Nitithorn has mixed feelings on PGM Penang defence

PETALING JAYA: A revitalised Nitithorn Thippong will be out to defend his title at the PGM ADT Penang Championship today.

Returning to the venue where the Thai claimed his maiden breakthrough last year, the 22-year-old remains confident at the RM225,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

He will be part of an experienced field of 121 players vying for honours at the Bukit Jawi Golf Resort.

They include reigning ADT number one Miguel Carballo of Argentina, Thai duo Itthipat Buranatanyarat and Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij and American Sam Gillis, who are all winners on the ADT.

Nitithorn was in great form in May last year when he earned three consecutive top 10 finishes before lifting his maiden victory.

He remained consistent throughout the year to notch five other top 10 results to finish second on the ADT Order of Merit and earned his Asian Tour card for this season.

“I don’t know how to explain my feelings coming back as defending champion. It is a mixture of pressure and familiarity of returning to this course,” said Nitithorn.

“Last year meant a lot to me because I was playing well leading up to the win. It moved me up on the Order of Merit and I didn’t have to worry about trying to keep my ranking in the top seven for the rest of the season.”

However, he has endured a slight dip in form and has not made a single cut this season.

After seeking help from a mental coach, Nitithorn will adopt a different approach this week.

“I changed my swing in January and felt better but I wasn’t seeing results. I met the coach last week and he helped clear the negative thoughts.

“I realised that I need to have fun and not be too focused on the technicalities,” added Nitithorn.

Two-time Asian Tour winner Danny Chia will spearhead the local charge alongside Shahriffuddin Ariffin, Sukree Othman and Amir Nazrin in the fifth leg of the ADT schedule.

The leading seven players on the final ADT Order of Merit will earn the Asian Tour playing rights for the 2020 season.