Lahiri, Bhullar lead strong Indian challenge

Lahiri, this year, won the SAIL-SBI Open, while Bhullar won the Yeangder TPC in Taiwan. But the others have also been growing in confidence as the progressed.

Other Indians in the fray will be three-time Asian tour winner and the man in form, Gaganjeet Bhullar, former Asian Tour rookie, Shiv Kapur, two-time winner of joint sanctioned events, SSP Chowrasia, Singapore Masters winner, Himmat Rai and Ajeetesh Sandhu.

Lahiri said, "My first year on Tour in 2008, I played with David Gleeson in the leader group in the third day. I've got good and positive memories of playing here. It's a layout that is quite challenging but it suits my eye. I love coming back here.

"It's a lot of judgement and how you gauge the winds. It's a tricky golf course and very penal off the tee. You have to be on the short grass."

He added, "I had a great rest last week. I caught up with my coach. I wasn't very happy with the way I was hitting it. It seems to be moving in the right direction. I was happy with my decision to not play last week and just worked on my game."

Speaking about his new look, he smiled and said, "Ever since I was in school, I was always keen to experiment. I've had French beard, goatees, what ever I could do. I started getting facial hair since I was 15. Sometimes I get bored looking at my own face and I'll try something new."

And he sure is ready to add some new titles to his kitty, too.