By Chia Han Keong

FOR the second straight year, the reigning Barclays Singapore Open champion will not defend his title.

India's Jeev Milka Singh, who edged out Majors winners Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els last year to triumph, has opted to take part in the World Matchplay Championship in Spain this week.

So, who are the favourites that golf fans should be rooting for at the Serapong golf course this weekend? Well, take your pick from a field which is chockful of talent.

If you want to root for the top-ranked player, then look no further than world No. 2 Phil Mickelson. The American, back for his third Singapore Open, has had a season interrupted by tending to his cancer-stricken wife and mother.

Nevertheless, he returned towards the end of the USPGA Tour season and regained peak form quickly, winning the season- ending Tour Championship.

He is eager to end his tumultuous season on a high by winning the Open, and was in contention for last year's Open
until a poor final round cost him his shot at the title.

He said: "Last year I hit a couple of over-aggressive shots, so I've learnt that I have to be pickier with what holes I attack."

"There are a lot of 'birdie' holes, but there are also a lot of holes that will bite you. Maybe I'll be playing those holes more conservatively."

If fans are looking for proven  winners on this course, then they might want to cheer on two-time Open winner Adam Scott.

However, the 2005 and 2006 winner has struggled mightily this year as he tries to rebuild his swing, and has slipped to No. 76 in the world rankings.

Nevertheless, the Australian said: "It's a nice feeling to come to a place where I have played so many good shots before. This week's an opportunity to use that to my advantage, to play well and have a good week."

The Asian golfers are also keen to win on their own turf - not least Singapore's Lam Chih Bing, who thrilled local fans last year when he was tied for the lead after three rounds.

Said the 32-year-old: "I learnt a lot from last year's final round, such as how to handle myself. I got a little bit quick on my swing and did not focus enough on each shot.

"I just got on a hot streak last year. It has been a bit frustrating this year, but I am hoping to turn it around."

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee is also looking forward to the weekend, as he can clinch his third Asian Tour's Order of Merit award if he wins the Open.

Yet, the best bet could be for the golfer with the hottest streak at the moment - K. J. Choi, who won last week's Iskandar Johor Open by four strokes.

The South Korean was in Raffles Place yesterday to promote the Open's roadshow - and  promptly beat Denmark's Thomas Bjorn in a golf-simulator challenge.

hankeong@sph.com.sg

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