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Chris Wood refusing to get carried away ahead of Lyoness Open title defence

Image: Chris Wood is defending his Lyoness Open crown this week

Chris Wood has attempted to downplay his chances as he prepares to defend his Lyoness Open title at Diamond Country Club, live on Sky Sports.

Wood claimed his second European Tour title in Atzenbrugg 12 months ago, a closing 67 giving him a two-shot victory over Spain's Rafael Cabrera-Bello.

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The world No 23 returns to Austria on a high after winning the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth a fortnight ago to vault himself into contention for a Ryder Cup debut at Hazeltine in September.

"Of course I should probably feel unbeatable this week, after the win at Wentworth and coming back here as defending champion," said the 28-year-old from Bristol.

Chris Wood of England poses with the trophy following his victory during day four of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth
Image: Wood claimed more silverware at Wentworth last month

"But anyone who knows golf will know that it's a game where everything can change week by week.

"You never feel like you're unbeatable, so you've always got to keep on top of things and not get ahead of yourself because golf will bite you back very quickly. It's a new week this week and I'm here to compete and hopefully do well.

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Chris Wood helps us recap the best bits on and off the course from last week at the Nordea Masters

"Coming back as a defending champion is a great feeling and obviously you come back with great memories from last year. With that comes a little bit of added pressure but obviously I know I can play well around this course, so hopefully I can give it as good a run as I gave it last year.

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"I've got to beat some good players this week though. Obviously it's hard to win any event on the European Tour. It's four days of golf against some great players."

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2016 BMW PGA champion Chris Wood looks back on his tournament and says to win with his family there was amazing

One of the Englishman's main rivals is likely to be  home favourite Bernd Wiesberger, who won the title in 2012 and was second in 2014, although the Austrian has yet to record a top-10 finish on the European Tour this season.

"I wanted to be fresh for my home event so I had a couple of days off in Vienna," the world No 47 said.

"I used the time to play 18 holes here on Tuesday and had a good look at the course and what it's going to be like. I built that into my practice with my coach last week at home.

Bernd Wiesberger during a practice round ahead of the Lyoness Open
Image: Bernd Wiesberger is hoping for another home victory at the Lyoness Open

"Everybody - from the Swedish guys last week, the English guys at Wentworth - wants to play in front of their home crowds and also in front of family and friends. They will be here this week for me too in good numbers so that motivates you on top of the fact that it's your home event.

"I'm looking forward to it, hopefully the weather will be good for us and the course is in good shape so it's all set for a good tournament.

"Even though my focus is on this week, it's also great preparation for what's ahead in Oakmont [for next week's US Open]. I'm expecting a tough battle over there but that's also the kind of course for which my game is well-suited."

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