SEOUL (AFP) - South Korean golfing star K.J. Choi Wednesday said he was hoping to become the first player to win the same Asian Tour event three times in a row at this week's C.J. Invitational.

Choi, who hosts the event, won the inaugural edition in 2011 and defended his title last year. However, the eight-time PGA Tour winner is without a victory this season.

"I'm eyeing a third win in this event but obviously it won't be easy," said Choi, ahead of the US$750,000 (S$936,170) event in Yeoju, South Korea.

"No player has done it on the Asian Tour before and I hope to be the first.

But I'll also be happy if a younger player wins this event as well."

Former Major-winner David Toms, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Scott Hend, who won last week's Taiwan Masters are also in the field.