Miguel Angel Jimenez eyes record fifth Hong Kong Open title
Spanish star has dominated Fanling course for the previous two events and is eager to hang on to his crown and triumph for a record fifth time
Miguel Angel Jimenez believes in democracy but he will shed all the trappings of egalitarianism as he takes to the Fanling course tomorrow in a bid to win a record fifth Hong Kong Open title.
Long-time visitor Jimenez was quite the diplomat when asked about the predicament his favourite city was facing with the Occupy movement. "I love democracy. I come from a country which has democracy," he said. "But I cannot say who is right or who is wrong [here]. All I can say is democracy is the right thing."
As far as his sporting nature is concerned, the 50-year-old Spaniard is autocratic and says he has grown to like the crown he has worn for the past two years - plus 2004 and 2007 - and has no intention of sharing it.
I have been here 10 years and won four times which is quite a good percentage. But, yes, I would like to make it five
Only three players have won a tournament five times on the European Tour - Tiger Woods, Tom Watson and Bernhard Langer. Jimenez is keen to add his name to this illustrious trio, even if it means ruining the dreams of the 156-strong field at the Hong Kong Golf Club this week.
"I have been here 10 years and won four times which is quite a good percentage. But, yes, I would like to make it five and join this company," Jimenez said.
"Miguel, watch out," said a smiling Zhang Lianwei, of China, sitting beside the former European Ryder Cup captain at yesterday's media conference.
Zhang, 49, says he has been trying to win the US$1.3 million Hong Kong Open for a long time. "Last year I asked Miguel to give me a chance but he didn't listen to me," Zhang joked.
