World number two Phil Mickelson will return to Shanghai to defend his HSBC Champions title at Asia's richest tournament in November, organisers said.
The 37-year-old American left-hander, whose 2007 win was his first outside the United States in 14 years, will be joined by this year's US Masters champion Trevor Immelman at the US$5 million tournament.
"I had a great time at the HSBC Champions last year," Mickelson, who won his 34th PGA Tour title at the Colonial Invitational last month, said in an official release.
"Winning such a prestigious international title was really important to me as I didn't enjoy reading that I hadn't won outside of the US since 1993 every time I teed it up at the British Open."
South African Immelman, who snared his first major title at Augusta in April, said he was delighted to be following the likes of Tiger Woods by playing in the tournament.
"Since the inaugural event in 2005, all the world's best players have competed there and it is a title everyone is keen to win," the 28-year-old said.
Tournament winners from around the world are invited to take part in the Champions, which is co-sanctioned by the European, Asian, Australasian and Sunshine tours.
"The "Champions of Champions" title is a great one to have and I will be doing all I can to defend my title in November," Mickelson added.
The Sheshan Golf Club will host the tournament for the fourth successive year from Nov. 6-9.
(Agencies via Shanghai Daily June 11, 2008)
