Broadhurst ended a 10-year winless run in Portugal in 2005

Broadhurst could join Ian Woosnam, Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els as the only men to win a European title three years in a row.

"To win it twice was brilliant and it would be fantastic to win for a third time and join that list of players," said the 41-year-old Broadhurst.

The tournament returns to Oitavos, where Broadhurst triumphed in 2005.

That victory ended 10 years without a title, during which he twice had to return to the tour qualifying school.

The Midlander retained the title at Penina in 2006 but his form coming into this year's event is not filling him with confidence.

Last week he was only 45th in Florida and finished with a 77.

He said: "I struggled big time. I was losing everything left on the driving range and that's how I started the round.

EUROPEAN TOUR'S HAT-TRICKS Ian Woosnam (Monte Carlo 1990-92) Nick Faldo (Irish Open 1991-93) Colin Montgomerie (PGA Championship 1998-2000) Tiger Woods (NEC Invitational 1999-2001 and CA World Championship 2005-07) Ernie Els (Heineken Classic 2002-04)

"Whether I can put it right or not is another question. I was disappointed with the way I finished last season and have been trying to make some changes.

"I've not played that much, but if I can get into contention hopefully the experience of the last two years will pull me through."

Barry Lane does not share the same happy memories of the event.

Lane led the Portuguese Open at Oitavos by one shot with a hole to play in 2005 but crashed to a nine at the last to hand the title to Broadhurst.

Having watched Paul Lawrie toss away the lead with a triple bogey on the 17th, Lane went into a bush with his drive, hacked into more trouble, caught a tree root with his third and saw the ball go out of bounds.

A bogey would have put him into a play-off, but he eventually slumped to fifth place.

Lane, now 46, has not won again since and he said: "I'd love to have the same situation again."

This season he failed to make the halfway cut in his first seven tournaments and finished 46th in the TCL Classic two weeks ago.