One of the most consistent Indian golfers this season, Rahil Gangjee will lead a strong Indian challenge at the True Thailand Classic presented by Chang starting here tomorrow.
Gangjee, currently eighth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, but winless since his only victory back in 2004, will be accompanied by SSP Chawrasia, Jeev Milkha Singh, Shiv Kapur, Arjun Atwal, Himmat Rai, Chiragh Kumar, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Rashid Khan.
Gangjee was ninth at the Maybank Championships Malaysia and T-15 in Myanmar and T-19 in Bangladesh and T-34 in Singapore in his four starts this year.
Chawrasia's form has also been up and down but he was fifth in Myanmar after being in contention for the first two days while Shiv Kapur was 11th in Abu Dhabi.
For Indians, the co-sanctioned Asian Tour and European Tour tournament at Black Mountain Golf Club, is the last one before their National Open, the Hero Indian Open next week.
While the event this week carries a purse of USD 1.75 million, the purse will be USD 1.66 million next week. So these two weeks will become crucial for those Indians like Chawrasia, Kapur and Jeev, who are looking to regain European Tour cards, while the other Indians will be seeking to cement their place on Asian tour.
Meanwhile, Thai ace Thongchai Jaidee hopes to defy the lingering effects of a viral fever and is among the contenders to lift the title.
Twelve months ago, the 46-year-old Thongchai, who is ranked 37th in the world, finished tied second behind inaugural champion Andrew Dodt of Australia and he hopes to improve by one rung at a venue where he owns a plush villa that overlooks the ninth green.
Like Thongchai, Dodt is not physically at his best after coming down with flu upon his arrival here but the powerful Aussie is up for the challenge to retain his title against the likes of Thai star Kiradech Aphibarnrat, fellow Australian Scott Hend and veteran Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez.
Veteran Thongchai was admitted into a Bangkok hospital for three days after pulling out from the third round of a Malaysian event three weeks ago and also skipped the World Golf Championships-Cadillac in the United States last week.
Dodt's younger brother Anthony is caddying for the first time as he attempts to successfully defend a title following two previous defences. The Aussie hopes another good night's sleep will help him overcome his flu.
After taking over 22 hours to fly back from the U.S., Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat is hoping to use his big-hitting game to claim a first ever Asian Tour victory on home soil.
