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Jeev, Bhullar lead strong Indian challenge at Malaysian Open

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Press Trust of India Kuala Lumpur
Gaganjeet Bhullar, who achieved his career-best world ranking of 85 after his runner-up finish at the Avantha Masters, will be looking to move up further as he forms a part of the strong Asian challenge at the Maybank Malaysian Open starting Thursday.

Bhullar, a four-time winner on Asian Tour and once on European Challenge Tour, is also looking at good finishes on the co-sanctioned events to ensure full playing rights on the European Tour in 2014. Good results could also see him make the PGA Championships, the season's last Major, later in the year in August.

Meanwhile former Asian Tour Order of Merit winners Jeev Milkha Singh of India, Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and China's Liang Wen-chong besides the 2012 Order of Merit winner, Thaworn Wiratchant will also be in the field.
 

Jeev, a two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit number one, cut his professional teeth in Malaysia during his early days and is delighted to return to the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club where he finished tied 11th last season.

"I love coming back to Malaysia. I won a few tournaments in Malaysia when I just turned professional. It gives me some positive vibes and I seem to do well here. I love playing in front of the Malaysian crowd and I'm glad to be back," said Jeev, a six-time Asian Tour champion.

Jeev is ranked 104th in the world but is confident of breaking into the top-50 by the end of the season if he stays healthy. He knows a victory or a solid result this week will push him closer towards his goal.

"I'm playing well and looking forward to a good week. I just need to tidy my game up a bit and try to get the job done. I want to get back into the top-50 in the world and if I can stay injury-free then I know I can do it," said Singh, who finished tied 23rd in last week's Avantha Masters at home.

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First Published: Mar 19 2013 | 7:20 PM IST

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