Thomas returns to Malaysia seeking third CIMB Classic title

[September 13, 2018]  (Reuters) - World number four Justin Thomas will return to Malaysia for next month's CIMB Classic seeking a third title at the $7 million PGA Tour tournament, the organizers said on Thursday.

The big-hitting American said he was excited to be back in Kuala Lumpur for the ninth edition of the tournament where he won his first PGA Tour title in 2015 before defending the crown the following year.

"I look forward to the opportunity to become the first player to win the CIMB Classic three times. It will be fun to play on the newly renovated West course at TPC Kuala Lumpur," 25-year-old Thomas said in a statement.

"The golf course suits my game as I can take advantage of my length from off the tees, attack the pins and hopefully make a bunch of birdies. I can't wait to get back to Malaysia and see all the fans who have supported me so well over the years."

Thomas will be joined by defending champion Pat Perez, BMW Championship winner Keegan Bradley, England's world number 19 Paul Casey and Japan's five-time PGA Tour winner Hideki Matsuyama.

Justin Thomas plays his shot from the fourth tee during the third round of the BMW Championship golf tournament at Aronimink GC. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

World Golf Hall of Fame members Ernie Els and Davis Love III, who have a combined 119 international victories, will also compete in the Oct. 11-14 event.

The CIMB Classic is the sole PGA Tour-sanctioned tournament in Southeast Asia.

(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Ian Ransom)

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