Diminutive Kolkata golfer Shiv Shankar Prasad Chowrasia, inspired by the West Indian cricket team's win over hosts and favourites South Africans at the cricket World Cup's inaugural match, aims to upstage Mukesh Kumar in the Sir Padampat Singhania Open 2003.
With a new-found confidence after winning the Hero Honda Golf Open West in Pune last week, he is all set to take on the challenge of Mukesh in the tournament, to be held at the Noida Golf Course from February 12 to 15.
The five-day tournament forms the 21st leg of the Hero Honda Golf Tour.
"I watched the inaugural South Africa versus West Indies match on Sunday and the match reinforced my belief that where there is a will, there is a way.
"The way the West Indians held their game together, both mentally and physically, to beat the mighty South Africans on their home territory, inspired me to believe that nobody is invincible," said the 23-year old, who pocketed the second title of his career at the Hero Honda Open West at Pune last week.
"I played superbly last week and managed to upstage a player of Mukesh's caliber. There is no reason why I shouldn't be able to repeat that performance this week. The cricket match has reinforced my belief that I can win the Sir Padampat Singhania Open yet again," concluded Chowrasia, who recorded his first title win at this very tournament in 2001.
Meanwhile, defending champion Mukesh, winner of 10 tournaments on the Hero Honda Golf Tour this season, is aiming to equal veteran golfer Basad Ali's all-time Tour record of 11 title wins. For Mukesh, the Sir Padampat Singhania Open is his favourite tournament.
"This has been one of my most cherished tournaments on the Tour," said Mukesh, who is preparing for the tournament like a man possessed.
"I am determined to defend my title at the Sir Padampat Singhania Open," said the 36-year old. "It will be an honour to equal Basad Ali's record. I also aim to beat that record this season which, the way I am playing, is very much possible," added the Money List leader who has notched up in excess of Rs two million in 19 starts this season, at more than a 100,000 an event.
With the likes of veterans Rohtas Singh, Shiv Prakash, Ajay Gupta, youngsters Digvijay Singh, Rahil Gangjee and Naman Dawar, the field looks competitive.
Followers can be assured of another exciting week of golf.
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