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Shiv Kapur hopes to win Indian Open

Shiv Kapur
Bangalore, Oct 16: Indian star Shiv Kapur is determined to end a seven-year title drought at the Hero Indian Open, which he hails as the fifth 'Major' in his career. Indian open starts on Oct 18, Thursday here at Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) course.

Kapur is in fine form ahead of the USD 1.25 million Asian Tour event as he finished fifth in Macau last week and is currently 10th on the Order of Merit.

"As a kid growing up my dream was always to win my national open. Every golfer wants to win their national open as it is a fifth Major for them," said Kapur, whose sole Asian Tour victory was in 2005 in Thailand.

"I think my consistency is better and I'm getting closer to winning. I'm disappointed I'm not able to win more. That plays on my mind but you realise you have to be patient. I'll be sticking to what I've been doing and keep knocking on the door and hopefully it will open soon," added Kapur, who has three top-five finishes on the Asian Tour this season.

However, he will face stern challenges from no more than 40 winners including an in-form Gaganjeet Bhullar, who won his fourth Asian Tour title last week, defending champion David Gleeson of Australia and Peter Hanson of Sweden, ranked 25th in the world.

The Hero Indian Open will be played at the Karnataka Golf Association course for the first time in its illustrious history and Kapur lauded the decision to move his national open to a new venue.

"I think it is good for the growth of the game. The sport is growing all over India. It is good for the national open to move around. India is a big country and every course has a different challenge. I think it is a great decision," said the 30-year-old.

After securing his best result on the Asian Tour with a runner-up finish last week, Jonathan Moore of the United States, who is the reigning Asian Development Tour Order of Merit winner, is eyeing for his first win on the region's established Tour.

"Last week was kind of a special week. I wasn't expecting it. Claire (wife and caddy) and I talked about not thinking about results and the Order of Merit and it was good to get my best result so far," said Moore.

"I had a blast playing last year at the Hero Indian Open and I have a good vibe and feel in the event. My game has gotten more consistent. I guess the key is to give yourself enough chances and hopefully I can keep doing that and get a win eventually," added the American, who finished tied 39th in last year's edition.

Brazilian Adilson Da Silva, who has won multiple titles in South Africa, struggled with a cold putter earlier in the season but he is beginning to turn the corner as he claimed two top-10s in the last three Asian Tour events.

"I was hitting the ball really good but my putting has been a nightmare. My last three tournaments have been good and I've jumped a couple of spots on the Order of Merit. I've been very negative about my putting and that doesn't help the situation. I think there's a lot to do with the attitude which I'm working on," said Da Silva.

C Muniyappa enjoyed a dream victory at the 2009 Hero Indian Open and is making a comeback from a back injury which left him out of the game for the whole of the 2011 Asian Tour season.

It will be an inspiring return for Muniyappa, who lives five minutes from the Karnataka Golf Association course where he started his career as a forecaddie and developed his swing by watching club members.

"My L4 and L5 disc were bulging and it was compressing the side of my back. That's why the pain went to my legs as well. I'm feeling a little bit better after going through a lot of physiotherapy and exercises," said the 35-year-old.

"It was disappointing to not play golf for the whole year but luckily I'm able to make a comeback. I'm feeling very excited for this week," added Muniyappa.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2017, 17:58 [IST]
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