Shah Alam [SELANGOR]: Order of Merit leader Danny Chia will bid to win the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Northport Glenmarie Championship for a record third time when the RM200,000 (US$50,000) event starts on Wednesday.

The 42-year-old, who missed only one cut in 13 appearances this year, is excited at the prospect of rewriting history on the flourishing domestic circuit but a minor neck ailment might put a dent in his title aspirations at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.

Danny was worried that it was a relapse from an injury he suffered two years ago, but his concerns were dismissed by his doctor, who gave him the green light to contend at the tournament co-sanctioned with the Asian Development Tour.

“I’m not expecting much because I pulled my neck muscle. It got really stiff and got me worried because it was near the operated area. Since yesterday my neck has loosened up a bit so that’s a very big relief,” said Danny.

“This week I won’t be at 100% but I’ve been playing like this for about a year and it has worked out for me,” he added.

Danny is enjoying a rich vein of form this year, which he credits to a strong support team. “It is a combination of a lot of stuff. I have a good coach, physiotherapist and chiropractor who has helped me get back into shape.

“Things changed a lot since my injury. Before my injury, I will work out at the range. Now I want to get myself fit enough to play in competitions. I don’t think too much about my swing mechanics anymore and that seems to help my game,” said Danny.