FRED COUPLES said in Singapore that he is already planning his retirement because of increasing problems with his back. Couples in Singapore to defend his title, is only 39, but he said: "I have got five more really good years at the top left.

"I don't think my back will allow me any more. I certainly don't intend to be playing when I am 50."

Couples' recurring back problem has got worse in recent years. He was sidelined for much of 1995 and has cut back his annual schedule from 32 tournaments a year to 25.

On top of health fears, the American also could not hide his pleasure at escaping the drudgery of the US tour.

"I pay more attention when I am over here to figure out what is going on. I am only here once a year and like to leave an impression that I am a good player."

"If I do not play well in the States it is no big deal but here it is a one off and I like to be totally on my game. I feel it is more important for me to play well here than it is for me to play well in the States.

"Back home, sometimes you don't play well but it doesn't matter because there are so many tournaments and people see you all the time. A lot of times in the States I could not care less."

If Couples retains the title it would, remarkably, be his fourth successive win on the European Tour. He started last season with victories in Dubai and the Philippines, missed the Open because of a bad back, then triumphed in Jamaica.

Couples, winner of the US Masters in 1992, said he still considered himself a "great" player, and among the few who could win a major. "The reason why a top player always wins a major tournament is because he is a very strong player but he is also a great player.