Thaworn out to end his season with a win

Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant will pass the Asian Tour's number one torch to Jeev Milkha Singh at next week's Volvo Masters of Asia knowing the mantle is in very safe hands for the next 12 months.

Like many others, he has marvelled at Singh's career-high season which includes four international victories and the prestigious Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit title. But he will put Singh's coronation as the new king of Asia aside as he takes aim at victory at Thai Country Club from December 14-17.

"Jeev has enjoyed his best season and he's played really well the entire year," said Thaworn, who rose to the Asian pinnacle last season by winning four times.

"But I want to win the Volvo Masters of Asia. I've not won this season and after a very good year in 2005, I've got only one more chance for a victory."

Thaworn has been a wonderful flag bearer for the region. Presently ranked 13th on the UBS Order of Merit, the amiable Thai has registered five top-10s and five other top-20s. Along the way, he also finished a commendable 31st in his maiden British Open appearance, becoming the best Thai finisher at the world's eldest Major.

"Performance wise, it's been good. I've had a lot of top finishes and being inside the top-15 of the Order of Merit is still a good achievement. I was proud of the way that I played at the Open.

"It was good being number one. At least I can say that I've been the Asian Tour number one once in my career. I had a lot of commitments to oblige this year and I didn’t have time for myself.

"I was quite tired at one stage trying to defend my four titles. There's one more event to go and hopefully I can win it."

Thaworn reckons the impressive Thai Country Club will favour the big-hitters. "It's a long course and the bunkers are strategically placed around the greens. You need to think your way round it. The long hitters can excel here," said Thaworn, whose career eight triumphs include the Volvo Masters of Malaysia title in 2001.

Singh will enter the season-ender as the hot favourite after notching back-to-back victories in Japan last weekend. The tenacious Indian will also be gunning for a unique Volvo hat-trick, having won the Volvo China Open and the Volvo Masters in Spain, Europe's season-ending event, this year.

India's Shiv Kapur will defend the US$650,000 Volvo Masters of Asia where the top-60 players from the UBS Order of Merit are eligible to compete.

December 6, 2006