Bhullar, Lahiri in fray for Indonesia Open title

Indian golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar will be looking to defend the $750,000 Indonesia Open title against compatriot Anirban Lahiri and several others in the annual Asian Tour event at the Damai Indah Golf, PIK Course here Dec 4-7.

The tournament will also play an important part in the Order of Merit race as Korean American David Lipsky of the United States leads the rankings by $160,000 over Lahiri and Prom Meesawat of Thailand.

They will be joined by multiple Major champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland, in-form Mardan Mamat of Singapore and world 72-hole scoring record holder Chapchai Nirat of Thailand.

More than 30 Asian Tour champions will also lend their star credentials to the prestigious event. George Gandranata, Rory Hie, William Sjaichudin and Andik Mauludin will spearhead the local challenge with hopes of becoming the second Indonesian after Benny Kasiadi to lift the prestigious title.

As the Asian Tour season heads into the tail-end of the season, Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka, Scott Barr of Australia, Thailand's Jazz Janewattananond and Nicholas Fung of Malaysia, who finished tied second last year, will be jostling to secure their first win on the region's premier Tour.

Perera was on the brink of becoming the first Sri Lankan champion on the Asian Tour before losing in a play-off to Indian S.S.P. Chowrasia at the Panasonic Open India earlier in November.

Even though he missed out on an historic victory, Perera, who is the son to Nandasena, a famous name on the old Asian circuit during the 1980s and 1990s, is confident the win is around the corner.

"I've saved my Asian Tour card for next year and I do not have to worry anymore! A win is very close for me now because I'm playing so well," said Perera, ranked 35th on the Order of Merit.