Thongchai eyes ideal birthday present

2009/11/05

SHANGHAI: Thai star Thongchai Jaidee is hoping for the ideal 40th birthday present by winning the WGC-HSBC Champions on Sunday, and he got a dream start by being paired with Tiger Woods.

Thongchai is one of Asia's top hopes at the US$7 million (RM24 million) tournament, and victory would be the best way he can think of to celebrate his milestone.

"A good party will be to win the tournament on Sunday," he said.

"This is a very big event. It's important for Asia and myself as well. If I play well I can possibly break into the top-50 in the world, which is my goal.

"That gives me a lot of motivation."

Thongchai is currently ranked 60 and gets his tournament under way by playing the opening two rounds with Woods, someone he has never been grouped with before, and last week's World Matchplay champion Ross Fisher.

Thongchai will turn 40 on Sunday.

"I'm looking forward to playing with Tiger in the first two rounds. Last week (in Singapore), I played with Phil Mickelson and this week with the World No 1," he said.

"There are always big crowds following him so I'll have to concentrate on my own game and my own shots. I'll be okay. I'll try to enjoy it and hope to play well."

He spearheads a powerful Asian challenge along with South Korea's Major winner Yang Yong-eun, who is looking to repeat his memorable victory over Woods here in 2006.

Elsewhere, the experienced Jeev Milkha Singh -- a winner of 18 tournaments around the globe -- tees off alongside Indian compatriots Jyoti Randhawa and Gaganjeet Bhullar.

Thailand's Chapchai Nirat, Singapore's Lam Chih Bing and Liang Wenchong also play, with China's star Thongchai's main rival for the Asian Tour Order of Merit crown.

Thongchai is upbeat about his chances.

"You never know who will win, sometimes you need luck," he said.

"You always need to practice hard to get things perfect but all you need is one good week to win a big tournament." -- AFP