Globetrotting Jeev soars in Miami

Jeev,who plays on Asian and European Tours as well as events in Japan and US,has had 19 professional wins but has yet to triumph at a US Tour event.

Golfing globetrotter Jeev Milkha Singh soared to the top of the WGC-CA Championship leaderboard at Doral on Thursday and said that while playing on three continents required meticulous planning it had made him a better player.

The 37-year-old Indian,who plays on the Asian and European Tours as well as events in Japan and the United States,has had 19 professional wins but has yet to triumph at a U.S. Tour event.

8220;I think I fly more than 100,000 miles a year,8221; said Singh after carding a seven-under 65 to join American Phil Mickelson,South African Retief Goosen and Thailand8217;s Prayad Marksaeng in top spot.

8220;I go globetrotting,at least three to four times around the world,because I play on the different tours and play a few out here. It all adds up.8221;

Singh said he has to make careful planning of his schedule in order to fit in the maximum amount of tournaments possible.

8220;I sit down in December and my main focus is normally,if I8217;m in the top 50 in the world,to try to play in the United States in the first half till the Masters.

8220;Then after that,when the European Tour comes to the European continent,starting from the Irish Open,I try to hit Europe. Then after that,at the end of the year I follow the European Tour to Asia.

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8220;I have a place in London and base myself there from May till November and then I lock the apartment up and move back to India,8221; he said.

Singh said that while he would like to play on the PGA Tour he would always play internationally.

8220;You play in different conditions and that makes you a better player,that8217;s why I want to be a global player,8221; he said.

Singh is one of four players who head into Friday8217;s second round in the lead.

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8220;I hit the ball pretty well and I think it comes down to putting at the end of the day. I rolled it well so I am pretty pleased with the 65,8221; he said.