The stage is set and daggers are drawn.

Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat could be a dark horse at this week's Masters which begins today. "No Asian player has won the Masters Tournament in its 85-year history. Kiradech does not lack the talent and game to compete with the best players in the world," wrote Olle Nordberg, a former Asian Tour and European Tour professional, in the Asian Tour's website.

"He could potentially be a dark horse, poised to be the first ever Asian player to win at Augusta National and Thailand's first [male] major championship winner." The 29-year-old qualified for Augusta by virtue of being inside the top-50 on the world rankings at the end of 2018.

The world No 42 has played at the Masters twice in 2016 and 2018. His best result coming in his first appearance when he finished tied for 15th. It was a very creditable result for a first-timer, especially on a course where experience is a huge factor and approach precision and strategy is of utmost importance

Kiradech's record in big events has improved steadily as proven by his results in majors and World Golf Championships in the last two years -- three top-fives in his last six WGC starts, and the 15th place in last year's US Open.

(Inputs from Bangkok post)