Indian duo dazzle at EurAsia Cup

March 29, 2014: India’s Anirban Lahiri and Gaganjeet Bhullar have emerged with flying colours at the inaugural Eurasia Cup by winning their respective singles at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. The two shining stars proved they are worth the honor they have been conferred, to be a part of esteemed Asian team, which rose to level the final score 10-10.

The Asian team led by Thongchai Jaidee, fought bravely against the best of Europe, to end up in a draw  at the US$4,000,000 EurAsia Cup.

India’s Anirban Lahiri, who contributed with a 2 & 1 win against France’s Victor Dubuisson, felt that it’s time when Asia should to be mentioned at par with the golfing powerhouses from Europe and United States.

[highlight] Everybody puts European golf up there and I think it’s time Asian golf gets the credit we deserve, said Lahiri [/highlight]

“A lot of the people wrote us off after the first day. I was reading a lot in the media and on Twitter and Facebook and there was a lot of backlash. However, I think all of us found that strength deep within us to come back and show that we are golfers as well.

“Everybody puts European golf up there and I think it’s time Asian golf gets the credit we deserve,” said Lahiri, a three-time Asian Tour winner.

Gaganjeet Bhullar, who enjoyed a convincing 4 & 3 victory over Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen, shared similar sentiments with his fellow compatriot. “When we were walking off the 18th green today, we felt a great sense of achievement,” he said.

“Our results showed how far we have come. There was a time when we used to say we were from Asia and they asked if we have a tour. With this performance, people will know that the next superstars are coming from the Asian Tour.”

Despite the lack of match play experience, Bhullar, a five-time Asian Tour winner, was delighted that Team Asia rose to the occasion and proved their worth on the world stage.

“If you look at the PGA Tour and the European Tour, they get to play The Ryder Cup and The Presidents Cup. For us, this is the first time we all have an opportunity to actually showcase Asian golf,” said Bhullar.

“We’re proud of how we picked ourselves up the last 48 hours. I think it’s a great moment for Asian golf because it’s put us on the map and I know a lot of people will now take notice of 10 of us and the Asian Tour,” added Bhullar.

Thongchai hailed the courageous fight back from his team and was delighted with their never-say-die attitude. “I’m really proud of my team as they did a really good job by winning seven points today. It was a very good comeback and we showed that we can never be written off,” said Thongchai.

The tussle between Europe and Asia, which began with a disappointing 5-0 score for Asia, had a satisfying ending on Saturday when Asian team leveled it up with 10-10.