this week in a bid to lift the title for a third time.

Talbot, who was crowned champion at Thorpe Hall GC in Essex, England in 1988 and at the Country Club in Sligo, Ireland, in 1991, now takes his talents to the historic links of Carnoustie where he will be considered one of the favourites.

Playing off seven, his handicap will be the lowest in the field.

The World One Arm Championship, an annual event for more than 60 years, is set to begin with a qualifying medal round next Monday, June 6.

Another qualifying round follows the next day, after which the event goes into match play. In a field which is expected to number around 70, only the top 16 will qualify for the final stages.

But on his current form, 45-year-old Talbot says he's not only confident of qualifying but winning again outright.

"The way I've been hitting the ball lately, I feel very optimistic,'' he said yesterday. "I shot even par at Ocean View recently and at Castle Harbour I've been shooting in the mid 70s. I don't feel I can play much better.

"I know I'll be the lowest handicapper in the field by far -- I think the next best is about 11. So I should do well. But match play is a different story -- you can never tell.'' Accompanying Talbot to Carnoustie will be friend and fellow Ocean View member, Lester Tucker.