Fireballs GC young stars chase The Open berths in Singapore

SINGAPORE - Rising Spanish and Fireballs GC stars Josele Ballester and Luis Masaveu are set to take on a quick turnaround from LIV Golf Mexico as they chase two coveted places in The 154th Open at this week’s Singapore Open presented by The Business Times, held at Sentosa Golf Club from 23–26 April.

Ballester returns to The International Series off the back of a standout run of form. The 23-year-old secured his first professional victory on the circuit at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers last year and has continued to build on that breakthrough with strong performances on the LIV Golf League this season. 

A T6 finish earlier this year at Sentosa Golf Club, coupled with a third-place result in Mexico last weekend, has given him added confidence heading back to a course that suits his game. 

“Yeah, I love the course,” said Ballester. “I think it’s one that plays to our strengths, it’s a ball-striker’s course. I loved the conditions when we played it a month ago, and I’m confident we’ll find it in great shape again.” 

With qualification for The Open Championship on the line, the stakes are clear. 

“The fact that there are two Open spots available is really exciting,” he added. “Hopefully both Masaveu and I can get it done.” 

Masaveu, meanwhile, shares the same ambition, and the same willingness to go the distance for the opportunity. Despite the long journey from Mexico, the 24-year-old is fully focused on making the most of the week in Singapore. 

“We’re definitely looking forward to it,” said Masaveu. “That’s one of the main reasons we’re going, it’s a long trip, but that opportunity to qualify for The Open is a big goal for us. We’re going to give it everything.” 

The young star has already shown his pedigree on the global stage. In 2024, he became the first Spanish amateur to make the cut at The Open Championship that year, and arrives in Singapore off the back of a career-best LIV Golf result, finishing 10th in Mexico. 

Adding further significance to the week, both players will be competing at a venue with strong ties to their Fireballs GC captain, Sergio Garcia, who won the Singapore Open in 2018. 

The Singapore Open presented by The Business Times marks the second stop of the 2026 International Series calendar, offering not only a pathway to the LIV Golf League through the season-long Rankings race, but also direct qualification opportunities into the Majors at select events. 

The International Series has launched an upgraded website and app, bringing users closer to the action with live leaderboards, player rankings, and full tournament coverage.