the lead midway through the back nine, before shooting bogeys on the 13th and 14th.
Pearce ended up in some good company, and was competing for the lead with the likes of Colin Montgomerie and Henrik Stenson,
