Record-breaking Spaniard Miguel Angel Jiménez has confirmed he will defend his title at the Hong Kong Open from December 5-8, 2013.
Jiménez became the oldest winner in European Tour history when he triumphed at Hong Kong Golf Club in November last year aged 48 years and 318 days, beating the record held by Irishman Des Smyth since he won the 2001 Madeira Islands Open.
The success also completed a Hong Kong hat-trick for Jiménez, adding to previous victories at Fanling in 2005 and 2008. The charismatic former Ryder Cup star produced a master-class in approach play to sign for a five under par 65 in the final round and hold off Fredrik Andersson Hed by one shot.
“It was an honour to win in Hong Kong last year and create a new European Tour record, and I’m very much looking forward to returning to defend my title,” said Jiménez.
“I’ve had a lot of success at Hong Kong Golf Club in the past and it’s a place I love playing at. I love the city and the energy there, and there’s so much to see and do. The golf course is magnificent and I always tend to play well there, so naturally I relish going back.
“The history of the golf club makes it very special and the people always make us feel very welcome.”
Jiménez has been in fine form since recovering from a broken leg in April, notching four top five finishes, including a play-off defeat to Joost Luiten in the KLM Open, to lie 17th in The Race to Dubai.
“I’ve had another excellent season and it would be great to extend that European Tour record a little more by winning again in Hong Kong,” he added.
The Hong Kong Open is the third tournament on the 2014 International Schedule and will be the 13th staging since it became part of the European Tour in 2002.
The Hong Kong Open was first played in 1959 and has a star-studded list of past champions, including Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal, Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy.
Tickets are now available from www.cityline.com and www.europeantour.com/tickets.
