Prayad favourite to defend Singha title

Prayad favourite to defend Singha title

Defending champions Prayad Marksaeng and Thidapa Suwannapura are in different mood when they start their campaign at the 4.3-million-baht Singha Masters at Santi Buri Country Club in Chiang Rai today.

Prayad Marksaeng.

Both Prayad and Thidapa cruised to victories last year with the former claiming a seven-stroke win and the latter a nine-stroke triumph in the men's and women's events respectively.

The 46-year-old Prayad is regarded as a hot favourite in the tournament he won four times (2001, 2004, 2008 and 2012). Together with his recent good run of form, there's no doubt why Prayad will come to the tournament high on confidence.

"I am feeling confident I can defend the title this year," said the star after his win at the ThaiPGA tour's season opener in Chachoengsao two weeks ago.

"My irons are so great now. If my putting improves, I am sure I can win here."

The Hua Hin native should make a strong start today after winning the pro-am event with an eight-under-par round yesterday.

However, he is assured of facing a tough challenge from a number of fine players such as Asian Tour No.1 Thaworn Wiratchant, Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Thammanoon Srirot.

Meanwhile, Donlaphatchai Niyomchon, Rattanon Wannasrichan, Annop Tangkamolprasert and Sattaya Supupramai, who have earned the Asian Tour cards last week, will also be in the field to vie for the winner's cheque of 800,000 baht.

In contrast, the 23-year-old Thidapa has not had the best of preparation for her title defence this year.

The golfer has recently changed her swing to avoid a back pain.

"I am trying a new swing. So, it is not 100 percent yet," said Thidapa who will be playing on LPGA tour this year. "I am also working on a new set of irons."

Joining her at the 54-hole event to tee off today are Porani Chutichai, Tanaporn Kongkiatkrai and Jaruporn Palakawong na Ayutthaya, Tiffany Tavee, Rungthiwa Pangjan and Tiranan Yoopan.

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