Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant headlines the US$300,000 Taiwan Open today, where he bids to regain his top spot on the Asian Tour order of merit.
Wiratchant was dislodged from his perch last weekend by compatriot Thongchai Jaidee, who finished fifth in the Singapore Open.
The difference between the top two players is US$2,107 and with Jaidee not competing at Chung Kung Golf Club this week, a top 35 finish by Wiratchant should see him regain the lead.
'My aim last week was to make the cut at Sentosa [Golf Club] as the course wasn't suited to my game,' said Wiratchant. 'The course was really difficult but we're now at a different event this week.'
Wiratchant finished 45th in Singapore, earning a cheque of US$10,200 to swell his season's earnings to US$344,313.
Jaidee, the Asian number one last year and in 2001, has accumulated US$346,420.
A good week will also boost Wiratchant's confidence ahead of his title defence of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters, also in Taipei next week. But the Thai must first contend with a strong field at Chung Kung.