Asian Legend Thongchai to star in Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open

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Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee will spearhead a strong Asian Tour field at the penultimate event of the season, the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open, which tees off at the Phokeethra Country Club from December 9-12.

The decorated Thai star, a three-time Asian Tour number one, will be one of the main draw cards next week as he searches for his first win this season and a record 13th career title.

A return to the Phokeethra Country Club will bring back happy memories for the Thai legend as he won the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open in 2008, just nine days after his second son, Kittituch was born.

While Kittituch is still too young to visit the scene of his father's famous victory, Thongchai is relishing the prospect of reviving those fond memories in Cambodia again.

"I will not bring my children and family along this year as my youngest son is still too young to travel. However, I'm really looking forward to my return to Cambodia as I remember having a good time there, both on course and off course," said Thongchai.

The 41-year-old enjoyed two top-10 finishes earlier in the season but saw a temporary blip in form after suffering from fatigue caused by the effects of constant travels around the world. He also lost his putting touch which he believes hampered his bid for more glory.

"I was pleased with my results early this year," said Thongchai, who was a quarter-finalist at the WGC-Accenture Match Play in March.

"Then everything changed as I was too tired from competing across the globe. I played better in the last two events in Hong Kong (tied-15th) and Dubai (tied-eighth) and I'm hoping to continue the good work for the 2011 season," said Thongchai.

Having enjoyed a well rested week at home, Thongchai is now ready to put up a strong challenge against the best players from the Asian Tour next week. He will also headline the season-ending Black Mountain Masters in Hua Hin, Thailand from December 16-19.

"The goal is always to break into the top-50 in the world rankings and challenge for the Major titles around the world. Hopefully a win at the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open will be nice way to end the year as well as start the new year on a positive note," said Thongchai.

"I think my putting is picking up so I want to keep working on it in a competitive environment. Phokeethra Country Club is a beautiful golf course with a challenging layout. You can put in a low score but you need to avoid the water hazards," added the Thai.

As the penultimate event on the 2010 Asian Tour Schedule, the battle for playing rights for next season will also intensify at the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open with player aiming for a good finish to earn their full playing rights for next season.

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