The local stalwart lifted his second title last year to keep up his record of winning at least one Asian Tour event since 2000, and is keen to become the first to win the tournament for the third time.

"I won the event twice and I hope to defend it successfully this year. But it won't be easy because the cream of the Asian Tour will be there,'' said Thongchai, who first won the season-ending tournament in 2003. The top 60 players from the UBS Order of Merit will participate in the Dec 6-9 event, which will boast prize money of US$750,000 - an increase of $100,000 from last year.

Thongchai claimed the prestigious title with a one-stroke victory over Filipino legend Frankie Minoza for what was his eighth win on the Asian Tour. Last week he endured a back injury to finish a moderate joint 15th in the Bangkok Airways Open in Koh Samui.

"I had to have injections to get through the four rounds. It was a tough situation. Hopefully my back will get better after a week's break,'' said the 85th-ranked Thongchai, whose goal is to break into the world top 50 by the end of the season.

Young gun Prom Meesawat, who finished third at the Santiburi Samui Country Club, will join Thongchai in the star-studded event, where he came fifth last year.

"I have been competing in many tournaments and playing in many kinds of courses in Europe and America, which are different from the Asian Tour. That helps give me experience and make me more confident,'' said the 23-year-old, who is 23rd in the Asian Tour rankings this week.

The Volvo Masters of Asia was first played at the Thai Country Club in 2005, when India's Shiv Kapur won.

"Staging the Volvo Masters of Asia in Thailand has been remarkably rewarding ... We have been fortunate to stage the tournament at Thai Country Club, which I think we all agree is one of the finest golf clubs in Asia. We are really looking forward to returning there in December," said Mel Pyatt, head of Volvo Event Management.

Somporn Suphop

The Nation