Pakistan are to make their first-ever appearance in the Mission Hills World Cup after securing the last ticket to China on Saturday.
Shabbir and Munir make history with ticket to Mission Hills
Pakistan are set to make their first-ever appearance in the Mission Hills World Cup after securing the last ticket to China on Saturday.
Muhammad Shabbir and Muhammad Munir made history for their country after claiming the third and final berth in the Asian qualifying tournament at Seri Selangor GC.
Eventual winners Singapore and the Philippines had started the final round foursomes leading by a healthy margin.
With all attention turned to the fierce battle between Pakistan, hosts Malaysia, Myanmar and Hong Kong for the last remaining place it was Pakistan who held their nerve.
Shabbir and Munir shot a three-under-par 68 which included a crucial birdie at the last to finish 10 under and two strokes ahead of Malaysians Iain Steel and Danny Chia on 71.
"Pakistan have played in the cricket World Cup, hockey World Cup and squash World Cup but never before in our history have we been in golf's World Cup," said Munir.
Confidence
"I don't know how to describe how we feel right now. I'm sure everyone in Pakistan will be very happy."
Shabbir added: "I couldn't read the greens this week and I told Munir that I was out of form.
"But he told me that he had confidence in me and he guided me along. That's why we made the cut."
Mardan Mamat and Lam Chih Bing of Singapore completed a solid 72 to post a winning score of 15 under, while Filipinos Mars Pucay and Angelo Que finished a shot behind on 14 under.
"We kept ourselves very relaxed and that was the key. We managed to complete our mission and get ourselves into the top three," said Mardan.
The Philippines finished in the top 10 last year at Mission Hills and Pucay was pleased to seal a return visit.
"There was no pressure for us. We just wanted to hit it on the fairway on every hole and that's what we managed to achieve and we are happy and excited making it into the World Cup again," he said.
