Kuala Lumpur: 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.”