Golfer Bhullar to defend Macau Open

India's Gaganjeet Bhullar Thursday said he will return here in October to defend his Macau Open title which he won in emphatic style last year.

Leading from start-to-finish, the young star triumphed on 16-under-par 268 total to win by two strokes ahead of American Jonathan Moore and Thai Thitiphun Chuayprakong.

The Macau Golf and Country Club is a hunting ground for Bhullar who also recorded a runners-up finish in 2009 when Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand was crowned champion.

Bhullar was in the middle of a hot streak last year when he won the tournament. Just four weeks prior, he tasted victory at the Tournament Players' Championship in Chinese Taipei, beating the very player who pipped him at the 2009 Macau Open. He followed up with solid performances in China and Singapore to complete a successful 2012.

Born in Amritsar, Bhullar has four Asian Tour victories and 10 professional wins on the domestic Indian circuit and will be eager to defend his Macau Open title which takes place from Oct 17-20.

"I have great memories of my win last year. I played consistently well throughout the four days and managed to hold off some really big names which gave me a lot of confidence. I like the course a lot and have every reason to believe I can repeat what I accomplished last year. I am looking forward to the challenge."

Bhullar will be in good company this year as multiple major winner Ernie Els of South Africa confirmed his participation.

"It is fantastic news that Ernie will be in the field this year. To have such a great champion compete amongst us is great news," he added.