South African Jbe Kruger plans to shed his bridesmaid’s tag by securing a first Asian Tour victory at the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic which starts on Thursday. The 25-year-old, fourth on the Order of Merit list, is the highest ranked player in this week’s $300,000 event and is determined to live up to top billing at the revamped Orchid Country Club. A strong line-up of Asian Tour stars has gathered in Singapore with title holder Peter Karmis of South Africa, Thai stars Prayad Marksaeng and Pariya Junhasavasdikul, India’s Sujjan Singh and local favourites Mardan Mamat, Lam Chih Bing and Quincy Quek tipped to sparkle. Last year, Kruger was pushed into second place by his close friend Karmis, making it one of three runner-up finishes he endured on the Asian Tour. This season, he has come close on several occasions and feels it is now only a matter of time before he wins an event. “I’m feeling really comfortable and confident to be back here. I think it’s just meant to be that I did not win (last year) and I am glad Peter won.
