With the international break over, City have eight games to retain their title but should they slip up, Liverpool arew poised to pounce and become English champions for the first time since 1990 by winning their seven matches to come.

Pep Guardiola’s City, trailing Liverpool by two points, can crank up the pressure on Jurgen Klopp’s side by winning at Championship-bound Fulham on Saturday.

Liverpool have the far harder task of hosting Tottenham on Sunday but know that a win will be a huge step towards the title with a relatively kind fixture list to come, barring a home game against Chelsea.

“A season is like that, you constantly prepare a basis for the final weeks,” Klopp told Liverpool’s official website.

“We are now in the final weeks and there will be no interruption anymore, there will only be game after game after game and they all are very, very important.”

Klopp has no injury concerns and plenty of reasons for optimism with Spurs mired in a slump and in danger of crashing out of the top four.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men have taken just one point from their last four league games and could see their three-point cushion over fifth-placed Manchester United cancelled out by the time they kick-off at Anfield.

Top-four race

Tottenham’s slide means Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are involved in a four-way battle for the two Champions League places behind Liverpool and City.

Unai Emery’s Arsenal are the form team in that group and go into their match at home to Newcastle on Monday buoyed by their win against Manchester Untied before the international break.

“In these next eight matches, we need to play with a lot of personality like we did against Manchester United,” Emery told Arsenal’s website.

“We know it’s going to be difficult because we are surrounded by other big teams but I think we are working very well and we are taking confidence to have chances in the last matches.”

United will be looking for a bounce after Solskjaer was appointed on a full-time basis on Thursday.

They take on Watford at home on Saturday licking their wounds after defeat to Arsenal was followed by an FA Cup exit to Wolves, which has taken the shine off the Norwegian’s flying start to life at Old Trafford.

“We are now in a great position to get into the Champions League but that is not decided until May 12 (the final day of the season) probably,” Solskjaer said.

“Eight games to go and two, so a quarter of what is left, against two fantastically improved teams in Watford and Wolves, best of the rest at the moment, so our focus and mine is on those two games,” he added.

Chelsea have stumbled in recent weeks with manager Maurizio Sarri facing multiple problems including a misfiring attack and pedestrian midfield.

Sarri hasn’t considered teenage winger Callum Hudson-Odoi ready for a Premier League start by Sarri, but made his full debut for England against Montenegro earlier this week to pile pressure on the Italian to unleash him when Chelsea visit Cardiff on Sunday.

– Relegation scrap –

Another Chelsea slip up, though, could also have serious ramifications at the bottom of the table.

Cardiff are third from bottom, two points behind Burnley and Southampton with Brighton, Crystal Palace and Newcastle all within seven points of the drop zone.

Brighton and Southampton have a huge chance to gain some breathing space when they face off at the Amex on Saturday.

Huddersfield, rooted to the bottom 16 points from safety, appear doomed while Fulham also look headed for the drop unless they can shock City and eat into the 13-point gap that separates them from survival.

Fixtures

Saturday (1500 GMT unless stated)

Fulham v Manchester City (1230), Brighton v Southampton, Burnley v Wolves, Crystal Palace v Huddersfield, Leicester v Bournemouth, Manchester United v Watford, West Ham v Everton (1730)

Sunday

Cardiff v Chelsea (1405), Liverpool v Tottenham (1630)

Monday

Arsenal v Newcastle (2000)

The big-hitting Thai, who qualified for the quarterfinals at Austin Country Club last year before bowing out to eventual winner Bubba Watson, stayed on Leishman’s heels throughout their opening Group 6 match before the Aussie ran out a 2-up win with a birdie at the final hole.

Kiradech had several chances to swing the match in his favour but his flat stick misbehaved as he made just three birdies in the match.

“I fought hard but didn’t make too many putts. I had some chances but the putts didn’t want to go in. It was good that I kept fighting until the 18th hole and Marc just hit a great shot into 18 to make birdie for the win. I’ve got no choice now but to try and win my next match against Bryson (DeChambeau) tomorrow. He is a great player but I will give it my best,” said Kiradech, the first Thai to play on the PGA TOUR.

Kiradech showed great character as he twice tied the match after going 1-down to Leishman, a four-time PGA TOUR winner, on the front nine at the Pete Dye-designed layout. Leishman birdied nine to turn 1-up but once again, the 29-year-old Kiradech birdied 12 to level the match. After losing holes 12 and 15, Kiradech ensured the match went the full distance with an eight-foot birdie on the par-3 17^th hole but Leishman proved too good in the end with a three-foot birdie on the last hole.

