Eyeing a consistent run in the European Tour, two-time defending champion SSP Chawrasia today said he is hoping to be third time lucky as he chases his dream of clinching the Hero Indian Open once again.
I have played for the last couple of years on the European Tour, but Im not playing consistently. Thats my next target, I have to play well in Europe, Chawrasia said.
Ive already won the Hero Indian Open twice so I will try my best this year. Im playing good, so lets see. I lost four times at the Indian Open (1999, 2006, 2013 and 2015), so I think thats why I went on to win twice. I think thats why I might win three times. Ill try my best and well see.
English golfer Chris Wood yesterday had said that Chawrasia would be the person to beat to have any hopes of lifting the Indian Open title.
Well, Ive won a couple of times here, so no doubt. All the Europeans say Oh, if any event happens in India you will definitely win the tournament. Whats the secret? I always say there is no secret, Im just playing good, thats it, said an ever-smiling Chawrasia.
Chawrasia had won the trophy for the first time in 2016 after taming the Delhi Golf Course and then he retained it with a dominating show at the DLF course here last year.
However, the Gary Player course has been changed a bit.
I dont think there are many changes, just a couple of holes have been made longer and the rough is a bit thicker compared to last year, Chawrasia said.
Asked what would be his strategy this year, Chawrasia said: Last year I played the same course, so I think it will be the same strategy I would be using this week. I dont think I will play attacking. Im just playing differently.
The winning score, I think will be less than 10-under. Five to seven under I would say, he added.
A constant in the top 10 of the Asian Tour Order of Merit for the last three years, Chawrasia said: The last few years Ive played well at the Indian Open so thats why I think I have kept my ranking. But I think Im doing better because I changed some of my game plan, so hopefully I would do better this year, so lets see.
Im just working on my driving. Im just trying different kinds of shafts.
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