Jeev Milkha Singh of India will bring a big dose of confidence and form into the Omega European Masters next week.
Singh, three-time winner on The European Tour and former Asian Tour Number One, has produced some of his best golf recently with three solid results in his last three tournaments and he will be eyeing another stellar run at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club from September 1 to 4.
In recent years, the Indian star has struggled with injuries but is showing glimpses of his best form which earned him two Asian Tour Order of Merit crowns.
This season, he has notched two top-ten finishes on The European Tour with his best finish being tied sixth at the Nordea Masters last month. Singh has won numerous titles on the Asian, Japan and European Tours and will be determined to end a three-year title drought next week.
“The tied-sixth place was only my second top-ten of the season and my best result in a long, long time but I do feel that I am getting closer and closer to the form that should give me the desired results,” said Singh in his latest blog.
His title ambition will be tested against a strong line-up of stars including new Major winners Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland and World Number Two Lee Westwood of England at the €2,000,000 (approximately US$2.6 million) event co-sanctioned by The European Tour and the Asian Tour.
Japanese ace Tetsuji Hiratsuka, who won three titles on the Asian Tour last year, S.S.P. Chowrasia of India, currently leading the Order of Merit and rising star Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea will also feature in the Omega event.
Thailand will be represented by no fewer than six players including Thongchai Jaidee, Thaworn Wiratchant, Udorn Duangdecha, Pariya Junhasavasdikul, Chinnarat Phadungsil and Chapchai Nirat, who have a combined total of 33 Asian Tour victories.
After a sensational season last year, Hiratsuka will make his debut at the Omega European Masters where he will be hoping to eclipse the elite cast gathered at the stunning Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.
He has two top-tens in Japan this year and has yet to miss the halfway cut on the Asian Tour. His experience of playing in The Open Championship will also be put to good use next week.
Chinnarat, the youngest player to win on the Asian Tour at 17 years and five days in 2005 while still an amateur, is one of the most consistent players this season. He has made seven consecutive cuts on the Asian Tour, highlighted by the two top-ten finishes. He will be upbeat on the chances of carding a solid result in his third appearance at the Omega European Masters.
The Omega European Masters was the first event in Europe to be co-sanctioned by The European Tour and Asian Tour in 2009.
