Chawrasia, Jeev at the forefront of Indian challenge in Perth

SSP Chawrasia and Jeev Milkha Singh will spearhead the Indian challenge at the ISPS Handa Perth International, which commences here tomorrow.
While Chawrasia is the highest ranked Indian in the field, Jeev has 20 international titles under his belt, though none since 2012.
Other Indians in the fray are Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shiv Kapur, Arjun Atwal, Chiragh Kumar and Himmat Rai.
Last week, barring Bhullar all others had missed the cut.
The only other Indian making the cut at Malaysian Open last week was Rahil Gangjee, who after finishing tied 9th in Kuala Lumpur, has taken a week off.
Chawrasia, who never played in Australia before, is upbeat about his chances here.

"I have never been to Australia before and this will be my first time there. I'm really excited. The field is a strong one but I'm looking forward to going up against the best players from the European Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia.

"I don't know much about the course but it's okay, I have played in practice rounds and I like it," said Chawrasia.
Chawrasia has won three times on home soil and is seeking to claim his first win abroad since he turned professional almost two decades ago.
He finished tied-fifth in Myanmar last week and believes he has the ability to contend for the Perth showpiece.

"My game is sharp and I'm putting the ball very well. Once I get used to those conditions, I'll be ready," he said.
Besides the top Asian Tour players, major winner Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa will also be seen in action alongside the stars from Europe, including Italy's Matteo Manassero and France's Victor Dubuisson.
Korea's Soomin Lee hopes his time will finally come when he gets another shot at glory here. He came within a whisker of his maiden breakthrough in Malaysia last week but suffered a late meltdown which saw victory slip away from his grasp.
Lee will face a stern test against the likes of France's Victor Dubuisson and world no. 21 Louis Oosthuizen, who is the highest ranked golfer in the strong field this week.

Dubuisson finished second in the 2014 edition and will be hoping to exact some measure of revenge by getting the job done this week.
Oosthuizen, meanwhile, feels the unpredictable nature of the sport will throw up several surprises despite being the highest ranked player in the field.
No fewer than 20 Asian Tour champions will tee up at the ISPS Handa Perth International, which will welcome the return of the Tour's best players to Australia after a seven-year absence.