DEFENDING Wentworth Open champion Craig Stojanovic is certainly no Muhammad Ali when it comes to talking up his chances.

Stojanovic revealed he is “not really confident” about his hopes of claiming back-to-back opens this weekend, with main challenger Robert Payne in blistering form following his win in last weekend’s Cowra Open.

“I’ve only been able to play about twice a month lately, I’ve been a bit busy, so I’m not too confident,” Stojanovic, who will play alongside Payne this weekend, said.

But the big hitter hopes to use his scarce appearances of late to his advantage.

“Not having played much lately I’m really keen to get out there this weekend – I really feel like playing,” Stojanovic said.

“Sometimes when you’re playing two or three times a week you get a bit tired of it, so I’m feeling fresh.”

The Wentworth Open forms the first leg of the 2007 City of Orange Championship, with 36-hole events still to come at Duntryleague and Ex-Services.

The championship is a prize Stojanovic came close to securing in 2004 and 2005, finishing second to Payne on both occasions.

The 28-year-old maintains playing alongside Payne, the defending City of Orange champion, will not add to the pressure of the occasion.

“The championship is something that is in the back of my mind but it’s important just to get off to a good start this weekend at Wentworth. Playing alongside Robert you don’t want to go a few shots behind in the first few holes,” he said.

“It doesn’t really add to the pressure playing alongside him. It’s good that I will be able to see how he’s going and keep a bit of an eye on him.”

Stojanovic and Payne will be joined by Bruce Cousins and Adrian Priest when they tee off at 12.18pm today.

Almost 200 competitors will tee off in the first round this morning from 7am.

The second round will be played tomorrow.