Defending champion Mikael Lundberg hopes a return to Austria will rekindle the form that saw him end a six-year drought 12 months ago.

The Swede’s victory in the Lyoness Open in Atzenbrugg was his first since the Russian Open in 2008. That was a tournament where Lundberg (41) excelled, winning twice and finishing in the top 14 seven times in 11 years. He believes the Austrian venue can offer similar success.

“I am definitely one of those guys who can click straight away in terms of form and confidence,” he told his pre-tournament press conference.

“With me it just takes one little thought and I can latch on to it pretty quickly and all of a sudden I am confident and know I can score well.

The locals will no doubt remember Lundberg as he beat home favourite Bernd Wiesberger in a sudden-death play-off last year.

The venue is also a favourite of American Daniel Im, who last year recorded his best European Tour finish of seventh place after a course-record 64 in the final round.

“It is my first course record in Europe – I think I have a few in Canada,” said last week’s winner of the Challenge Tour’s Swiss Challenge.

Six Irish players are in action in Austria: Michael Hoey, Damien McGrane, Gareth Maybin, Kevin Phelan, Simon Thornton and Peter Lawrie.