The Big Easy Swings Back into Macau

Hend is no stranger to the Venetian Macao Open, having won the title in 2013 and coming agonisingly close to repeating that feat a year later. The 42-year-old Australian won by three shots over current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Anirban Lahiri two years ago, but was dethroned by the same player after a nail-biting final-day shootout saw him settle for tied second place last season.

With Lahiri already confirmed to defend his title and fresh from an impressive tied fifth finish at the US PGA Championship last month, there could be fireworks come October as the three world-class champions go head-to-head on the ciff-top fairways in Macau. Hend, who has had four top-10 finishes this season, commented:

"I was close to defending my title last year, but I couldn’t close it out. All credit to Anirban though, as he held his nerve and completed the job in hand. I am glad to have the opportunity again this year to have another crack at the title. It won’t be easy with Anirban playing so well lately, and of course, Ernie, who is a four-time Major champion, with all that experience, you can never count him out. I look forward to being back out there on that beautiful course.”