HONG KONG: Thai star Thongchai Jaidee is hoping to add the Venetian Macau Open to his thirteen Asian Tour victories when he begins the tournament on Thursday.

The three-time Asian Tour number one last competed in Macau some 11 years ago when he finished tied fourth.

"It's nice to be back... The course is very challenging. When it is windy, it will be difficult to play," said Thongchai, who is the top earner on the Asian Tour, winning over $4 million in his career.

He has enjoyed an impressive season so far this year, winning a first title on European soil in Wales in June and finishing tied 15th in Scotland last week.

A series of niggling injuries have kept him from a full playing schedule this season but Thongchai said the forced break has given him the added impetus to shoot and match fellow countryman Thaworn Wiratchant's record 14 career titles.

"After my injury, I didn't practise much. I think I was hungry to play again.

I performed quite well last week. I'm excited about this week. I'm always trying to win. If I don't win, I'll try again," said Thongchai, who has been grouped with Thaworn and Adam Fraser, of Australia, in the opening two rounds.

The $750,000 tournament will also feature former Masters Tournament champion, Welshman Ian Woosnam, two-time Macau Open winner Zhang Lian-wei of China and title holder Chan Yih-shin of Taiwan. -AFP

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