Fellow Aussies refer to him as the ‘King of Japan’ but Brendan Jones wants to add to his legacy with a second win at this week’s The Crowns tournament on the Japan Golf Tour.

Victorious at the Wago Course at Nagoya Golf Club in a playoff eight years ago, Jones enters this week buoyed by his win at the season-opening Token Homemate Cup two weeks ago.

It puts him atop the Japan Golf Tour moneylist early in the season and having had to wait three years to taste tournament victory for the 15th time, in an excellent frame of mind for the remainder of the year.

Now 44 years of age, Jones conceded that he had contemplated retirement in recent years but says he has renewed belief that he can add further wins to his already impressive resume.

“At the start of every year most players feel that they really want to win a tournament. To do it first up is exciting and a relief,” Jones said.

“It gives a feeling that this year is going to be a good year.

“Having won the tournament, and with the confidence that you get from winning the tournament, I feel that I can win more along the way.”

Attempting to get in his way this week are a group of countrymen who will also fancy their chances.

Victorian Matthew Griffin was runner-up to Jones two weeks ago as he seeks a breakthrough win in Japan, his tie for sixth at The Crowns 12 months ago providing further positive reinforcement.

Anthony Quayle set up a terrific rookie season in Japan last year by finishing runner-up at The Crowns while Brad Kennedy was amongst the top finishers two years ago.

Add to the Australian contingent the growing depth of talented Japanese players and not to mention defending champion YE Yang and Jones knows that win No.16 won’t come easily.

“I know how difficult it is to win,” Jones added.

“There’s a lot of very talented good players in this tour. And winning is difficult. I don’t take it for granted.

“If I keep playing like this, I will put myself in with the chance to win, and that all you can ask for.”

Other Australians in the field this week are David Bransdon, Dylan Perry, Adam Bland, Won Joon Lee and Kiwi Michael Hendry.