Golfer Cabrera Bello confirms participation at Indian Open

Spanish golfer Rafa Cabrera Bello on Wednesday confirmed his participation for the upcoming edition of the Hero Indian Open, starting from March 9 at the Gary Player course at the DLF Golf and Country Club.

The 32-year-old has established himself as one of the most consistent golfers on multiple Tours, including the European and PGA Tours.

From World No.114 in December 2015 he rose to No.27 at the end of December 2016 and is now No. 25.

Also in 2016, he had six Top-10 finishes, including three second places -- in Qatar, Dubai and Hong Kong -- and missed just one cut in 27 starts around the world.

Interestingly, Cabrera Bello at No.25 will be the best current (at the time of the Hero Indian Open) ranked player to play at the Indian Open.

He also played at the Rio Olympic Games and finished fifth. At the Ryder Cup he scored 2.5 points from three matches, winning his fourball in the company of Sergio Garcia against JB Holmes and Ryan Moore.

The Spaniard halved the point in foursomes against Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed, before Rafa beat Jimmy Walker in singles completing a great debut.

This year Cabrera-Bello had a great start in the Middle East with three Top-20 finishes -- T-19 in Abu Dhabi, T-6 in Qatar and T-11 in Dubai.

Cabrera Bello is the second highest world ranked Spaniard after Garcia, who is now in Top-10 of the world.

"The Hero Indian Open has been a last-minute addition to my schedule. In fact, I only confirmed for last week and I am looking forward to it. I have not put my mind to and have yet to study the course," said Cabrera Bello.

There is always talk that Cabrera Bello loves playing in Asia and does well. The affable and modest Cabrera Bello said: "Modestly, I am going to say that I have good results all over world also. So why not in Asia."

"Sometimes I find it difficult to adapt to the greens. I particularly like softer grass, but I also enjoy the challenge of playing on all surfaces, that makes you a better player and that is also one of my goals."

"I have to be patient. My game is good, and I could win any week, or I could even go longer without a win. I don't want to stress about it, I just want to keep playing my golf, keep making cuts, putting myself in contention and just one day it will happen again." Maybe, in India," he added.

--IANS

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