Thongchai dreams of winning title
[GOLF] Thai star Thongchai Jaidee is ready to take on the top guns in the US$650,000 season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia, which gets underway at the challenging 7,052-yard Thai Country Club in Chachoengsao province today.
The former paratrooper will lead the Thai assault in the star-studded tournament featuring the top-60 players on the Order of Merit ranking. Looking for the vaunted form that propelled him to the Order of Merit title twice in 2001 and 2004, Thongchai, who won the event two years ago, needs to fire on all cylinders to stand any chance of maintaining his proud record of winning at least one tournament a year since 2000. The omens, however, are good for the Lopburi-born golfer as he tuned up well for the Asian Tour's 27th tournament by firing 7-under-par 65 to steer his team to victory in the pro-am event yesterday. The team's total of 19-under-par was good enough to edge out Taiwanese Lin Wen Tang's team by a stroke. "I'm happy with my form today. Two days ago, I also hit a six-under. It makes me confident that I will fare well when the competition starts," said Thongchai. With the presence of two intimidating Indian golfers, Jeev Milkha Singh, who shot to fame in October with his smashing performance at Valderrama, Spain, where he lifted the Volvo Masters title, and defending champion Shiv Kapur, Thongchai knows the route to the title will not be smooth. However, the 37-year-old promised to give his best to keep the title within the country. "I'm not concerned with the presence of the Indian stars but we have to accept that Singh is the hottest player this year. However, anything can happen during the tournament. Personally, I love this course as it does not let anyone have any advantage. "I believe that any of the Thai players is capable of winning this event. It would be a shame if an Indian golfer claims the title for the second consecutive time. I will do my utmost to win on home soil." Thongchai also predicted that three Thai rising stars, Prom Meesawat, Chapchai Nirat and Chinarat Phadungsil, have a decent chance to reach the top. "We need to give them time to gain experience and sharpen their skills," he said. Thongchai will tee off in the penultimate group with Andrew Buckle of Australia followed by the group of Singh and Prom.
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