December 9th 2010, Hua Hin, Thailand: The best players from Asia will bid to end their season on a high at the Asian Tour’s season-finale, the Black Mountain Masters next week.

The US$600,000 Black Mountain Masters, scheduled from December 16-19 at the Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin will be the final tournament of the year on the Asian Tour.

With the Order of Merit title already won by Korea’s Noh Seung-yul, players will either be seeking a win to improve their rankings on the Order of Merit or ensure a good finish so as to secure their Tour card for next season.

Australia’s Marcus Both who is defending his title at the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open this week believes that the Black Mountain Masters will provide an exciting climax to year-long Asian Tour season.

“I’m obviously looking forward to this week and next week and hoping for a big finish like everyone else. It’s a motivation for all of us to try and win the tournaments or try to secure the card,” said Both who is currently in 24th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Three-time Asian Tour number one, Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand is aiming for a good finish on home soil, where the large home crowd is expected to follow him.

“The Black Mountain Masters is a great tournament and as my last tournament of the year, I’ll try my best to do well, especially in front of the home fans,” said the decorated Thai star.

Title holder Johan Edfors of Sweden will defend his Black Mountain Masters title while top stars from the Asian Tour including Singapore’s Mardan Mamat, Australia’s Marcus Fraser and India’s Jyoti Randhawa are expected to vie for the season finale title.

The Black Mountain Masters will also be a last chance for Tour hopefuls to secure their full playing rights for next season.

With the top-61 as the cut-off mark for players to earn their full playing privileges for 2011, a host of players will have to play above themselves for their Tour cards.

India’s Anirban Lahiri currently lies on the bubble in 61st place on the Order of Merit and will need a good result to ensure he earns his full Tour card for next year.

Five-time Asian Tour winner Lu Wen-teh of Chinese Taiepei, England’s Simon Griffiths and Thailand’s Prom Meesawat are amongst those fighting for their cards as well.