Ghei confident of winning tournamnet

Winner of three Asian Tour titles, Gaurav, who missed out a few times before, aims for the title this year

NEW DELHI: Gaurav Ghei has come within a whisker of winning the Indian Open a few times, has half a dozen top-10 finishes to his credit in the event and the seasoned pro is now aiming to set the record straight by clinching the title this year when he tees off at Delhi Golf Club next week.

Although confident about his chances, Ghei said it would take a lot of effort to outdo a tough field which comprises strong contenders like Jeev Milkha Singh and defending champion Jyoti Randhawa.

“It is Jeev’s first appearance after a long time and he has had a great 2006, so fans will be keen to see him. Jyoti is without doubt the most consistent Indian golfer in recent years and then there are foreign players like Thaworn and China’s Liang,” he said.

Ghei, winner of three titles on Asian Tour, feels the Indian Open is the most important and prestigious tournament in the country.

“There is a different ring to a National Open. Almost all players want to win their National Open as often as possible, so it is no different with Hero Honda Indian Open,” he says.

“When a golfer tees, it is only winning that occupies his mind. More than money, a golfer would like to have more wins and in important events.”

The event carries half a million dollars as the prize purse.

Ghei, who celebrated his 39th birthday last week, has had a fine year with a win in Pine Valley Beijing Open and is currently lying sixth in the UBS Asian Tour Order of Merit.

“Winning the Beijing Open was really big. I didn’t realise it till it happened. The Beijing Open in virtually all sports is very prestigious, be it Beijing Open TT, Beijing Open badminton or whatever and I felt very proud,” he said.

Ghei’s first win in Asia was the Gadgil Western Masters back in 1995, when he executed what is still called “the best shot in Indian golf.”

He chipped in from more than 60 yards for an eagle on the 72nd hole for a win.

Interestingly Ghei was tied for fourth the same year at Indian Open. “I was fourth when Jim Rutledge won. Since then I have come close to winning the Indian Open many times, but just fell short.

“I was fifth once in Kolkata and then I missed getting into the play-off by one shot in 2000, when Jyoti
Randhawa beat Sammy Daniels, and then I was second to Thaworn Wiratchant in 2005.

“Last year also I was seventh, so there’s been a few top-10s there,” he says on his tryst with India’s longest running sporting event.

Ghei virtually grew up at the Delhi Golf Club and calls it his ‘second home’.

“Actually I spend more time here when I am in Delhi than anywhere else,” he says with a laugh.
Ghei is also excited about the World Cup at Mission Hills in China.

“I skipped the European Q-School, because there would be no time to get back to China in time. And I love playing the World Cup. I have been to it twice before and with Jyoti there, it will be great,” he said.