European Ryder Cup star Paul Casey and Asia's top player KJ Choi announced their intention to play in this year's HSBC Champions tournament Monday, joining most of the world's other top players.

Englishman Casey will tee off alongside Ryder Cup teammates Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson and US rival Phil Mickelson at Shanghai's Sheshan International Golf Club.

Also confirmed for the November 6-9 event are Fijian world number three Vijay Singh, Australians Geoff Ogilvy and Adam Scott, as well as US Open champion Trevor Immelman of South Africa.

"This is the last piece of 'business' for me before I bury myself mentally, physically and emotionally in the Ryder Cup," said Casey of his confirmation for Shanghai ahead of the Ryder Cup that begins on Friday in Kentucky.

"It's going to be a huge week, but it's important when you come out of something this big to have the next goals ready and in place."

The five million dollar HSBC Champions is co-sanctioned by the European, Asian, Australasian and South African tours. Winners from those tours and players in the world's top 50 are eligible to compete.

© 2008 AFP/sid