Former Qatar Masters champion Retief Goosen has some unfinished business to take care of when the Doha event gets under way.
Last year the South African was unable to defend the title he dramatically won in 2007 because an eye complaint forced him to withdraw.
But this time the 39-year-old will take his place in the strongest ever regular European Tour field fresh from Sunday's Africa Open victory and feeling the best he has in five years thanks to a new fitness regime.
"It's nice to be back," Goosen said. "I am looking forward to the week and to sort of defend my title.
"It definitely has a feeling of a title defence and it would be nice to give myself a chance on Sunday."
World number 40 Goosen is keen to improve his ranking which stood at 28 before last year's Qatar Masters, following an indifferent 2007 during which he dropped out of the world's top 20.
The two-time US Open winner had not won since claiming the 2007 Qatar Masters crown until he roared from behind in the final round to win November's Johor Open and end a 20-month winless streak.
And after a near miss at the Joburg Open at the start of this year, he landed his 37th professional victory at East London Golf Club four days ago by a single stroke following a final-round seven-under-par 65.
"I am fairly well prepared and hopefully the week will go well and I will make some putts," added Goosen.
"I like the course, the course is in great shape, I know it very well and I feel comfortable around it."
World number two Sergio Garcia headlines the field which contains 17 of the world's top 50 players and also includes defending champion Adam Scott, Robert Karlsson, Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Ernie Els, Abu Dhabi winner Paul Casey and Ryder Cup winner Boo Weekley.
Spaniard Garcia, 29, claimed an eighth-place finish in Abu Dhabi last week but knows he faces a tougher test in Qatar with the notorious wind at Doha Golf Club presenting new problems.
"It's the type of course you have to be very patient with when the wind comes around because some holes are playing soft and then you're going to have some birdie holes," said the Race to Dubai leader.
"And with the greens being very firm and a good speed, it will be a very good test.
"I had a good weekend last week. I feel like my game is coming along and I am looking forward to getting off to a good start this week to have a solid chance of winning.
"Last week I wasn't happy with the first few days, but I was able to find my game over the weekend and finish inside the top 10.
"I'm looking forward to keeping the same direction and hopefully having four good days and a good chance on Sunday."
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