Buoyed by Jeev Milkha Singh's victory in the Barclays Singapore Open at the weekend, Asia's top players will be aiming to set the record straight with an overdue victory at this week's UBS Hong Kong Open.
Kang Wook-soon of South Korea was the last Asian player to claim the title, 10 years ago, and since then European players have monopolised the trophy.
'Has it been that long?' asked India's Singh. 'The course doesn't suit Europeans or Asians. I think it is all dependent on the mindset and how the form is. Hopefully, it changes this year.'
Singh, who all but clinched his second Asian Tour order of merit title with his victory in Singapore, will be among the favourites when the 50th edition of the UBS Hong Kong Open tees off at Hong Kong Golf Club on Thursday.
On his last appearance at the tournament two years ago he finished joint third and clinched his first order of merit title. 'I have good memories from Hong Kong in 2006,' said Singh, who also has victories in Europe and Japan this year.
'Fanling is an old, traditional course. You have to think a lot there. It's a great layout and the weather is always nice.'
Thongchai Jaidee is another Asian player with reason to be confident. The Thai star has finished in the top 10 at the past three Hong Kong Opens, including joint second last year behind champion Miguel Angel Jimenez, who returns in search of a third title.
