GOLF/Joburg Open:Darren Clarke will look to get his year off to a positive start at the Johannesburg Open today, even though he is on a different continent to where he expected to be.
The 39-year-old had been named in Seve Ballesteros' European team to play Asia in the Royal Trophy in Bangkok, due to start tomorrow.
However, the death of the king of Thailand's sister last week meant the country entered a period of mourning and the event was postponed as a mark of respect.
Clarke immediately announced his intention to return to South Africa, where last month he recorded his best finish since May 2006 with joint third place in the South Africa Open at Pearl Valley in Paarl.
That suggested a return to form after a miserable 18 months and, with South Africa's big-name stars Ernie Els and Retief Goosen absent this week, he leads the foreign challenge in the third and final event co-sanctioned by the European and Sunshine Tours on the 2008 schedule.
This week's tournament utilises the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club's East and West Courses over the first two days, with the weekend's play staged on the former.
Clarke has practised on both and is ready for the challenge as he looks to get his career back on track.
"I was up here on Monday morning and I played nine holes on the East and I played 18 on the West yesterday morning," said the four-time Ryder Cup winner.
"It's a demanding test. But hey, I'm keen and I'm eager and I'm ready to play.
"I hardly took any time off at all since Pearl Valley. I've been working really hard at home over the winter and I'm ready to go again."
The home challenge will be led by James Kingston, who is looking for back-to-back wins after victory in his home Open.
"I am confident and I enjoy this course. I haven't played much since the Open and I want to use this week to get the momentum going again," said the 42-year-old.
"I don't think there are many players who are in great shape (after the festive break).
"I certainly didn't practise much; in fact, I only picked up my clubs on Monday for the first time.
"I'll try to treat it as just another event. I don't want to venture any predictions, you just play as well as you can and hope you finish in the winner's circle on Sunday."
Compatriot Richard Sterne, who finished 16th at Pearl Valley, also has high hopes.
"My game is pretty solid, I've got nothing really to complain about, but it's not as good as it can be and it's mostly my short game," he said.
"I need to putt well and to make putts at the right time."
Argentina's Ariel Canete defends his title in Johannesburg.
Vital statistics
Venue:Royal Johannesburg and Kensington GC, East and West courses
Prize money:€1.1 million (€174,350 to the winner)
Length:7,590 yards. Par: 71
Defending champion:Ariel Canete from Argentina began the 2007 season playing on the European Challenge Tour. His victory gave him a European Tour exemption until the end of 2009. Canete was the last Challenge Tour member to win a European Tour event.
Irish in action:Clarke, Hoey, Moriarty, Browne, Maybin
On TV:SS1, 10.30-14.30
Weather:Afternoon thunderstorms
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