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Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008
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A rewarding outing for Chowrasia

GOLF / The Indian pro leads Asian Tour Order of Merit

— Photo: Sandeep Saxena

SWINGING SUCCESS: Chowrasia’s win has not only seen him move up the rankings but also put him atop the money pile.

New Delhi: Riding on the crest of his sensational Indian Masters triumph, S.S.P. Chowrasia leapfrogged more than 200 rungs to be 161 in the latest official world golf rankings, besides catapulting himself to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Chowrasia, who was ranked 388 last week, had a meteoric rise in the ladder which now has him at 161 after the triumph at the Delhi Golf Club on Sunday.

Randhawa still 85th

Jyoti Randhawa, however, remained the highest ranked Indian golfer at 85 despite his poor tied 22nd finish here.

Fellow European Tour regular Jeev Milkha Singh, who could not make the cut in the first European Tour event in the country, slipped to 93.

Among other Indians, veteran Gaurav Gheirose to 212, while Shiv Kapur was ranked 263rd.

Chowrasia’s stunning victory also propelled him to the top of the 2008 Asian Tour’s Order of Merit. While it is still early days in the race to become Asia’s No.1, Chowrasia’s lead of over $300,000 from compatriot Digvijay Singh looks certain to keep him in the merit mix come December.

Five Indians in top 10

Incidentally, the Asian Tour Order of Merit top 10 features five Indians with Chowrasia ($416,660), Digvijay ($115,500) and Gaurav Ghei ($66,200) occupying the top three slots.

Orlando-based Arjun Atwal ($34,500) ranks fifth, while Jyoti Randhawa ($26,000) is seventh in the list. Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han lauded Chowrasia’s breakthrough victory, saying that it would boost the game in India.

“The Asian Tour couldn’t have asked for a better champion to emerge in our first tournament of the 2008 season. Chowrasia will serve as a wonderful inspiration to Indian golf as he has proven that hard work and dedication can lead to great things and success,” he said. — PTI

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