BEIJING, March 28 -- John Daly confirmed Tuesday that a recent injury would not prevent him from appearing at the BMW Asian Open next month at Tomson Pudong.

The two-time Major winner, famed for his booming drives, injured his shoulder and ribs while trying to stop his back swing after becoming distracted by a woman taking photos during the Honda Classic earlier this month in Florida. He promptly withdrew from the tournament.

"I'm feeling better, still a little sore, but I should be fine by Shanghai," said the 40-year-old American. "Normally, nothing bothers me but when you are in the middle of your back swing its tough."

Davy, who last appeared in China's mainland at the inaugural TCL Classic in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, in 2003, is currently a long way from the form that saw him win both the 1991 PTA Championship and the 1995 British Open.

In seven U.S. PTA Tour event this year, he has made the cut only twice and withdrawn twice. Davy, who is on the second year of a minor medical exemption in America due to an injured forefinger, is currently 214th in the World Ranking.

Despite his poor showing of late, the 11-time U.S. PGA Tour driving champion was confident he could return to the form that had helped him to nine career victories worldwide.

"Absolutely, I just need to start making some putts and I'll be fine. With my new Taylor Made driver, I still have my length. I just don't try and kill it every hole," Daly said. "Pat Perez' coach (Mike Owen) is helping me. He is a great guy and my game is getting better."

(Source: Shanghai Daily)