ICHEON, South Korea: Lee Westwood said his confidence is sky-high as he bids to cement his second stint as world No. 1 – and silence his critics – with victory at this week's Ballantine's Championship. Westwood, who will become the first reigning number one to compete in South Korea, lost the top spot in February but his spirits were buoyed by Sunday's three-shot Indonesian Masters win, which put him back on top of the rankings. The 38-year-old Englishman headlines a strong field at the $3.2 million event at Blackstone Golf Club near Seoul, including Asia's first Major-winner Y.E. Yang, three-time Major champion Ernie Els and Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter. Westwood earlier admitted he was fed up with questions about his failure to win a Major, amid lingering doubts from critics over whether he deserved to be considered world No. 1. And Westwood, who dislodged Tiger Woods as No. 1 last year but ceded the position to Martin Kaymer in February, said he was hoping to maintain his world-beating form in front of the golf-crazy South Korean galleries. After nearly 20 years on the professional circuit, Westwood said few courses held any surprises, but Yang warned the up-and-down mountain course could prove a challenge. Yang, the 2009 PGA Championship winner, said that while big names such as Westwood, Els and Poulter would all be in the hunt, familiarity with local conditions could help South Korean players make a charge. After struggling with short putts and finding his stroke on the greens had become awkward, Els has started using a belly putter, though he said it had prompted some ribbing in the locker room. – Agence France
