Richard Sterne is hoping to build on his superb ending to 2008 with another strong display at the Joburg Open on Thursday.

The South African, who is the defending champion at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, could equal Seve Ballesteros' 22-year-old European Tour record at the co-sanctioned Sunshine Tour event by winning a third consecutive title - he claimed victory in the Alfred Dunhill Championship and SA Open at the back end of last year.

But Sterne said: "I haven't really thought much about it, although some people have talked to me about it. I think the important thing for people to know is that it's not that easy to go out there and win a tournament."

He added: "It's not the kind of thing you just decide to do one day. Come Sunday, I just hope I've got a chance, that's all."

Sterne's dream December propelled him into 43rd position in the world rankings, making him the highest ranked player and clear favourite in this week's 206-player field.

His biggest challenge is likely to come from fellow countrymen Retief Goosen, a two-time US Open winner, Charl Schwartzel and Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke.

The Johannesburg golfer has attributed his recent success to "enjoying" his golf more, but is nonetheless aware that he will have to work hard to live up to expectations.

He continued: "Obviously I'm pretty happy with my game at the moment, although there is room for improvement. All the aspects of my game can do with tightening up - there's always something.

"I'm over the euphoria (of last year) now. It was nice to have done what I did, but it's a new year now and we all have to go out and do it all again."