Ernie Els is revving up for BMW

World number five Ernie Els rolled into Shanghai for the BMW Asian Open on Wednesday with happy memories of his record-breaking triumph here two years ago.

The South African star headlines an elite field in the US$2.3 million event which tees off tomorrow and while he may be jetlagged, Els knows his form is good enough to claim a first title of the year after finishing second in the Verizon Heritage on the US Tour which concluded only on Monday.

It was Els' third top-three finish of 2007 but it is a 59th international victory that the "Big Easy" will be chasing at the Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club, site of his famous 13-shot victory in the 2005 BMW Asian Open.

"I had a good time back then. I played well that week and made a lot of putts. It was a very enjoyable week. I couldn't make it last year so I'm glad to be back this year. I'm looking forward to it," said Els today.

With a Monday finish in America, Els could only arrive in Shanghai this afternoon after dropping his family off in London before taking another long haul to the Far East. He wasn't perturbed by the fact that he will not have a chance to play a practice round, especially when he had accumulated a terrific 26-under-par 262 winning total two years ago which included a second round 62.

"Obviously, we've not seen the course but I'm sure it will be in good shape. It was a long flight but we're just thankful that we're here. It was a crazy week, finishing on Monday and we're here now. I've played the course before, so it'll be fine. I had a chance last week and I feel my game is very good," said Els, pipped by one stroke by American Boo Weekly who chipped in for par on the last two holes for the triumph.

Joining Els in this week's BMW event jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour include compatriots Retief Goosen and Anton Haig, currently leading the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit, American "Grip it and Rip it" star John Daly and European Ryder Cup heroes Paul Casey and Colin Montgomerie.

Thai stars Thongchai Jaidee and Chapchai Nirat, China's Liang Wen-chong and India's Shiv Kapur are amongst the region's stalwarts hoping to end its title drought in the BMW Asian Open since the event was inaugurated in 2001.

Whatever the outcome, Els' visit to Shanghai will leave a lasting imprint at Tomson as he signed an agreement with the club today to design its second golf course, his second in China and 18th around the world. Els said the new course will project a stadium atmosphere, with residential property built around the course.

Daly, a two-time Major champion, will make only his second appearance in China and despite the long trip over, he is in an upbeat mood. "BMW has been a great sponsor internationally and it's great to play in their tournaments all around the world. I've heard a lot of good things about the Tomson course as well," said Daly, winner of the BMW International in Munich in 2001.

The American crowd-puller is also feeling 100 per cent after suffering a rib and shoulder injury some two months ago. "I played in Houston before the Masters and it was hurting a bit. The shoulder had to be popped in three times! Last week was the first week that I could have a go at everything. I feel strong."

Thongchai, who will play with Els in the opening two rounds, will be on a mission as he bids to deliver Asia's first win in the BMW Asian Open. However, the two-time Asian Tour number one needs to end his jinx of missing the cut here after suffering early exits in the last two events.

"I've missed the halfway cut by one shot in the last two years but I'm feeling good about this week," said Thongchai, an eight-time winner in the region. "I hope to play my way into contention as I've not really contended at all this year."

A cut-down putter has given him a boost on the greens. "I'm putting so much better now. At the WGC-CA Championship in America last month, I cut my putter down by two inches to 32 inches. It's made me putt better as my eyes are now looking right over the ball at address. Previously, I may not have aligned the ball correctly but it feels good now.

"I'm looking forward to playing with Ernie. We've played together on many occasions and he's a good guy. I always enjoy playing with him, so hopefully that will help me play well in the opening two rounds," added Thongchai.

One withdrawal due to a back injury last week and two missed cuts over his last three appearances on the Asian Tour has forced Kapur, the 2005 rookie of the year, to revert to his old ways after making swing changes at the start of the season.

Kapur's appearance at the BMW Asian Open was in doubt but he managed to climb out from his sick bed after a bout of back trouble. "I couldn't walk without any pain on Saturday and was in bed for three day. But our Tour physiotherapist (Sheilagh Anderson) has got me to where I am now. All credit to her," said Kapur.

"I wanted to make changes to improve and you need to be patient but I've decided to do away with that. I've gone back to my old thing that got me here, for the time being at least. There are so many tournaments week in, week out and to incorporate the changes can be tough sometimes. I'm a very feel oriented player and I am trying to play with feel rather than having technical thoughts.

"The game feels good, maybe the three-day rest will do me go, I feel refreshed and raring to go," he added.

April 18, 2007

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