DEFENDING champions Darren Clarke will have a tough task in defence of his Benson and Hedges International Open title which carries a winner's cheque of £133,000.

The Irishman is up against US Masters winner Jose Maria Olazabal who has confirmed he will be competing in the B&H, held at the Oxfordshire Golf Club, near Thame, between May 13-16.

The popular Spaniard, who won the event in 1990, said: "The Benson and Hedges is one of my favourite tournaments and I am looking forward to playing at the Oxfordshire."

Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Seve Ballesteros and Costantino Rocca are all included in the high-class field.

Yesterday, Clarke returned to the scene of his triumph and, after not making the cut at the Masters, was confident he could defend his title and show the form that earned him second spot on last year's Order of Merit. He said: "This is probably the worst start to the season I have ever had. But I am confident, and it is only a question of time before things improve."

Clarke is a fan of the Oxfordshire course and said: "To come back to a course that I did so well on last year is going to be a big inspiration for me. I play well on difficult courses. I can't wait to get going on the first tee."

Tournament director Jim Elkins predicted that around 50,000 will visit the Oxfordshire over the four days. He said: " I am praying for fine weather."

The B&H Celebrity Pro-Am is played on May 12 when Ian Botham, Bobby Charlton, Henry Cooper, John Parrott and Glenn Hoddle are among the stars taking part.

Story date: Friday 23 April

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