Ireland's Des Smyth has called up an old friend as he plots a successful defence of the US$500,000 Arcapita Seniors Tour Championship in Bahrain, the final event of the 2006 European Seniors Tour season.

Dublin businessman John Gleeson has answered the call and flown to Bahrain to caddy for Smyth once play gets underway at Riffa Views tomorrow.

The long-time friends teamed up at Riffa Views last November when Smyth, making his return to competitive golf following major heart surgery, birdied the closing two holes for a two stroke success over Scotland's John Chillas.

That was Smyth's third title of 2005 but after a winless spell so far this year, The 2006 European Ryder Cup vice-captain is hoping that by reuniting with Gleeson it might inspire him back into the winner's enclosure.

"John is a very close friend of mine and I asked him to come out as it worked pretty well last time. Ray Latchford, my caddy of 13 years, has done a full season in America and he is quite happy to take a break," explained Smyth.

"This is my last chance for a win this year and I'm keen enough to try and do it. Hopefully I can put up a good defence but, to be honest, I came here with my game in better shape last year.

"Although I've had a decent season in America and kept my card, I never felt I hit top form. It wasn't easy as it was a hectic year with my involvement in the Ryder Cup. But what an experience that was! It was even better than I thought it was going to be and a memory I will keep forever."

The 2006 Arcapita Seniors Tour Championship, which runs from Thursday to Saturday, features the leading 42 players on the European Seniors Tour Order of Merit.

While Smyth plots his defence safe in the knowledge that he has another season's exemption to the European Seniors Tour, others require a strong performance to break into the top 30 on the Order of Merit and thereby secure a full card for 2007.

There are no such pressures for Sam Torrance as he travelled to the Gulf knowing that he can not be overhauled at the top of the Order of Merit. With four victories and €345,497 from 14 events, the Scotsman's target now is to surpass the European Seniors Tour record for single season earnings, which currently stands at €354,775 set by England's Carl Mason in 2004.

Mason is second on this year's Order of Merit with €266,424, ahead of Spain's José Rivero on €227,009.