After capturing a ninth Asian Tour title in Thailand last
week Scott Hend tees up at this week’s BMW International Open in Germany in a
dangerously confident frame of mind and a good chance to claim his first title
on European soil.

Hend, whose career has blossomed since his 40^th
birthday three years ago, has claimed both his European titles in Asia but will
like his chances after some inspired golf last week.

Henrik Stenson and Danny Willett headline a field weakened
by being held the week after the U.S. Open and Hend will start among the
favourites to take the title.

The Queenslander is one of nine Australians in the field for
a tournament that is important for many.

Former Australian Masters winner Nick Cullen has gained a
start thanks to his T10 finish in Austria a fortnight ago and will be looking
to build on that finish to earn more playing opportunities.

While he had a disappointing finish in last week’s Challenge
Tour event, he will be highly motivated this week and another top-10 result
will be the goal.

Also highly motivated this week will be Marcus Fraser who
slipped behind Hend in the world rankings last week and is now in danger of not
representing Australia at the Olympics.

Both players have made themselves available for the
tournament, and with Jason Day assured of earning the top position, it is Fraser
and Hend who will battle for the second spot over the next three weeks.

Fraser might feel he has the upper hand this week having
lost a play-off to Willett for the title last year and the battle between the
two over coming weeks will be a fascinating one.

Also teeing up this week are Euro Tour regulars Jason
Scrivener, Andrew Dodt, Richard Green, Nathan Holman and Brett Rumford while
Jordan Zunic has earned a sponsor’s invitation.

Holman makes his first appearance at the tournament, while
Dodt will be aiming to make the cut for the first time in five attempts.