Chapchai Nirat looking forward to defend title at SAIL Open
March 22nd, 2010 - 8:41 pm ICT by IANSNew Delhi, March 22 (IANS) Big-hitting Thai star golfer Chapchai Nirat is relishing his title defence of the SAIL Open on the Asian Tour next week by declaring his intention to rewrite his world scoring record over 72 holes.
Last year, the 26-year-old stormed to an 11-stroke victory en route to a staggering 32-under-par 256 winning aggregate at the Classic Golf Resort, the lowest winning score on any international Tour.
While the $300,000 event, celebrating its third edition this year, will move to the challenging Delhi Golf Club from March 30 to April 2, the Thai hero is undeterred of the challenges that may lie ahead.
India’s top stars including Jyoti Randhawa, Gaganjeet Bhullar, winner of the season-opening Asian Tour International, Shiv Kapur, reigning Hero Honda Indian Open champion C. Muniyappa and S.S.P. Chowrasia will carry the local charge.
Australians Scott Hend, David Gleeson and Marcus Both, all winners on the Asian Tour, will also head full speed to the SAIL Open in search of their first title of the season.
But all eyes will certainly be on Chapchai.
“I’ll be aiming for 33-under-par this time!” said the burly Thai, who is one of the longest hitters on the Asian Tour. “I was happy to set a new world scoring record last year and it was also a record for every one on the Asian Tour to savour.”
Chapchai acknowledged that the tree-lined Delhi Golf Club will offer a different kind of test compared to last year’s venue. He said it was logical to keep his driver in his bag in his search of a fourth career Asian Tour victory.
Still, the fact that China’s Liang Wen-chong had established an 18-hole record with a 12-under-par 60 at the Delhi Golf Club in 2008 would provide encouragement for Chapchai to aim for the flags next week.
While his stunning triumph saw him make worldwide headlines, Chapchai hopes to repeat as champion as a gift for his newborn son.
“I hope to win for my son, Mew, who was born on February 24. I’m happy to be a father. I’m not sure how it will affect me but it is a different feeling all together,” he said.
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Tags: asian tour, australians, classic golf, david gleeson, full speed, hero honda, hole record, jyoti randhawa, newborn son, open champion, s liang, scott hend, shiv kapur, stroke victory, stunning triumph, thai star, title defence, top stars, tour victory, worldwide headlines