Lahiri aims for a hat-trick at Bilt Open

Two-time defending champion Anirban Lahiri will aim to complete a hat-trick of titles at BILT Open golf tournament on Wednesday.

Two-time defending champion Anirban Lahiri will aim to complete a hat-trick of titles but veteran Jyoti Randhawa and Singapore Classic winner Himmat Rai are likely to make it difficult for him when the PGTIs Rs 10 million BILT Open golf tournament tees off here tomorrow.

Himmat has been an epitome of consistency this year,while Randhawa has always been known to have brought out his best on home courses.

Chiragh Kumar,runner-up at the Indian Open last month,will also have his eyes on the crown,while Asian Tour Order of Merit leader SSP Chowrasia will too look to add another title after winning the Avantha Masters on European Tour early in the year.

PGTI regulars Mukesh Kumar,Rashid Khan,2010 DLF Masters winner Ashok Kumar,Manav Jaini,Shamim Khan,Ali Sher and veteran Gaurav Ghei will also start at the picturesque Jaypee Greens Golf Resort here.

The 2009 and 2010 winner,Lahiri has been in good form as he notched up his maiden Asian tour title 8212; Panasonic Open 8212; early in the year and the Bangalore golfer will hope for the good form to continue at his favourite hunting ground here.

I just finished 18 holes there and the course is looking in good shape. The weather was severe this year and the course may play longer. I hope this week turns out to be a good week for me. The BILT Open has been good for my career, Lahiri said.

Himmat,who claimed his maiden Asian Tour title 8211; the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic 8212; through a five-way play-off before winning the DLF Masters at Gurgaon,is relying on his confidence and the hard work that he has put in the training.

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I have been consistent overall. Winning at Singapore and then the DLF masters has given me a lot of confidence and I have been focussing on my practice. So,I am looking forward to go and play my best, Himmat said.

I dont keep a score in my mind as it pulls you back,I feel. I try to make scoring opportunities and play the best I can after assessing the conditions and this week wont be any different, he added.

On his debut season in professional golf,young Rashid registered his first victory by winning the Surya Nepal Masters in April and the Delhi golfer said he really wants to do well here.

I won in Nepal for my first professional title,then finished second in DLF Masters,so my game is ok. I missed the cut at the Indian Open,so it will be an important week for me, Rashid said.

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I will go to Barclays Singapore Open in second week of November and then there is Tata Open and a few tournaments.

Lets see how things pan out for me. Its my first year and I can take it slow, he said.

Two-time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar too will hope to bring his game back on track after withdrawing from the Indian Open at the last moment.

The tournament is conceptualised and annually organised by BILT and Aircel PGTI and has a winners purse of Rs 16,16,500. The second and third placed golfer will have the chance to win Rs 11,16,500 and Rs 6,26,500.