Top class field for Malaysian Open

Thongchai Jaidee will spearhead the starry field vying for success at the US$1.29 million Maybank Malaysian Open from February 8-11.

Thongchai, the two-time former Asian number one, is among the top contenders having won the title twice at the Saujana Golf and Country Club that returns as host venue this year.

The 37-year-old Thai will also be flanked by compatriot Thaworn Wiratchant who is an eight-time winner on the Asian Tour. Leading the European charge will be Ryder Cup star Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood, who won the tournament back in 1997, and former US Open champion from New Zealand Michael Campbell.

The Saujana Golf and Country Club proved to be a good hunting ground for Thongchai who had previously won the event in 2004 and successfully defended his title the following year. Thongchai will lead the chase in high confidence after his triumph at the Asian Tour’s season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia last month. His winning performance helped him finish the season in second place on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit.

Four Malaysian amateurs will also get an opportunity to rub shoulders with the big boys when they compete next month.

Maybank chief operating officer Datuk Johar Che Mat said that the excitement of this year’s event will continue to generate a huge interest in Malaysia and the region.

“Maybank will continue to promote the development of golf by bringing the best golfers to the Open each year to enable Malaysian golfers to compete alongside these professionals," said Johar.

We may well see this year Thongchai making a comeback to achieve a rare third win or for Clarke to lift it after a lull of five years since a European Tour player last won the Open in 2002,” he added.

Korea's Charlie Wi prevented a third triumph by Thongchai as he won the event last year.

January 11, 2007

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