set off on a week long journey that he hopes will reward him with a third title.

Determined to land the World One-Armed Championship for the first time since 1991 when Ireland played host -- his other win came in 1988 in England -- Talbot is allowing himself four days to practise and become familiar with the sprawling Royal Forest of Dean course in Gloucestershire, England.

"This year I'm playing good and I'm hoping first to qualify, which I think shouldn't be a problem, and then do well in the match play, which is so much different than the ordinary stroke play,'' said Talbot, who was dumped in the first round last year by four-time winner Andy Robinson of England.

"I've been playing well the last couple weeks and I hope it sticks with me.

Still, I've never played this particular course and I don't know what to expect, which is why I'm leaving early.'' The Bermudian is anticipating a strong field including defending champion Mike Benning. He noted that last year a startling 11 past champions played in the final 16-strong field.

Talbot swiftly shot down suggestions that at 42 his window of opportunity was closing with each passing year.

He insisted he was playing as well, if not better, than at any time during his career. "No, I don't think I'm slowing down any,'' he said. "I'm getting better with age and I'm the lowest handicapper that goes over there for the tournament.

"And, like I said, if my long game holds and my short game doesn't desert me then I think I'll come home when it's all over a very happy man.'' The trip will mark the sixth time Talbot has ventured to the tournament, which this year has qualifying on Monday and Tuesday and the match play event following on Thursday and Friday.

While possessing the experience and confidence to win, Talbot was still wary of what lay ahead and offered his `philosophy of golf'.

"Golf is a humble game,'' he said. "Either you remain humble to the game or it will humble you!''