American Cunning and Singaporean Mamat might not be the players they were when they won in 2003 and 2004 respectively, but they’ve both conquered the tough course and can’t be counted out.

Language problems might blight Thai whizkid Chapchai Nirat and Chinese Taipei’s Lu Wen-teh’s excursions, but what will not be lost in translation will be the form of the two top-placed players on the Tour order of merit. Lu is the only multiple title winner on the Asian Tour this season, and both Nirat and Lu have straight-hitting accurate shots that will keep them in good stead here at the DGC.

And of course, there is the Aussie legend Peter Senior, 48 and still strong on the European Tour, who is here on an invite. His promised appearance with the media never materialised today, but the veteran would certainly want to take the winning Australian legacy at the event, started by his namesake long back in 1964, forward.