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　　新浪体育讯　TCL Classic champion Paul Casey has confirmed he will return to defend his crown when the 2006 event is staged later this month.

　　The English ace will headline what is expected to be a world-class field at the US$1 million tournament – one of the biggest annual sporting events in China.

　　Casey captured the title in thrilling fashion last year when he beat Paul McGinley on the second playoff hole at Yalong Bay Golf Club in Sanya, Hainan.

　　Now he will return to the venue aiming to add to his growing collection of titles when the tournament – once again co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours and promoted by Parallel Media Asia – is held on March 16-19.

　　“I am very much looking forward to returning to defend my TCL title later this month,” said Casey, 28.

　　“China was obviously a very successful Tour destination for me in 2005, and that all started in Sanya last March.

　　“I believe they have added some new tees and bunkers this year, but I will bring a lot of confidence to the event as the course is set up well for my game and it reminds me very much of my home course in England."

　　Casey triumphed a year ago after a tension-packed final day.

　　He appeared to be heading for victory in the regulation four rounds before Irishman McGinley, his Ryder Cup teammate, produced a stunning 63 that included five consecutive birdies on the back nine.

　　That left the pair tied on 22-under, just one shot ahead of Denmark’s Thomas Björn, Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand and Korean Kang Wook Soon in joint third.

　　Colin Montgomerie – the 2002 TCL Classic champion – was a further stroke adrift in outright sixth.

　　After having putts for the win at both the last hole of regulation play and the first playoff hole, Casey found the heart of the cup with a spectacular 25-foot birdie effort on the second extra hole.

　　He took home a cheque for US$166,660 and a ceremonial sword from the Hainanese Li tribe.

　　“It’s great news that Paul Casey is returning to Yalong Bay to defend his TCL Classic title,” said Li Dong Sheng, chairman of TCL Corporation, the first mainland Chinese company to title sponsor a European Tour event.

　　“He played outstandingly well last year and his victory was thoroughly well deserved. I’m sure Chinese golf fans are looking forward to watching him in action again.”

　　Casey has made China a happy hunting ground in the past year, first winning the TCL Classic last March and then returning to the mainland in November to land the China Open in Shenzhen – his fifth European Tour title.

　　His China double followed a memorable 2004 when he played in Europe’s record breaking Ryder Cup team and then holed the winning putt for England in the WGC-World Cup in Spain.

　　Casey joined the European Tour in 2001 and was rewarded for an outstanding debut season by being named the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.

　　China’s top two players, Zhang Lian Wei and Liang Wen Chong, have already been confirmed for the TCL Classic 2006.

　　They will spearhead what is anticipated to be a strong Asian Tour challenge at Yalong Bay.