China’s Haotong Li enjoyed a convincing opening win as he took down last year’s third-place finisher and Ryder Cup star Alex Noren of Sweden 5 and 4 to emerge as the lone Asian winner in the first round.

The 23-year-old Li did not trail in his Group 3 match as a combination of hot putting and some uncharacteristic mistakes by Noren gave the Chinese his first ever triumph at the elite 64-man showpiece following three losses in his debut here last season.

Other Asian golfers in the field – Korea’s Si Woo Kim and Byeong Hun An and Japanese duo Satoshi Kodaira and Hideki Matsuyama – all suffered defeats in the first of three group matches.

The slender Li, who is a two-time European Tour winner, said: “It feels incredible, especially tomorrow, you know, against Brooks (Koepka). It’s going to make me more comfortable, at least I’m up, got one win already.”

With World No. 3 Koepka and the fourth member of Li’s Group 3, Tom Lewois, halving their match, the Chinese prospect is determined to ride on the momentum of a first victory in the US$10.25 million championship. His putting was spot on as he rolled in lengthy putts of 29 feet, 19 feet and 30 feet for two birdies and one eagle on the fifth, seventh and 12^th holes to run out an easy victory.

“Yeah, my putting was good. I rolled good birdie putts and one eagle as well. I’ve been playing solid, and especially today I had a few holes where I was a little bit off but my short game recovery was very good. And my partner (Noren) just didn’t play his best today,” said Li.

Currently fifth on the International Team standings where he hopes to become the first Chinese to play in the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club against the U.S. in December, Li is looking forward to his match against Koepka, the 2018 PGA TOUR Player of the Year.

“I just want to play my best and hopefully I can show him my talent,” he said. “My game is getting better, especially my putting. If my putting is better, I think, everything will be going to be better.”

Korea’s Byeong Hun An was disappointed to lose 3 and 2 to Englishman Tommy Fleetwood in his Group 11 match. An, playing in his third WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, was 2-up through seven holes before Fleetwood rallied on the back nine with three birdies over a six-hole stretch.

“It’s match play and it happens. I played okay. The eighth hole (bogey) was a little bit (of a momentum change) and I missed a putt on nine (from five feet for birdie). Had so many good putts and they didn’t drop. It doesn’t help in match play. I’ve been hitting it okay but not making the putts, they didn’t drop. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow. I’m definitely going to try my best and see what happens. Just seem to be misreading some lines and hitting some which don’t want to go it,” said An, who is a former U.S. Amateur champion.

Countryman Si Woo Kim, the 2017 PLAYERS Champion, suffered a 7 and 5 loss to Spaniard Jon Rahm in his Group 8 match where he did not record a single birdie in the 13 holes which he played.

Japan’s Satoshi Kodaira lost 5 and 4 to Europe’s Ryder Cup hero Francesco Molinari while Hideki Matsuyama fell 4 and 3 to Presidents Cup International teammate Branden Grace.

As one in a series of four World Golf Championships events sanctioned and organized by the operational committee of the International Federation of PGA Tours, which includes the Asian Tour, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA TOUR, PGA Tour of Australasia and Sunshine Tour, the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play is one of the most exciting and biggest events on golf’s calendar.

The X-Country TRIIB Obstacle Race is coming to the Pattana Golf Club & Resort, Chonburi, on 28 April 2019. The exciting 8.5-km race alternates challenging TRIIB obstacles with natural hazards such as the Pits of Hell.

The X-Country TRIIB Obstacle Race was created to help develop the physical and mental tenacity of racers, and requires cross-country running (hence the name X-Country TRIIB), climbing over obstacles, carrying objects and crawling through the mud.  The varied TRIIB obstacles call on racers to scale a wall, crawl or squirm through a sandpit, find a way over a tyre wall, and navigate an “over-and-under”, which is a series of obstacles which runners alternately go over and under a series of walls.

Ms. Rujipun Juangroongruangkit, Executive Vice President of Pattana Golf Club & Resort, says, “Since the humble beginnings of obstacle racing in Thailand in 2007 a lot has changed. Fast forward to current day, obstacle racing has rapidly grown into one of the fastest growing global sports with less than half a million finishers worldwide in 2010 to more than 4 million finishers in 2015. Also in Thailand obstacle racing has rapidly gained popularity. We joined hands with C55 Events to bring the most challenging and exciting experience of obstacle racing to Thailand with the aim to develop Pattana Golf Club & Resort into a role model for Thailand in sports training and outdoor sport management. Pattana Golf Club & Resort is an all-encompassing recreational sports resort destination dedicated to individuals, families, and groups with a healthy inspired way of living.

