Former Malaysian champions look to regain title

Westwood, Oosthuizen lead golf trio in post-Masters event

KUALA LAMPUR: Lee Westwood and Louis Oosthuizen head a trio of former Malaysian Open champions gunning for the title again just days after making weekend runs at the prestigious Masters tournament.

England's Westwood and South Africa's Oosthuizen fell short at the Masters but put in respectable showings, while Thailand's Asian Tour stalwart Thongchai Jaidee, a two-time champ in Malaysia, also made the cut at Augusta National Golf Club.

Play starts Thursday with contestants looking to dethrone rising young Thai star and fan favourite Kiradech Aphibarnrat, last year's winner of the $2.75 million tournament co-sanctioned by both the European and Asian Tours.

"I have very good memories of this golf course,” said Kiradech. “Every time I tee off at this venue, I find myself having lots of energy and confidence.”

India's Anirban Lahiri, a member of the 10-man Asian squad who has been in good form, said the EurAsia Cup was a confidence booster.

"Beating some of the top players in the EurAsia Cup has boosted my confidence coming into this tournament," he said.

Italy's 20-year-old Matteo Manassero is another former Malaysian Open winner in the hunt. The 2011 champ will be looking to add to his four wins as a pro.