Thongchai Jaidee doffs hat at Jeev Milkha Singh

Kuala Lumpur, Nov 23 (UNI) Thai stalwart Thongchai Jaidee hailed Jeev Milkha Singh's stupendous win in the Volvo Masters and said the Indian's triumph in Spain has instilled a new sense of confidence among the Asian players who have started to dream big.

Ready for a one last throw of the dice at the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia next month to maintain his proud record of winning a title every year since 2000, the Thai star paid rich tribute to Jeev, who will be crowned the new Asian Tour number one at the Volvo Masters of Asia as he has secured the UBS Order of Merit title.

''His form has been fantastic. For him to win the Volvo Masters in Spain, it was very good for the Asian Tour and it will make our players believe that they too can win big events.

''The Asian Tour is getting bigger. It's growing and the future looks good,'' said Thongchai.

Shiv Kapur will defend his title at the 650,000 dollar Volvo Masters of Asia.

Jaidee, a former paratrooper, is confident ahead of the Asian Tour's grand finale at Thai Country Club from December 14-17, thanks to a welcome return to form which saw him challenge for the UBS Hong Kong Open title last week before settling for tied third place.

The winner of the Volvo Masters of Asia will also qualify for the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

The top-60 players on the Asian Tour qualify to play in the Volvo Masters of Asia, which is offering a winner's purse of 104,000 dollar.

UNI XC AY PM PM1236