General / Editor / 07 March 2007 /

is looking to mount a serious challenge at the Clariden Leu Singapore Masters this week as he bids to get back amongst the big guns on the European Tour.

Howell missed the cut at the Dubai Desert Classic and went out of the WGC Accenture Matchplay in the first round in a disappointing start to his 2007 campaign, leaving him in 94th place in the current rankings.

But the 31-year-old from Swindon is keen to quickly reverse his fortunes and is targeting a return to form in the island city state.
"Obviously I've got off to a slower start than I had hoped for this year but you can't have it all your own way all the time. Hopefully, I can start to get my form back this week," said Howell from the Laguna National Golf Club.

"I was in a totally different position last year. Winning the HSBC Champions put me right up the top and I had the momentum on my side and everything was going well.

"It hasn't started that way this time but I ended the year very poorly last so hopefully I can do the opposite this year.
"At the end of the day, winning tournaments is what this game is all about and if I can win another couple this year then it will be a great year for me. There are no signs of that so far but it is a marathon, not a sprint as they say."

The Clariden Leu Singapore Masters 2007 will feature an array of top golfers, including Howell's Ryder Cup team-mates Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood. The 2005 winner Nick Dougherty and the 2006 European Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam will also participate.

Howell can be backed at 18 to come right back to form and win the event, while Westwood is currently leading the market at 15. Clarke can be supported at 25, with Dougherty trading at 27.

Home favourite Mardan Mamat, last year's winner, is available at 110 to defend his title.

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