General / Editor / 23 April 2007 /

Raphael Jacquelin is hoping his start-to-finish victory in the BMW Asian Open will kick-start his season, as he looks to break into the world's top 50.

The two-shot victory over Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen allowed him to claim only his second European Tour title after winning the Madrid open in 2005.

The result boosted his ranking by 43 places, up to 61st, and capped a remarkable month for the Frenchman - following his second place at the Portuguese Open and his joint-sixth finish at the China Open last week.

The 32-year-old is hoping that the success will prove to be the catalyst for bigger things and regular appearances at the majors.

"My ambition for the year was to play the majors and get some world ranking points, and maybe this win will help me," Jacquelin said.

"I have been trying to get into the top 50 for five years to play all the world events and the majors.

"I was 105th going into this week so I will move up a little bit.

"The Ryder Cup is also a dream and if I keep playing like this I will have a chance at that also.

"But it is too early to speak about it. I want to focus on this year and then we'll see."

Following his good run, Jacquelin is sure to feature at the top of the market when he returns to action but he has decided to sidestep this weekend's Open de Espana as he wants some rest ahead of what is likely to be a busy summer schedule.

Miguel Angel Jimenez is the current favourite at 18 to triumph in Madrid, ahead of Charl Schwartzel at 19 and defending champion Niclas Fasth at 20.

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