Defending champion Russell Knox eyes Shanghai defence

Russell-Knox-WGC-HSBC-Champions-PGA-Tour

Share this story






Defending champion Russell Knox is hoping to secure glory at this week’s WGC-HSBC Champions, but he knows he will face a tough test against a strong field in Shanghai.

Knox secured his first-ever PGA Tour success at the event 12 months ago, finishing on 20-under-par, two strokes clear of nearest rival Kevin Kisner.

The 31-year-old is confident of producing another positive performance at Sheshan Golf Club this week, but he knows he will face a tough test if he is to successfully defend his crown, with many of the world’s top players, including Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson, competing at the event.

“I expect to come here and play well, but obviously winning is extremely difficult, especially against this calibre of the field,” Knox told europeantour.com.

The world number 20 admits that it is a great honour to return to the tournament as defending champion, and he is looking forward to pitting himself against the world’s best once again.

He continued: “It’s amazing when you get to play against the strongest fields in golf.

“There are so many massive names here, as there was last year, and it’s the best way to test your game to see how you stack up against the best of the best.

It’s an honour to be the champion here and to come back to defend.” Knox will begin his first round on Thursday, where he will play alongside Englishman Paul Casey and Rickie Fowler of the United States, and he is available at 41.00 to successfully defend his title.

Leave a comment