• Castello Masters

Garcia refreshed and raring to go

Sergio Garcia has not played since August © Getty Images

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Sergio Garcia believes he can rediscover his best form and become world No. 1.

The Spaniard, who has been a constant feature in the world top ten in the last decade, reached a career high of No. 2 in November 2008, but has slipped to 68th in the rankings after a string of poor performances this season.

Garcia returns to action at the Castello Masters after a self-imposed absence of more than two months, and believes the time away from the game has made the world of difference.

"I made the decision to stop as I had lost my motivation and felt drained," Garcia said. "Now I feel full of energy and actually enjoy practising. I have set myself new goals and look forward to performing again at the top level.

"I am playing this week to win the Castello again, then I want to return gradually to where I should be and perform to my full potential and that is world No. 1.

"I have been doing different things these last two months, other sports and relaxing with my friends and family. I now have clear goals. I needed the break as I had lost the desire to play and practising had become an obligation.

"I needed to miss the game a little bit but I found I've missed it a lot and that's why I am back."

Garcia has not played since missing the cut at the US PGA Championship in August, but returns to competition refreshed and raring to go. And the world No. 68 believes the Castello Masters at his home club, where he won the inaugural event two years ago, would be the perfect opportunity to mark his return to form.

"The first Castello Masters was a very emotional moment for me," he said. "Firstly Seve (Ballesteros) had just been diagnosed [with a brain tumour] and secondly we had been working for a long time to host a European Tour event at my home club.

"Thirdly I won in front of my family and friends and the people of Castellon. It was a perfect and very special week."

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