“Based on C55 Events’ proven success in organising countless outdoor activities, we are confident that the new X-Country TRIIB Obstacle Race will become one more challenging, naturally fun activity enhancing health and happiness for all participants. We designed the X-Country TRIIB to be doable for racers of all ages and abilities. The TRIIB obstacles are designed to be assembled, disassembled and reassembled whenever and wherever desired. Their flexible nature makes them easily adapted for cross-country or urban terrain and off-road environments.

To be held in the award-winning Pattana Golf Club & Resort, the X-Country TRIIB Obstacle Race features four categories: the Solo Elite 8.5-km, and Solo 8.5-km for different age groups, Solo Long Course 17-km, and Team 8.5-km.

Jurgen Swinckels, General Manager of C55 EVENTS, says, “With over 10 years of experience, we have organised running races, adventure races, obstacle races, trail runs, triathlons, and cycling events. This continual expansion has led us to the great adventure that is the obstacle races of X-Country TRIIB. The X-Country TRIIB Obstacle Race is ideal for all fitness enthusiasts and outdoor activity lovers. C55 EVENTS plans to further capitalise on the popularity of obstacle racing by holding the X-Country TRIIB#2 on 29 September 2019. We hope this activity will generate a community of fitness lovers and we encourage everyone to register as an individual runner or as a group and become part of our TRIIB. Whether you’re looking to push your limits or just want to have a big bag of fun, X-Country TRIIB Obstacle Race is perfect for everyone. So come join our fun event to push your limits and you will get an unforgettable race-day experience.”

For the first X-Country TRIIB Obstacle Race on 28 April, C55 EVENTS is working with The Movement Playground on Sukhumvit Soi 69 as a training partner. The Movement Playground offers a tailor-made training program for athletes that firmly prepares potential participants for the X-Country TRIIB Obstacle Race. Initial training sessions will be conducted at the Movement Playground gym and will be followed by an actual training run over the TRIIB obstacles at Pattana Golf Club & Resort, in the weekend prior to the race.

All X-Country TRIIB racers will receive a race pack containing a Bib number with timing device (for team, one device per team), a X-Country TRIIB T-shirt, and a medal proving that you finished,. Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to first, second and third places.

Pancake- Khemanit Jamikorn, a Thai TV actress and model who passionate in outdoor sport activities, says, “I am excited to see this kind of race taking place in Thailand. The X-Country TRIIB Obstacle Race challenges me both mentally and physically. I’ve been training for months and now it’s time to take my increased strength to X-Country TRIIB Obstacle Race and experience the thrill of obstacle course racing. I’m certain the challenging course will throw everything at me to test my strength.”

Matthew Deane Chanthavanij, an actor and owner of Khongsittha Gym in Bangkok, says, “Extreme sports are my favorite. I can’t wait to join the X-Country TRIIB Obstacle Race! This time, I will fully practice beforehand so I am better prepared to overcome my limits. I would like to invite everyone who is a fitness enthusiast, from veterans to beginners, to sign up to participate, either individually or in teams. The fun starts on April 28 for the first time in Thailand at Pattana Golf Club and Resort, Chonburi.”

To test your limits, sign up to be a part of the action at X-Country TRIIB Obstacle Race, go to https://www.runlah.com/events/c/TRIIB19.

The big-hitting Hend, who claimed his 10th Asian Tour title in Malaysia last week, is looking to taste success in India for the first time in his career when he takes on the challenging Gary Player-designed course at the DLF Golf and Country Club.

Hailed as the most successful international player on the Asian Tour, Hend had claimed all his 10 victories in Asia, including three titles in Thailand, two in Macau and one each in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei and Singapore.

Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Shubhankar Sharma will have another shot at fulfilling his childhood ambitions as he takes aim at adding his name to the illustrious list of Indian winners at the US$1.75 million event.

The 22-year-old Sharma, the highest-ranked Indian on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), set a new course record after firing an eight-under-par 64 during the second round of the Hero Indian Open last year.

The talented Indian held a share of the lead heading into the final round last year but would eventually close with a disappointing 75 to settle for a tied-seventh place finish.

Armed with a more mature mindset and a better game plan this time around, Sharma hopes to redeem himself by putting up another title charge in his National Open.

