The fear of losing again had started to bother SSP Chawrasia last night but a nerve-calming chat with experienced Pro Jeev Milkha Singh helped him stay focussed and deliver when it mattered the most.
Chawrasia had first finished a runner-up at the Indian Open in 1999 at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club where he lost the title to Arjun Atwal.
Even last year, he just helplessly saw his two-stroke lead vaporise as compatriot Anirban Lahiri came from seven strokes behind to force a play-off and win it eventually.
"I was worried last night as I had lost four times and I kept thinking may be Anirban will again come back and win tomorrow," Chawrasia told reporters after winning the Hero Indian Open by two strokes.
"So I called up Jeev for his advise and he told me not to be aggressive even if I drop a bogey or someone else hits birdies. I kept thinking about his words before I dozed off to sleep, thinking that he has shown me a key.
"I followed his words today. I tried to focus on my game even when Anirban hit three birdies early on. I kept trying to hit straight and get into the fairways to give myself a chance to birdie. I am very happy with the win."
Asked what kept him motivated ever since he first finished second at Kolkata, the 37-year-old said, "When I came second for the first time, I never thought I can do it. I used to play at the domestic circuit but then I thought I can do it at the international level as well. I have always taken positive out of my losses. Losing makes me hungry for more."
The Kolkata golfer missed three cuts in the last three tournaments at the European Tour -- true Thailand Classic, ISPS HANDA Perth International and Maybank Championship Malaysia.
"I guess it is good that I missed cuts because it made me more hungry. It made me set up my goals and I think I have always learnt more things from those lost opportunities," he added.
With this win, Chawrasia has brightened his chances of becoming the second Indian to qualify for the Rio Olympics behind Anirban (World No. 52) before the July 11th deadline.
"The Olympic qualification was in my mind as I have been following my ranking also but I was not thinking about it today as it would have put unnecessary pressure on me," said Chawrasia, who is likely to be placed just outside the World No.150 after this win.
"Golf has been included in Olympics and I remember when I used to watch Indian players on TV I felt I will never be able to do that but now I feel it would be such a pleasure and privilege to go to the Olympics.
"Me and Anirban will play at the Olympics. I have played in the US a couple of events but I have never played in South America but I guess we will reach their two days early atleast and make a game plan. I think two days of practice will be enough to get a feel of the course. There is still time."
Asked about his next target, he said, "My next goal is to win outside India. I will be playing on the European Tour now so I hope to win at least a title at Europe.
"When I started, slowly golf showed me the way and I hope it will show me the road ahead too and hopefully I will play at the PGA Tour and Majors," said Chawrasia, who has won all his three European Tour titles - The Indian Masters (2008), Avantha Masters (2011) and Indian Open (2016) at the Delhi Golf Course here.
