Hong Kong, Dec 02: Sweden's Fredrik Jacobson returns to the venue of his maiden victory as the 2004 European Tour kicks off with the Hong Kong Open on Thursday. Last year's win launched Jacobson into his most successful season since turning pro in 1994.
The 29-year-old won three times, including the season-ending Volvo Masters, to finish fourth on the European Tour Order of Merit. He will be joined in Hong Kong by 2001 winner Jose Maria Olazabal.
Jacobson had finished second six times on Tour before landing his first win, which came after a 10-week lay-off with a wrist injury. And he backed it up with victory at the Algarve Open de Portugal three weeks later.
Also in the field for the joint-sanctioned Asian PGA Tour event in Hong Kong will be Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke and Ireland's Padraig Harrington - who came second and third respectively on the Order of Merit behind Ernie Els.
England's six-time major winner Nick Faldo will also be appearing as he bids to reclaim his place in the European Ryder Cup side.


Bureau Report