The third tournament of the European eTour season will get underway later today at the Hero Open, with eight players competing for the $5,000 first prize and all-important ranking points in the race to the Global Finals.
Jsmithers who, following impressive victories at the Portugal Masters and BMW International Open earlier in this year, is looking to make it a hat-trick of victories and cement his position at the top of the eTour rankings.
The train engineer from Illinois in the United States, real name Joshua Smith, is delighted with his start to the season but remains focused on the ultimate goal.
“The season has gone as good as it could so far, but we are only halfway through,” he said. “My goal is to win every event and I will be giving myself the chance to do just that”.
Smith, who has a match win percentage on the eTour of 68% following six straight wins this year, will face eTour debutant, Devonpa, real name Devon Brace, in his first round quarter final match.
“Devon is new to this, but I have played with him for years,” he added. ”He's capable of winning, but I will give it everything.”
27-year-old Brace, also from the United States is looking forward to the opportunity to compete at the Hero Open.
“I am super excited” said Brace. “I have seen a lot of the live events, so its great to be a part of it this time round.”
Jsmithers or devonpa will face either fmagnets or IRISHKING1916 in the semi-finals. IRISHKING1916, real name Karl Rowsome, is one four debutants in the Hero Open and is well aware of the test he will face in his first-round match.
“Chris (fmagnets) is a legend,” said IRISHKING1916 “He has been the best player in WGT for years. It will be very tough but if I am in the right place on the right day, I can do it” said Rowsome.
On the other side of the draw, Stunman66, will take on debutant, LeHew whilst, DeanBarr will face the 2020 Global Finals Champion, Golfx3.
Golfx3, real name Peyton Gordley, failed to qualify for the previous tournament following a tough qualification process. However, the 22-year-old from New Mexico in the United States, is looking forward to competing again.
“It was odd sitting at home watching it, rather than playing but I am excited to be back. Hopefully I can take my first victory of the year,” said Gordley, who boasts an 81% match win percentage on the eTour having won an incredible 27 of 33 matches played.
Gordley’s opponent, DeanBarr, is another eTour debutant who is looking to make a big impact. In his pre-tournament press conference, Barr said:
“I am happy that I get the opportunity to beat him (GolfX3). I am looking forward to getting my chance, but I am the underdog. However, someone has to beat him, and I will give it my best shot.”
The live action will get underway from 4pm BST later today on the European Tour’s YouTube channel.