Anirban Lahiri, the 2015 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, is thrilled to be back home for the first time this year after honing his skills on the PGA Tour, where he has made five cuts in his last seven starts so far this season.

Lahiri, who won the Indian Open in 2015,  endured a long haul 19-hour flight from Florida before arriving in New Delhi this morning. He will have to fight off jet-lag to turn his season around at the event which he has enjoyed several impressive results in the past.

A stellar 144-men field from 28 countries will be vying for top honours at the Hero Indian Open, which celebrates its 55th edition this week..

Alexandre Gama

The 20-year-old was given a straight red card after he appeared to punch Vietnamese defender Tran Dinh Trong in the 58th minute as the Kingdom suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat in the battle of the region’s top two teams.

The dismissal will result in Supachai being banned for at least one game when Thailand host the finals next January.

The young forward expressed remorse for his actions when the team returned to Thailand on Wednesday.

“I’m really sorry for the incident. It’s the first red card for me playing for the national team,” said Supachai, who comes from Pattani. “This shouldn’t have happen to the team. I’ve learnt a valuable lesson in my football career.”

Meanwhile, coach Alexandre Gama shouldered the blame for the big defeat.

It was particularly painful as the Kingdom, once the top football team in Asean, is now being been overshadowed by its neighbouring country.

Vietnam stamped their authority as the region’s new football powerhouse after winning last year’s AFF Cup and reaching the quarter-finals in January’s Asian Cup.

“This is one of the biggest losses for me. I couldn’t believe we lost 4-0. But I have to congratulate Vietnam,” said the Brazilian coach. “It was my mistake. The players followed my plan but it didn’t work.

“But sometimes this happens in football. It wasn’t our day. Vietnam have been in good form and have confidence, so they performed well.”

Although Gama refused to comment on Supachai’s dismissal he accepted it had taken its toll on his players.

“After my player received a red card, it changed the game. We were disorganized after that and in this big tournament if we were disorganised, we lost control,” the Brazilian said.

He said a ban on Supachai would affect Thailand’s hopes in January but he hoped the finals would give Thailand a chance to gain revenge on in-form Vietnam.

“We’ve lost a very important player in January because of the red card,” he added. “This is a big problem for Thailand. We have to move on.”

Relevent Sports Group, owner and operator of the International Champions Cup, today revealed the four-team line-up, comprising Premier League giants Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Italian Serie A heavyweights Juventus and Inter.

The new-look two match, four team format will be held over a single weekend on the 20^th and 21^st of July, promising local and travelling fans a truly spectacular footballing treat.

“We are very pleased to bring the International Champions Cup to Singapore again. The event is the only platform for fans in the region to get up close to their favourite teams,” said Charlie Stillitano, Executive Chairman of Relevent Sports Group. “Manchester United, Inter, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur are clubs with strong support in the region, and we believe the fans will be happy to see them in action.”

Added Melissa Ow, Deputy Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board: “With some of the biggest names in European football joining us for the International Champions Cup this year, Singapore will be an even more attractive travel destination for sports fans this July. As the only Southeast Asian stop of the ICC, we look forward to welcoming football fans from around the region, and aim to provide a memorable experience for our visitors that goes beyond the pitch.”

This year, the International Champions Cup Singapore welcomes AIA as its first ever Presenting Partner. AIA is also the Global Principal Partner of Tottenham Hotspur. “AIA is proud to be the Presenting Partner of the 2019 International Champions Cup Singapore, especially during our Centennial year. It is a wonderful opportunity for our customers, agents, partners and staff to witness Tottenham Hotspur, with their many international stars, compete in Asia,” said Mr Ng Keng Hooi, AIA Group Chief Executive and President.

This year’s tournament will cap a long-awaited return to the city state for both Premier League sides. It will also be their first appearance at the new National Stadium after Tottenham graced the old Kallang venue in 1995, and Fabien Barthez’s cameo as an outfield player headlined the Red Devils’ last visit in 2001.

Conversely, it will be a second coming appearance in more recent times for the Italian sides. Juventus played the first ever football match in the newly-opened National Stadium against a Singapore Select in 2014, while Inter triumphed over Bayern Munich and Chelsea to be crowned champions of the 2017 International Champions Cup Singapore.

The opening match, kicking off on Saturday 20^th July, will be between Manchester United and Inter, marking a decade since the sides clashed in the last eight of the UEFA Champions League. With both teams firmly in contention for Champions League spots this season, this summer meeting could well be a mouth-watering preview of a potential heavyweight match-up in Europe next season.

