Singh sees Liang as his obvious successor in Merit stakes

India's Jeev Milkha Singh has tipped China's Liang Wenchong to succeed him as the Asian Tour's new UBS Order of Merit champion.

The Asian Tour resumes its second half of the season next week with the staging of the Johor Open in Malaysia and current leader Liang will be keen to build on his advantage over South African Anton Haig in the merit race.

The 29-year-old Liang (pictured) has enjoyed a stellar season with one victory and six other top-10s, pushing him towards the dream of becoming the first player from China to lift the Order of Merit title.

Singh, last year's number one after a record-breaking 2006, has played primarily in the United States and Europe this season but he has kept a close eye on the race for Asian Tour supremacy.

'It's been a fantastic season for Liang so far,' said Singh. 'I've played enough golf with Liang to know that he's a really hard worker in the game. He deserves the success he's getting this season and I'm sure he'll be playing well towards the end of the year.

'However, he'll certainly have stiff competition from Anton who is another good young player. Anton seems to have found his form again which is good and I wish them both the best of luck.'

Liang will compete in the US$300,000 Johor Open and the following week's Brunei Open where he intends to capitalise on Haig's absence from these events.