New Delhi: A fit-again Jeev Milkha Singh and Indian Open champion C Muniyappa will spearhead the home challenge in a star-studded field of the European, Asian and PGTI tri-sanctioned Avantha Masters golf tournament from February 11 to 14.
The strong line-up in the USD 2.1 million event also includes Chinese star Liang Wen-chong, Thai duo Thaworn Wiratchant and Chapchai Nirat, who is returning to India after establishing a new world 72-hole scoring record with a stunning 32-under 256 last year.
Marcus Both of Australia, winner of the 2009 Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open, and Filipino Angelo Que, the 2008 Philippine Open winner, will also be in the title mix.
Jeev, who welcomed the arrival of his first child last month, is hoping to make it a double celebration with a victory on home soil at the Avantha Masters.
"I am sure this is going to have a huge impact on my game, and I am sure it will be for the better. The arrival of the baby will surely give me some added motivation," said Jeev, who was Asia's number one in 2006 and 2008.
Currently ranked 61st in the world, Jeev will be aiming for victory to boost his chances of breaking into the world's top-50 by the end of March, which will be rewarded with an invitation to the Masters Tournament, the year's first Major.
Jeev was hit by injuries last year which forced him to withdraw from the British Open but is now back to his full fitness and determined to fight his way into contention in front of his home crowd.
"Injury is definitely the worst thing that can happen to an active sportsperson, but it is also something that you've got to expect and that is why my biggest resolution for 2010 is to try and stay fit and healthy," said Jeev.
Liang, the Order of Merit winner in 2007 and runner-up last year, is hoping to claim a second title in India having won the national Open in 2008.
"I gained a lot of experience last year and that's the best thing that I can take back from 2009. Overall I was quite pleased with my performance last season (where he finished second on two occasions) and I hope to build on that," he said.
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