Lopburi, Thailand, February 12: Thailand’s Pannakorn Uthaipas is determined to put up a good showing to restore his much-needed confidence when he tees off for the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation 2019 which starts on Thursday.

The 28-year-old Thai, who was crowned the Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit champion in 2017, has struggled to hit top form in his 2018 season on the premier Asian Tour, missing 10 cuts in 20 starts to finish in 100th place on the Habitat for Humanity Standings.

Despite failing to keep his Asian Tour card for 2019, Pannakorn remains hopeful that he can play his way back to the premier Tour from the ADT, starting with the popular event this week where he has enjoyed top-five results in the last two editions in 2016 and 2017.

Pannakorn will feature in the stellar 156-man field alongside reigning Merit champion Miguel Carballo of Argentina, compatriots Itthipat Buranatanyarat and Nitithorn Thippong at the ฿4 million (approximately US$123,000) event.

The event hosted by Thai star Thongchai Jaidee has not only attracted more than 35 ADT winners, but also Asian Tour champions which include Stephen Lewton of England, Malaysia’s Danny Chia and Mardan Mamat of Singapore.

Thai veterans Boonchu Ruangkit, Thaworn Wiratchant and Chapchai Nirat, winner of the 2016 edition, have also pledged their support for Thongchai by playing in his event, which will be held for the first time at the 13th Military Circle Golf Course.

“I fell sick and had to withdraw halfway through the first round of season-opening Boonchu Ruangkit Championship last month. I was a little disappointed because I wanted to start the season right but didn’t get a chance to do so.

“I lost a lot of confidence last year after coming off a great season on the ADT where I won the Order of Merit. I think I put too much pressure on myself to do well,” said Pannakorn, who claimed his breakthrough at the Taifong Open in Chinese Taipei two years ago.

The burly Thai, however, is hoping a recent swing change and an improved fitness will help him hit top form again in the tournament, where he had previously drove home a car, thanks to an ace during the first round of the 2016 edition.

“I have been going to the gym regularly now to work on gaining strength. With the work that I have put in, I think I am ready. I have always liked playing in Thongchai’s event because he knows what is best for the players and how to manage a tournament well,” added Pannakorn.

The Thongchai Jaidee Foundation, jointly-sanctioned by the All Thailand Golf Tour and the ADT, was inaugurated in 2015 with the intention of providing more playing opportunities for the region’s rising stars as well as to draw attention to Thongchai’s charitable foundation.

The popular event returns to the ADT following a one-year lapse and will be staged for the first time at the 13th Military Circle Golf Course where Thongchai grew up playing golf in his hometown of Lopburi.

The leading seven players on the final ADT Order of Merit will earn playing rights on the premier Asian Tour for the 2020 season.

All ADT events offer Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. The winner will receive a minimum of six OWGR points while the top six players and ties will also earn points based on a sliding scale.

Ends.