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Michael Campbell looks
to regain success
New Zealand's Michael Campbell is hoping to draw on previous enjoyment and
success on the Asian PGA Tour when he plays in his first Hong Kong Open.
Campbell, who won the 2000 Johnnie Walker Classic at Taiwan's Westin Resort after
holding off the challenge of Ernie Els and Vijay Singh, said he always tended
to perform well when he played in front of supportive galleries.
"I always seem to enjoy the atmosphere in Asia as the crowds are always
enthusiastic," said the New Zealander, who finished joint-second with partner
David Smail in the World Cup in Japan two weeks ago.
"After winning in Taiwan, I felt my game moved up to the next level. This
will be my first appearance in the Hong Kong Open and I'm very much looking forward
to it."
Campbell, 32, is one of the fancied contenders in a strong international field
for the season-ending tournament on the Asian Tour.
Twice Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain, Australia's Adam Scott,
Irishman Paul McGinley, Frenchman Jean Van de Velde and last Sunday's Asian Open
winner Jarmo Sandelin of Sweden are all playing in the co-sanctioned event.
The Hong Kong Open is the final tournament on the 2001 Asian PGA Tour and also
the first stop on the 2002 European Tour schedule.
Defending champion at the Hong Kong Golf Club is England's Simon Dyson, who
won last year's title by finishing at 21-under-par for his third victory of the
season on his way to topping the Asian Tour order of merit.
But the Yorkshireman struggled for form in Europe for much of 2001 before ending
the year 87th on the final European money list and he knows he faces a tough title
defence this week.
"I am really looking forward to playing but it will take a good score
to win this year as the field is so strong," said Dyson, who also won last
year's Macau and China Opens.
"My game is not great at the moment but it is getting better. I don't
know what's been wrong.
"Last year, everything just seemed to fall in place. I couldn't seem to
get anything going like I did in Asia last year. I hope that all changes this
week."
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