Spirited Lahiri set for King’s Cup

January 15, 2014: Anirban Lahiri who got engaged to his long-time girl friend Ipsa Jamwal early this month, is in high spirits as he prepares for King’s Cup Golf challenge starting this Thursday in Huahin.

Bangalore golfer says that he’s in better mental state after a satisfying year, when he wont the SAIL-SBI Open on home soil and capped three other runner-up results.

“It is one of those signs that I’m getting old! I’ve been on Tour for six years and I’m a veteran at 26. I’m really happy with my personal life and my golf is reflecting that. I had a great 2013 and hopefully I can continue this year,” said the 26-year-old Lahiri.

[highlight]  I’m really happy with my personal life and my golf is reflecting that [/highlight]

Lahiri wants to begin his professional journey in the new year with a win. Currently ranked fifth on the Order of Merit, he will face a star-studded cast this week which include Scott Hend of Australia, who won three Asian Tour titles in 2013, dashing Swedish star Johan Edfors and defending champion Arnond Vongvanij of Thailand.

A three-time winner on the Asian Tour, Lahiri is yet to win a tournament outside his home country.

Lahiri’s season haul of US$465,696 has put him in contention to qualify for the Asian Team for the inaugural EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM which will be played in Malaysia this March.

However, his fate depends on how Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea and Prom, ranked seventh and eighth on the Order of Merit respectively play in the tournament this week.

If Baek wins, Lahiri will need to finish inside the top-four and if Prom emerges victorious, the talented Indian must secure at least a top-25 result to qualify for the EurAsia Cup.

“It is really special because it is going to be like the Ryder Cup for Asians. We’ve always wondered how that would feel. If I play well this week, then it will get me into the team,” said Lahiri.

Lahiri has fond memories of the Black Mountain Golf Club as he secured his first Asian Tour top-five result at the Black Mountain Masters in 2009.

“I really like the track. This is where I had my first top-five result on the Asian Tour way back in 2009. I always felt positive coming out here. I think the greens are the fastest out here. It is going to be really exciting golf this week,” he said.