Els seeks change of fortunes in Singapore, Scott confident

By John O'Brien

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - South Africa's Ernie Els will be hoping to shake off the disappointment of contrasting failures he suffered in the previous two years when he takes a third tilt at the Singapore Open starting on Thursday.

The world number 11 enjoyed a morale-boosting victory in Morocco last week and the 39-year-old will want to carry that form forward to the demanding Serapong Course layout hosting the $5 million event, the richest national open on the Asia Tour.

Teeing off against the best golfers in Asia and a host of international players including Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington and K.J. Choi, the burly South African will be considered one of the favorites for the $792,500 first prize.

In 2006, Els lost out to Australia's Scott in a playoff but failed to make the cut at last year's tournament, won by Argentina's Angel Cabrera, after suffering from illness during the opening two rounds.

"I've experienced mixed fortunes the last two years," Els said on his official website (www.ernieels.com).

"I like this tournament and I like the course at Sentosa Golf Club, so I'm looking forward to teeing it up here again. I've played quite a few tournaments in Asia and believe me, this is the best.

"This whole package and a significant prize fund is what helps attract the quality star players from around the world. I'm happy to be here and I know all these guys are, too."

Scott's 2006 victory was his second in succession and the 28-year-old from Adelaide arrives in Southeast Asia seeking to become the first player to record a hat-trick of Singapore Open titles.