Thongchai Jaidee, who on Sunday became the first Thai golfer to win on The European Tour International Schedule when he captured the Carlsberg Malaysian Open, will lead a strong Asian challenge in next week’’s Dubai Desert Classic.
Jaidee will be joined by fellow Thai player Thaworn Wiratchant, joint eighth in Malaysia, in the pool of stars from the Asian, Australasian and Japan Golf Tours invited to play in the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club.
Chris Downes and Jarrod Moseley have accepted invitations from the tournament main sponsors Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) to represent the Australasian Tour, with Katsumune Imai, Shingo Katayama and Kiyoshi Murota carrying the hopes of the Japan Golf Tour.
Jaidee, a former paratrooper, returns to Dubai having finished tied ninth over the Majis Course 12 months ago. All three previous visits have seen him finish in the top 30.
“It gives us enormous pleasure to invite players from the Asian. Australasian and Japan Golf Tours to compete in the Dubai Desert Classic,” said DUBAL Chief Executive Officer, John Boardman.
“Thongchai Jaidee’’s win in Malaysia underlines the strength of the Asian professionals, while Shingo Katayama proved hugely popular with the people of Dubai last year and I am sure all the players will receive another warm welcome in 2004.”
