Kim, Poulter head to Seoul, hope to contend in Korea

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SEOUL -- Ryder Cup stars Anthony Kim of United States and Ian Poulter of England will be eager to steal the show at the Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open, which tees off on Thursday.

The talented duo will be up against a strong field in the $1 million event that includes New Zealand's Mark Brown, former Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand and compatriot Chapchai Nirat, Malaysia's Ben Leong, who won the Worldwide Selangor Masters in August, in-form American Anthony Kang and Chinese Taipei veteran Wang Ter-chang.

After an enjoyable round of golf at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club today, world No. 6 Kim hopes to carry his 2008 momentum for another top finish this week.

"It's a good golf course. If you drive the ball well on the fairway, you will be able to make a lot of birdies out there. The greens are in great shape too. I'm looking forward to a good tournament.

"But it's tough to predict the winning score. If the wind blows, it's going to be a challenging day but you will never know," said Kim.

England's Poulter, 32, who has enjoyed a superb 2008 season, will be among the top contenders alongside Kim. He competed for his first major title at the British Open before finishing second behind Padraig Harrington.

A seven-time winner in Europe, Poulter was also part of the Ryder Cup team.

The starry duo will also be faced by a strong local charge led by Bae Sang-moon, Kim Kyung-tae, who finished in second place last year, youngster Noh Seung-yul, deaf-born golfer Lee Sung, Hwang Inn-choon, Mo Joong-kyung and Kim Hyung-sung, who is ranked No. 1 on the local circuit.

Hyung-sung will be looking for four steady rounds on home soil to steer him through a successful outing at the Perry O. Dye-designed course.

"The rough is a little bit shorter and the greens are easier compared to last year. The players will have a good chance to score well.

"Pin positions will be crucial this week and could be the determining factor. But if I can shoot a 2- or 3-under par after every round, I can have a chance to win," admitted Hyung-sung.

He will be backed by Noh who is among the most talked about rookie on the Asian Tour this season having chalked up three runner-up finishes. He finished in a tie for second place at the Sail Open, Asian Tour International and the GS Caltex Maekyung Open.