Martin Kaymer out to end 19-month slump in Munich

Berlin: Former world number one Martin Kaymer of Germany has said he is out to end his 19 month-long slump when the BMW International Open begins on Thursday in Munich.

The 28-year-old reached the top of the world rankings in November 2011, when he also tasted his last tournament victory in Shanghai, but after a barren run, he has dropped to 35th in the world golf rankings.

Having finished 59th at last weekend`s US Open, Kaymer admitted that he needed a fresh start after the rigours of months away on tour.

"It will work again, it has to work again, there is no other option," said the German, whose crucial putt against Steve Stricker of the USA helped Europe retain the Ryder Cup in September 2012.

"I was the best player in the world two years ago, it has to work again. Ups and downs are normal but how long it will continue, it`s hard to say."

Kaymer accepted that his faith in his game was "lacking a bit" and there was a touch of homesickness in his voice when he spoke about his last few months away in the United States before returning to Germany for the Munich tournament.

"It`s little things like go picking strawberries, drinking a good cappuccino or eating some German bread that you miss," he said.

"It really dawned on me at Christmas, just missing the traditional foods like dumplings and red cabbage which we Germans like to eat at that time of year."

Hailing from Mettmann, near Duesseldorf, west Germany, Kaymer said it was good to be back on home soil in Bavaria.

"This is the only tournament in Germany. I am really looking forward to it," he said.

"I am well prepared and we`ll see where I end up."

Kaymer rejected suggestions he could consult a sports psychologist in a bid to refind his form.

"I don`t need that, I don`t want to sit myself down on a couch," he insisted.

"When you trust in yourself, you don`t need outside help, even if it takes maybe a bit longer. I`ll get through this."

AFP ------------------------ ZEENEWS.com