Defending champion Alex Noren said on Wednesday (1st June) that "the expectations are a lot higher" on him as he looks to retain his Nordea Masters title in Stockholm this week.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Henrik Stenson

(Q: What are your aims for the rest of the season?):

"Yeah it is pretty good. I got a second, two thirds and a sixth I think in the nine events that I played, so we've had some top finishes, I've played some good golf and in the later months I tried to pace myself after Augusta, I haven't played much and when I tried to play I didn't play very well. So at least I am fairly rested, I am heading into a very busy part of the season and I don't think I've got more than one week off at any point until the Ryder Cup from here on. So it's going to be a lot of golf and it's all about trying to recuperate some energy when you're not playing and hopefully trying to get that form better and better and try and contend in a major. And we've got the Olympics and then the Ryder Cup, which I am really, really looking forward to."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Lee Westwood, three-time Swedish Open winner

(Q: You've had a lot of success here at the Swedish Open, what is it that you like so much?):

"Do you know what I don't really know. I always seem to play well here and I think the last time I won in Europe was here. Like you say I won here in 1996 and 2000 and in different places as well. So it's always been a successful place for me. I think I finished second once before as well in Malmo and looking forward to this week, coming off some good form."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Lee Westwood, three-time Swedish Open winner

(Q: You're obviously happy with your form at the moment?):

"Yeah I am starting to play well. Obviously I think we'd all like to make more putts on the greens, especially me at the moment, you know, giving away a lot on the greens. But tee to green has been good and my chipping has been great, so just waiting for that to slot into place and hopefully a win will come soon after that."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Alex Noren, defending champion

(Q: There is so much expectation on you, does your expectation rise as well?):

"Yeah of course. Yeah the expectations are a lot higher here than for example than when I come to Spain or somewhere else. But then again when we play I am so into the game. You have your caddie there beside you and you try to do the same thing as every day. it's just another day at the office. So the expectations are more after the rounds and around the course than on the course."