To round off the weekend of football, Juventus takes on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 21^st July. A rematch of last season’s Champions League meeting, Spurs will be looking to get back at the side that defeated them in the round-of-16. With no shortage of world-class players on show, both the seasoned competitors from Turin and the 2018 International Champions Cup winners are set to serve up a top quality battle.

Vietnam finished top of Group K, while Thailand, who already have a place in the Finals, took second spot.

Thailand started the match strongly but it was Vietnam who were more threatening as they opened their account in the 17th minute through Ha Duc Chinh as the young Golden Dragons took a 1-0 lead into half-time.

The War Elephants tried to dominate the match after the restart but Nguyen Hoang Duc struck in the 53rd minute to widen Vietnam’s lead.

There was more agony for Thailand as they were left with a man down as Supachai Jaided was sent off four minutes later and that created more opportunities for Vietnam.

The young Golden Dragons bombarded the Thai defence and were rewarded for their persistence with further goals from Nguyen Thanh Chung in the 63rd minute and Tran Thanh Son (90+4) as the 2018 runners-up sealed a comprehensive victory.

Indonesia turned in a solid performance, scoring a goal in each half to finish third in Group K.

The Young Garudas took their time to settle into the game against a Brunei side who were also looking for their first win in the Qualifiers.

Dimas Drajad found the back of the net in the 31st minute to secure the lead for Indra Sjafri’s side as Indonesia imposed themselves in the match with the majority of possession as they took a 1-0 lead at the break.

Sjafri’s introduction of Egy Maulana at the hour mark made the difference as the midfielder caused problems for the Brunei defenders.

Indonesia began to increase the intensity of their attacks but Brunei held firm at the back. But it was not long before Brunei cracked under pressure and conceded another goal.

Muhamad Rafi Syarahil found space in the danger area before unleashing a left-footed strike to find the back of the net in the 79th minute.

However, Brunei were thrown a lifeline in the 81st minute when Azreen Eskander was brought down in the box by Indonesia goalkeeper Muhamad Riyandi.

Muhamad went on to save the penalty but picked up a second yellow card for an infringement to receive his marching orders. Drajad took up goalkeeping duties for Indonesia but was unable to stop Azim Izamuddin Suhaimi from scoring the re-take.

With Indonesia one man down, Brunei peppered the goalmouth but Drajad stayed firm as the Young Garudas held on to win 2-1.

The 30 year-old Spaniard may have beaten Djokovic on the way to winning the title in Doha earlier this year but 15-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic started like a train in this last 16 encounter before being amazingly reined back in.

After just 25 minutes, Djokovic was 5-0 ahead and on cruise control, Bautista Agut severely struggling to keep the Serbian at bay.

A short rain delay late in the second set allowed Bautista Agut to regroup, however.

He returned a completely different player and at the end of an absorbing two hours and 29 minutes, it was the number 22 seed who will now meet defending champion John Isner for a place in the semi-finals.

“Of course this is very special for me,” said Bautista Agut. “I just tried to play aggressive.”

– Sluggish games –

Djokovic left court and headed straight to a press conference to try and explain this most remarkable of turnarounds at Hard Rock Stadium.

“He is a solid player but I shouldn’t have lost this match, I had way too many wasted opportunities,” said the world number one, who also failed to make the latter stages of Indian Wells this month.

“I thought I played well today and during this tournament but two or three sluggish games and that’s what happens.”

Djokovic, who also hinted his vociferous involvement in ATP tennis politics which saw President Chris Kermode ousted this month may have affected his focus, was initially consistent with his serve during the opening set.

The 31-year-old won 68% of points on his first serve and 63% on his second and mixed up his shots superbly, blending in power and subtlety to keep his opponent guessing.

A combination of his level dropping and Bautista Agut rising to the challenge saw a complete reversal in fortunes in the second set.

Bautista Agut was broken instantly yet the Spaniard responded well, especially after a 30 minute delay which saw him fight back and grab two set points, the second of which was taken when the reigning Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open champion netted a forehand.

He broke the Serb again for 3-1 in the third following an uncharacteristic double fault and although Djokovic never shirks a battle and hit back in the very next game, it was the Spaniard who took advantage of his opponent’s faltering serve to move within two games of victory.

Serving for the match, he brought up two match points, another forehand winner sealing one of the best comebacks of his career.

Big-serving Isner moved into the last eight with a controversial 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3) triumph over Great Britain’s world number 22 Kyle Edmund.

