Defending champion Anirban Lahiri is back after a rejuvenating break aiming for an encore, while Shiv Kapur is hoping to create some magic when the duo leads a strong Indian challenge in the sixth SAIL-SBI Open at the Delhi Golf Club starting tomorrow.
Lahiri, the first and only Indian to win this Asian Tour title since its inception in 2008, will lead the Indian challenge along with other rising golfers such as Gaganjeet Bhullar, in the USD 300,000 event.
"Indian golfers are aware of the conditions here (at the DGC). Though, many Asian players have played here and know the conditions, but will have to adapt to the weather and course conditions. I am sure an Indian will this time around as well," Lahiri, who defeated Prom Meesawat of Thailand in a play-off for his triumph last year.
"The weather in Delhi has changed in the last week. Sunny weather has hardened the course. Though, the grass looks lush green indicating that playing field would be slow, which is not the case," the 25-year old golfer said.
Previously, Lahiri found the DGC too difficult to handle due to its dense jungle which lines the fairways but the young Indian has now won twice at the venue.
"I feel comfortable now and I've had two wins and two top-10s in my last four starts on this course. You need to rein yourself in here and play within yourself and stick to the game plan. The driver will be out of the bag for sure," he said
Lahiri will make his first start of the year after skipping the Myanmar event two weeks ago. Time off with his family and friends at home have recharged his batteries after a successful 2012 campaign and the 25-year-old is looking forward to retain his title.
The other Indians in fray include eight-time Asian Tour winner Jyoti Randhawa, two-time winner in co-sanctioned events SSP Chowrasia, Digvijay Singh, Himmat Singh, Shamim Khan and Rashid Khan.
