Golf

Westwood plans a stout defence of his Malaysian Open title

Holder and Ryder Cup star confident he can reign again in Kuala Lumper

Graeme McDowell in action during a practice round before the Maybank Malaysian Open at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club in Malaysia. Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty
Graeme McDowell in action during a practice round before the Maybank Malaysian Open at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club in Malaysia. Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty
Thu Feb 05 2015 - 01:00

Lee Westwood fully intends to be in contention to defend his Maybank Malaysian Open title.

The former world number one claimed an emphatic seven-shot victory at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club last April, ending a run of almost two years without a trophy to clinch the 41st tournament win of his career.

Westwood, 41, is in excellent physical condition having undertaken an intensive fitness regime in the build-up to Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup campaign. He is suitably optimistic heading to Malaysia, no doubt spurred by memories of his triumph 10 months ago.

“You have to play really well to win any tournament by seven shots,” he said.

READ MORE

“I played really nicely that week and didn’t make many mistakes, which was key to my victory.

“If I can stay solid from tee to green, I don’t see why I can’t be in contention again.”

The Englishman’s Ryder Cup team-mates Graeme McDowell, Stephen Gallacher and Victor Dubuisson, together with captain Paul McGinley, are also in the field.

His success

France’s Dubuisson followed up his success at Gleneagles with a string of top-five finishes including a joint-second place alongside Rory McIlroy and

Luke Donald

at the DP World Tour Championship.

Three-time Asian Tour number one Thongchai Jaidee is a two-time champion at this tournament – the Thai won back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005 – and he is keen to challenge for honours again.

The 45-year-old said: “I want to improve for the future and aim to play better in the Majors, which is the key goal, to be better than last year. Golf is not easy but I’ll always try to make it fun.

“This week is an important week as it’s co-sanctioned and if you win this, you’ll jump up in the world ranking and also have a chance to become the Asian Tour number one.

“My confidence is good right now and I want to get better and better. I was top-25 and top-35 in the first two weeks but this week, I’m looking forward to challenging.”

Former champions Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Matteo Manassero are also set to feature in Malaysia.

Peter Lawrie, Michael Hoey and Damien McGrane augment the Irish challenge led by McDowell and McGinley.