Kuala Lumpur: Past champion Matteo Manassero will bank on history repeating itself when the Maybank Malaysian Open tees off this March 21-24.

The 19-year-old Italian, who upstaged a remarkable recovery by Rory McIlroy to lift the Seagram Trophy in 2011, will return to the familiar layout of Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club with the clear aim of securing a record fourth European Tour title.

Manassero will line-up alongside Major winners Charl Schwartzel and Padraig Harrington as well as earlier announced Luke Donald in a star-studded field for the 52nd edition of the national Open.

Maybank chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Megat Zaharuddin Megat Mohd Nor expressed his delight in announcing the player confirmation. “The confirmation of these additional top class players for this year’s Maybank Malaysian Open shows the strength of our event as well as Malaysia’s strong standing in the golf industry,” he said.

“Spectators will get to see a mix of stars, experience world-class action and be inspired at our own greens.  With many renowned golfers who are expected to confirm the participation the coming weeks, I foresee spectators are in for some spectacular golf action.”

South African Schwartzel, who ended 2012 on a high with back-to-back wins at the Thailand Golf Championship and the Alfred Dunhill Championship, is looking forward his Kuala Lumpur return.

“It’s one of my favourite events of the year and I love Asia – the food, people, culture and golf course,” said the in-form 28-year-old, who shot to world fame after winning the Masters Tournament in 2011.