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Que on a quest for Carlsberg repeat

Defending champion Angelo Que of the Philippines is hoping that fond memories of a breakthrough triumph will drive him to a repeat victory at the US$200,000 Carlsberg Masters 2005 Vietnam presented by Thai Airways International next week.

The 27-year-old Que won last year's inaugural title in glorious fashion when he edged out two-time Asian Tour number one Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and former US Open champion Corey Pavin by two strokes for his maiden professional title.

However, it will not be a walk in the park for Que in his defence as he is expected to face stiff competition from current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand and many other regional stars including Chinese ace Zhang Lian-wei and this season's winners Richard Lee, Adam Le Vesconte and Scott Strange.

“I hope to be able to deliver again when I compete in Vietnam,” said Que. "I have good memories of last year's win. I remember that I submitted my forms for Qualifying School earlier that week and went on to register a terrific win. Now, I can pick and choose my events in Asia."

The Manila-based talent does not intend to let the pressure of being the title holder get to him. Instead, he intends to enjoy the occasion in hope of reproducing his best form. After his Vietnam success last year, Que grew in strength and earned a captain's pick where he played for Asia in the Visa Dynasty Cup, beating a star-studded Japan in April.

However his season has been plagued by inconsistency, which he hopes will be rectified at Chi Linh Star Golf and Country Club, venue of his breakthrough success last year.

“I just want to play consistently and I do not want to pressure myself coming in as the defending champion,” he said.

The Filipino has also taken time off from Tour to recharge his batteries whenever he felt jaded. After a failed campaign at the World Cup qualifier in Malaysia last month, he took a three-week break and the sabbatical saw Que regain his enthusiasm on the fairways.

“I feel like I’m back to my old self again after enjoying three weeks off. For quite some time now I have been feeling very frustrated with my game thus making it harder for me to improve. But after my rest, I am back in form," said Que, who finished tied 12th in the recent Double A International Open in Thailand last week.

Other big-name players who will tee up at the Carlsberg Masters Vietnam include Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng, India's Rahil Gangjee and Shiv Kapur, Scotsman Simon Yates and new teenage sensation Chinarat Phandungsil of Thailand.

The 17-year-old Phandungsil won the Double A event on home soil as an amateur, beating Kapur in a play-off and subsequently joined the professional ranks. He was only the third amateur to win a Tour event in Asia.

The Carlsberg Masters Vietnam will be the 24th leg of this season’s Asian Tour, with three more events remaining after Hanoi. A total of 27 events will be staged, offering a record US$20 million in total prize money.

November 11, 2005