Bangkok, Thailand, November 23: Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond is eager to defend his title for the first time when he tees it up on home soil at the Queen’s Cup hosted by Jaidee Foundation next Thursday.

The 22-year-old Jazz, who cruised to a four-shot triumph in July after a birdie blitz on the final day, will set his sights on becoming the first Thai player to retain the title at the US$500,000 event.

He will be among the strong Thai contingent gunning for the prestigious trophy at the Legacy Golf Club, including Tirawat Kaewsiribandit, Rattanon Wannasrichan, Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Phachara Khongwatmai.

Jazz first entered the winner’s circle in 2017 when he claimed his maiden victory in Banglasdesh. He enjoyed a fruitful start to the 2018 season, with a tied-fourth finish in Singapore that earned him a coveted spot to The Open Championship.

The young Thai is in fine form, with two top-10 finishes in his last three starts. He will be hoping to secure his first multiple-winning season with the support of his family and the advantage of home soil.

“It’s exciting to be playing in Thailand again and in front of a home crowd. My family will be there to support me. This will also be the first time I will be coming to an event as a defending champion. The field looks good and a lot of Thais are playing this event so hopefully we will keep the trophy at home,” said Jazz, who is ranked 13th on the current Habitat for Humanity Standings.

“I grew up watching Thongchai (Jaidee) play and I have always looked up to him as my golfing idol. He has one of the best work ethics on Tour and I strive to be like him and follow in his footsteps,” added Jazz.

Three-time Asian Tour number one Thongchai is relishing the opportunity to assume responsibility of hosting an event which is held in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, after doing so on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) for three seasons.

“It is an honour to host a tournament back home, especially the Queen’s Cup which is one of the most popular events in Thailand and it is exciting that Jazz (Janewattananond) will be coming back to defend his title,” said Thongchai.

The 13-time Asian Tour winner also hopes a successful event will draw attention to his foundation that was launched in 2009, with the aim of giving back to the under-privileged golfers in his hometown as well as providing more playing opportunities for the region’s rising stars.

“With the Asian Tour season coming to an end, the schedule is very tight and everyone is busy but I look forward to seeing a good field play next week. This tournament will be hosted by my foundation for the first time and hopefully we will run it well so that it will continue to be a regular event on the Asian Tour,” said the 13-time Asian Tour winner.

Korea’s Sanghyun Park, currently ranked second on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, Indian duo Shiv Kapur and S.S.P Chawrasia, both multiple winners on the Asian Tour, will be amongst those who will spearhead the international challenge at the Tour’s fifth stop in Thailand this season.

Other notable players in the 132-men field include Thai veteran star Thaworn Wiratchant who won in 2012 and 2014, as well as compatriots Chawalit Plaphol and Chinnarat Phadungsil, who won the event in 2011 and 2009 respectively.