Jazz dreams of a repeat show in Queen’s Cup
>> 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, which begins on Thursday.
The 22-year-old Jazz, who cruised to a four-shot triumph in July after a birdie blitz on the final day, has set his sights on becoming the first Thai player to retain the title at the US$500,000 event.
He will be among t he strong Thai contingent gunning for the prestigious trophy at the Legacy Golf Club that includes Tirawat Kaewsiribandit, Rattanon Wannasrichan, Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Phachara Khongwatmai.
Jazz entered the winner’s circle in 2017 when he claimed his maiden victory in Bangladesh. He enjoyed a fruitful start to the 2018 season with a tied-fourth finish in Singapore that earned him a coveted spot in the British Open.
The young Thai is in fine form, with two top-10 finishes in his last three starts. He will be hoping to savour his first multiple-winning season with the support of his family and the advantage of playing at home.
“It’s exciting to be playing in Thailand again and in front of the home crowd. My family will be there to support me. This will also be the first time I will be entering 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 No.1 Thongchai is relishing the opportunity 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.