Thaindian News

Gurgaon, Feb 15 (IANS) Indian golfer and defending Avantha Masters champion S.S.P Chowrasia, has suffered a setback to his title defence. Chowrasia injured his wrist while practising for the tournament that tees off at the DLF Golf and Country Club here Thursday.

Chowrasia complained of pain Tuesday in his left wrist while practising for the richest golf tournament in India ($2.3 million prize). He decided to skip his practice Wednesday in order to be fit for his title defence.

“My left wrist has been hurting, so I chose to skip practice. I have been to the physiotherapist and hopefully Thursday I will feel better. I am not able to hit my 100 percent, I have had to make a slight change to my swing but it is not a big thing,” Chowrasia told reporters.

Chowrasia has a chance to etch his name in the history books. Should Chowrasia win the Avantha Masters 2012, he would become the first Indian to successfully defend a European title. He would also join Arjun Atwal and Jeev Milkha Singh, on three European Tour title.

Chowrasia is once again starting to show form of yore, he had decent showings in South Africa, Abu Dhabi and Qatar and feels the grainy nature of the course would help Indian and Asian golfers.

“Last year’s season was not so great. This year, I am more confident. The green is hard and there is less rough, it is also a grainy course this year. I feel Indians and Asians will do well this year,” Chowrasia said.

The tournament boasts of an elite field that includes two-time Major winner John Daly of the United States, 2004 British Open winner Todd Hamilton of the United States, 2010 Avantha Masters winner Andrew Dodt of Australia and China’s Liang Wen-chong.