Rain to extend as Ebihara looks for three in a row Roll of honour

Golf Irish Seniors Open: One of two players cast a rather forlorn look at the skies yesterday, the rain a constant companion at Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort. Today marks the sixth staging of the AIB Irish Seniors Open and the first time that the tournament has returned to the same venue.

The forecast is pretty inclement with the possible exception of Sunday's final round - certainly not the weather that gentlemen of 50-plus would relish. But the course is in superb condition, the fairways pristine and, with the rainfall, the greens accommodating.

Japan's Seiji Ebihara is seeking a remarkable third successive victory in the tournament - having won at Powerscourt in 2000 and last year in Adare - and his fifth European Seniors Tour title in all.

"I was delighted to win the title at Powerscourt and it meant even more to do it again at the beautiful Adare Manor. I love coming to Ireland. Everyone is warm and friendly and that's why I decided to donate €10,000 of my prize to local children's charities. I felt that it was the least I could do."

Ebihara enjoyed a successful career on the Japanese tour prior to turning 50, winning three titles under the guidance of one of his country's and golf's great players, Isao Aoki.

He had his best season to date last year when winning three titles and finishing runner up twice. Ebihara ran away with the Order of Merit, finishing €70,000 ahead of his nearest rival, England's Denis Durnian.

It's very much a family affair for Ebihara at Adare, as he speaks through his daughter Akiko, who also caddies for him.

Ebihara is not the only player seeking a hat-trick this weekend. Australian Terry Gale also pursues the same goal having won in Barbados and Tobago - the previous two tournaments on the Seniors itinerary - in the "Caribbean Swing."

The 56-year-old will endeavour to emulate England's Tommy Horton by becoming only the second player on the European Seniors Tour to win three times in a row.

Horton (1997) is a previous winner as is Irish born, Florida resident Joe McDermott (1998) who won the title at Woodbrook. His final round included a hole-in-one at the 13th before going on to beat Gale and his compatriot, Noel Ratcliffe in a sudden-death play-off.

Christy O'Connor jnr is expected to lead the Irish challenge, especially in the absence of Des Smyth and Eamonn Darcy.

The Irish Seniors Open marks O'Connor's second start on this year's European Seniors Tour, having finished tied sixth behind America's Ray Carrasco at the season-opening Digicel Jamaica Classic.

The former Ryder Cup hero heads a 10 strong Irish contingent and is upbeat about his chances.

"The body is still holding up and the shoulder's no trouble at the moment," he said, referring to an injury that has curtailed his golf this season.

"It really depends on how hot the putter gets. If I can hole a few putts then I'll be in with a chance."

The additional pressure of an affiliation with Adare Manor won't unduly concern the Galway man.

Another Irishman expected to perform well is Denis O'Sullivan. Sporting a new Ping driver, he admitted that the new club had not given him additional length but greater accuracy.

His best finish in this event was tied 11th in 1998 and he will be looking a repeat of the form that saw him finish 4th in Barbados.

Seventy-five players tee it up chasing a first prize of €49,500 and given the prevailing conditions, Adare is likely to be a long and demanding test.

Come Sunday and three gruelling rounds, victory in the tournament will require not only exceptional golf but stamina to boot.

1997: T Horton at St Margaret's

1998: J McDermott at Woodbrook

1999: J Morgan at Mount Juliet

2000: S Ebihara at Powerscourt

2001: S Ebihara at Adare