In a razor-sharp encounter, Edmund was furious at 3-5 in the second set tie-break and was involved in a lengthy argument with chair umpire Carlos Bernardes after the 24 year-old stopped during the point.

Edmund was reacting to something said in the crowd but refused to divulge any further information.

“I obviously heard something but I’m not going to get into it,“ he snapped to reporters afterwards.

Elsewhere there was a brilliant win for 18 year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime, the Canadian who came through qualifying, who beat Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili 7-6 (7-4), 6-4.

Auger-Aliassime ,who is set to become the first player born in the 2000s to break into the top 50 when the rankings are updated next week, plays Borna Coric after the Croatian beat Nick Kyrgios 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

The controversial Australian was furious after being heckled by a fan during the third set and was docked a point after responding with an expletive.

“I’m playing for two hours and 20 minutes, and a guy yells at me, ‘Play some tennis,’ I’m not going to take it.

“So I said F you to him,” said Kyrgios, who admitted he became “a little bored” during the second set.”

In the women’s draw, Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit reached the semi-finals in Miami for the first time after she brought an end to Hsieh Su-Wei’s impressive run with a 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 victory.

No one can fault the Thai No 1 as he has endured a topsy-turvy run of form recently but the US$10.25 million World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play starting on Wednesday night (Thailand time) will offer the 29-year-old a rare opportunity to compete in a format which has given him plenty of success.

Kiradech, the first Thai to hold a PGA Tour card, enjoyed an impressive run here last season, finishing T5 at Austin Country Club after battling into the quarter-finals where he bowed out to eventual winner Bubba Watson. Two of his European Tour victories have also been in match play tournaments.

After being grouped with Bryson DeChambeau, Russell Knox and Marc Leishman, whom he plays in his first match on Wednesday morning, the big-hitting Kiradech is keen to jump onto another hot run here.

“This week you get the top 64 players, all great players. Whoever I play will be tough and challenging. Bryson has been one of the hottest golfers in the past few months which is opposite to me as I’ve not played my best golf the last three months,” said Kiradech.

“In match play though, anything can happen. Marc is one of the great international players and Russell has won big events in Europe and also a World Golf Championships event. I think they will also look at me in the same way as to beat me in match play won’t be easy.”

He concedes his debut season on the PGA Tour has been scratchy so far. He has enjoyed two top-5s in World Golf Championships events, the WGC-HSBC Champions in China and WGC-Mexico Championship but has missed almost half the cuts in the events he’s played so far, including The Players Championship two weeks ago where he shot contrasting rounds of 84 and 69.

Kiradech also took a putting lesson with Gary Gilchrist last week, hoping it would improve his conversion rate on the short grass in Austin.

“I’m not happy with the results or with the way I’m playing. I’m still positive as I’ve nearly got my Tour card for next season. There’s less pressure but my form is like a roller-coaster. My short game, my putting has not been good. But we know putting can turn around in a week.

“It can get hot and change everything. Last week, I paid more attention to my game, hit a lot of balls and I feel better. I’ve brought a few putters and I also had my first putting lesson in my life with Gary [Gilchrist]. It is hard to make changes but if I can do it right, it’ll be good,” he said.

Kiradech has good vibes whenever he tees it up at the Pete Dye-designed Austin Country Club which has been touted by many as the perfect venue for a match play event. “I holed a lot of putts and beat a lot of great players on this course,” said the Thai, who holds a record of six victories and two losses here.

“I remember all the good things. I think I’ve also got a good record in match play … who knows maybe it might be my week. I like making lots of birdies, and it doesn’t matter if you make bogeys in this format. There is a bunch of birdies out here. However, if you make a lazy mistake, it can hurt. This course suits my type of game.”

Other leading Asians in the elite field here include Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama and Satoshi Kodaira, China’s Haotong Li and Korean duo Byeong Hun An and Si Woo Kim, who made it into the last eight stage here last year.

World No. 1 Dustin Johnson, 2018 FedExCup champion Justin Rose, reigning PGA Tour Player of the Year Brooks Koepka, The Players Championship 2019 winner Rory McIlroy, 80-time PGA Tour winner Tiger Woods and former Texas Longhorn Jordan Spieth are among the notables competing in Austin.

Woods, a three-time winner of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, is making his first start in the event since 2013. Bubba Watson is the defending champion.

The WGC-Dell Technologies event is one in a series of four World Golf Championships events sanctioned and organised by the operational committee of the International Federation of PGA Tours, which includes the Asian Tour, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia and Sunshine Tour.