Samui: Defending champion Prayad Marksaeng will be aiming to become the first man to win the Queen's Cup three times when the Asian Tour event begins today.
Prayad Marksaeng.
Prayad and Thaworn, who is 49, have dominated the Queen's Cup at the par-71 Santiburi Samui Country Club since 2012, with either player lifting the prestigious trophy over the past four seasons.
The smooth-swinging Prayad reckons Thaworn, a former two-time Asian Tour No.1, will pose as his biggest challenger in his title defence despite the latter struggling to hit top form this season.
"Thaworn always plays very well at Santiburi Samui. His putting game is perfect here. I know he is working hard on his iron game. I hope he can come back to win again this week. We are very good friends. I cheer for him to win or any Thai player for that matter. Anyway I will play my best to try to win for a third time," said Prayad, a nine-time winner on the Asian Tour.
Prayad feels right at home on the holiday isle of Samui where his track record at Santiburi Samui speaks for itself. Apart from two victories, he has finished second once and joint sixth twice.
"I've played at Santiburi Samui so many times. I remember every angle of this course. I love playing here. Every Thai players hope to win the Queen's Cup, King's Cup or Thailand Open at least once which are the Royal trophies. The hope drives all Thai players to win," he said.