Tiger tamer David Howell has been unveiled as the biggest drawcard in what is already a world-class field for next week's TCL Classic in China.

　　The European No.1 is looking forward to returning to the country where he enjoyed his finest moment - last November's HSBC Champions Tournament in Shanghai when he went head to head with Tiger Woods and won.

　　"I have great memories of China both on and off the course," said Howell, 30.

　　"I found it a fascinating place to visit and thankfully my schedule has allowed me to return, so I'm really looking forward to it."

　　The English ace will be among the favourites when the TCL Classic is staged from March 16-19 at picturesque Yalong Bay Golf Club in Sanya on the southern tropical island of Hainan.

　　He will spearhead a strong European challenge that includes defending champion Paul Casey and rising star Nick Dougherty.

　　Asia's top players will also tee-off at the US$1 million TCL Classic, which is co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours and promoted by Parallel Media Asia.

　　Howell said he would draw inspiration from his memorable three-shot win over world No.1 Woods.

　　"Going head to head with Tiger was absolutely wonderful. Just to be in that position, against the best player in the world, was something I enjoyed tremendously," he said.

　　"I wasn't as nervous as I thought I might be and perhaps that helped going down the stretch. It probably convinced me that I can compete with the best players in the world on a regular basis.

　　"I never thought I'd get as far as I have, but that doesn't mean to say I can't go further."

　　The Ryder Cup star - currently leading the European Tour Order of Merit with earnings of 938,813 euros - is looking for a good display at the TCL Classic as he builds up for the year's first Major, next month's Masters at Augusta.

　　"My game is improving gradually after a slow start to the season and I've been working really hard on it," he said.

　　"Now is the start of the build-up to the Major championships and it would be great if I could kick start it in China with another sound performance."

　　Tournament organisers were delighted by Howell's confirmation.

　　"David Howell is Europe's top player at the moment and one of the best golfers in the world," said Li Dong Sheng, chairman of TCL Corporation.

　　"He made a lot of friends and won a lot of admirers with his win last November, so it is fantastic news for Chinese golf fans that he is coming to Yalong Bay for the TCL Classic. I'm sure everyone is looking forward to seeing him play."

　　Howell, a diehard fan of his hometown football team, Swindon Town, was one of the heroes of Europe's record-breaking 2004 Ryder Cup team.

　　He used that experience as a springboard to individual success in 2005, winning the BMW International Open in Munich last August and following up with his victory in Shanghai.

　　Englishman Casey captured the TCL Classic title in thrilling fashion last year when he beat Ireland's Paul McGinley on the second playoff hole.

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