Jeev eyes glory at Barclays Singapore Open

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Indian great Jeev Milkha Singh believes he is back to his best form as he aims to emulate his 2008 victory at the US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open next week.

Singh enjoyed one of his finest seasons four years ago where his triumph at the Barclays Singapore Open, Asia’s richest national championship, propelled him to a second Asian Tour Order of Merit crown.

The amiable Indian is enjoying a solid 2012 campaign, winning the Scottish Open in July and he will arrive at the Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong course in confident mood ahead of the event from November 8 to 11.

“This year it will be played on one course and when I won, it was also played on one course. I’ll think of some positive vibes from 2008 and carry that with me to the tournament,” said Singh.

The Barclays Singapore Open is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour and will draw many of the top golfers in the world, including world number one Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, Adam Scott of Australia, a three-time winner of the tournament, American star Phil Mickelson and 2010 Open Championship winner Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa.

“The field is always strong at the Barclays Singapore Open and I look forward to the challenge. I remember when I won, I had to make a fantastic par on the last hole to defeat Padraig (Harrington) and Ernie (Els) by one shot,” said the 40-year-old.

“The Sentosa Golf Club is a fantastic golf course and your game has to be sharp. You’ve got to hit some good shots out there. If you don’t, then you will shoot a big number. It is a very demanding and a great test of golf with a lot of driving holes,” he added.

Singh expressed his delight at the success of young Indians Gaganjeet Bhullar and Anirban Lahiri, who will also feature in the elite event and have a combined total of six Asian Tour victories.

“The boys are doing well. There are so many good players coming out from India and it is good for the game. It is a global sport and these guys are hungry and that’s the beauty about it. I’m happy to see Indian golf going in the right direction,” said Singh.

Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines, who finished second in the event after losing in a Monday play-off to Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano of Spain will also feature in the Barclays Singapore Open next week.