David swings into Beijing

8:44am Thursday 17th April 2008

AFTER failing to qualify for the US Masters at Augusta, David Howell has spent the last week fine-tuning his new golf swing as he bids to add to his haul of five European Tour titles.

Howell is one of the star attractions at the Volvo China Open in Beijing, which has been part of the European Tour schedule since 2005.

The Swindon star made a spectacular return to form at the Portuguese Open two weeks ago, when he tied for second place after an agonising play-off defeat to France's Gregory Bourdy.

Howell is just three weeks into his fledgling partnership with new swing coach Jamie Gough, and his manager Andrew Chubby' Chandler predicts more success will follow.

Chandler said: "After so long struggling with injuries and loss of form, David showed his true self in Portugal.

"It was a welcome return to the right end of the leaderboard and must in some measure be due to a change of coach.

"Howeller made enormous strides under Clive Tucker, but he obviously felt it was time for some new input and Jamie Gough has obviously provided it.

"Players often spend a long time going round in circles trying to get to the middle without finding a way.

"But it only takes one little key and now he's found it you can be sure he won't be happy until he's back winning again."

Howell tees up at the Beijing CBD International Golf Club this morning alongside Finland's Mikko Ilonen and Lin Wen-Tang from Taiwan.

The Broome Manor man will attempt to emulate the achievement of his Ryder Cup colleague and close friend Paul Casey, who won the event back in 2006.

To do so he will have to safely navigate the tree-lined fairways and multiple water hazards which define the challenging 7321-yard course.

Howell, Ilonen and Wen-Tang begin their challenge from the 10th tee at 7am Beijing time.

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