Digvijay hopeful of his chances in Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open

Digvijay claimed a career breakthrough win at the Panasonic Open India in April to end a frustrating 12-year wait for a maiden Asian Tour title and he will be among a strong cast at USD 1.9 million event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.

Fellow Indian stars Anirban Lahiri, Jeev Milkha Singh and Gaganjeet Bhullar, who won his third Asian Tour title in Taipei on Monday, Japanese poster boy Ryo Ishikawa, defending champion Tetsuji Hiratsuka, Thai ace Thongchai Jaidee and reigning Order of Merit champion Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines will headline a star-studded field at the Higashi Hirono Golf Club.

After winning in April, Digvijay, who has been drawn to play the opening two rounds with Ishakawa and Hiratsuka, made changes to his swing in search of more glory but conceded it has taken time to see the positive effects.

"I'm trying to incorporate a few changes into my swing. I've been a bit confused recently but I'm still going ahead with the new changes," said Digvijay, who has made only one cut since his win at the Panasonic Open India.

Digvijay is among three Indian stars to win on the Asian Tour this season including Lahiri, winner of the SAIL-SBI Open on home soil and Bhullar. Jeev has also tasted success in Europe, winning the Scottish Open in July, and will be among the favourites to lift the title this week.

"Winning my first title outside of India would be awesome. That'll be the icing on the cake and to win in Japan would be absolutely fantastic. Age is definitely not a factor anymore. There has been enough players who have won in their 40s and I know age is not a barrier to winning," said the 40-year-old Digvijay.

SNK