Chapchai Nirat hopes his new-found confidence and fitness regime will see him win next week's Midea China Classic.

Thai star Chapchai, who finished second on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit following two victories last season, is determined to sparkle at the US$500,000 event at Royal Orchid International Golf Club from October 16 to 19. 

The beefy Thai has not played in Asia for most part of the season and has been playing abroad instead to acquire a global experience that will further develop his game. 

"I've been playing a lot better these days after a slow start to the season and will bank on my experience gained from playing in Europe to put in a good performance (at the Midea China Classic)," said Chapchai. 

"It's always good to be able to play with the top players in the world as that helps boost my confidence," added Chapchai who narrowly lost out to China's Liang Wen-chong in last year's Order of Merit race. 

Nicknamed ‘King Kong' for his burly physique and booming drives, that association with his size may be a thing of the past as the affable Thai has lost five kilograms after embarking on a fitness and diet regime. 

Chapchai has put in the effort to improve on his physical strength and hopes the hard work will reap the rewards with a third Asian Tour title next week. 

"I've been watching what I'm eating these days. I feel a lot better," said Chapchai.  

While the heavily built frame may be gone, the big drives that have always been the hallmark of his game will still be for all to see when the Midea China Classic, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and China Golf Association, gets underway at the Royal Orchid International Golf Club. 

"I'm definitely feeling fitter with this new dieting regime. I'm also feeling confident about my drives and swing," added the Thai. 

He will challenge compatriot and title holder Thaworn Wiratchant for the Midea China Classic title next week. 

Thaworn is seeking a record 11^th Asian Tour title to cement his place in the history books while the strong line-up also includes two-time Asian Tour winner Anthony Kang, who has enjoyed three top-10 finishes over his last five events, and American Jason Knutzon, also a two-time winner on the Asian Tour. 

Other top contenders include China's Zhang Lian-wei who will be walking on familiar ground as he helped redesign Royal Orchid International as well as 2007 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Liang who will have the ardent support of his adoring home fans.