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Howell eyes Vietnam victory to save his season

Ryder Cup star David Howell of England will be hoping to end his year on the high note by winning the inaugural US$500,000 Hana Bank Vietnam Masters starting on Thursday.

Howell, who has won four times in Europe , has been plagued by injuries this year and has endured a relatively quiet season by his high standards. However, the 32-year old Englishman is hoping to turn his fortunes around with a win at the Hanoi Phoenix Golf Resort.

“It is my last tournament for the year and it will definitely be nice to feel the buzz of winning a golf tournament again,” said Howell.

Howell will always be remembered for his famous victory at the HSBC Champions in China in 2005 where he held off world number one Tiger Woods in the final round. However, his campaign in 2007 has not been very smooth sailing.

“The shoulder problems came after the Ryder Cup and this year, it was mainly the injuries to my lower back. It has been quite shock. To have my best year followed directly by my worst year,” said Howell, who finished third on European Order of Merit in 2006.

“There's really nothing you can do. But that's the great thing about golf. You never know what is around the corner.”

Fellow Ryder Cup team mate and experienced campaigner, Paul McGinley of Ireland believes that his biggest threat this week will be coming from the Asian Tour contingent.

“The standard of play in Asia is getting stronger and stronger every year.  Results have shown how well the Asians are able to compete on the international stage these days,” said McGinley who has eight professional victories under his belt.

“There is no particular player that I can single out as my biggest threat. I just want to play well this week and do my best,” he added.

The Hana Bank Vietnam Masters will be the third from last ranking event on this season's Asian Tour Schedule and will shape the race for the prestigious Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit.

Hana Bank signed a three-year deal with the Asian Tour to stage the event and it will be held at Hanoi Phoenix Golf Resort which is the biggest golfing facility in the Northern Province of Vietnam.

November 18, 2007