Jeev Milkha Singh to spearhead Indian challenge

New Delhi, Dec 13 (UNI) Ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh will spearhead the Indian challange in the 2.6 million dollar (Rs 10 crore) Johnnie Walker Classic to be held at DLF Golf and Country Club, Gurgaon, from February 28 to March 2 next year.

This is the first time in tournament's 18-year history that it is being held in India and it is by far the highest ever prize money sporting event to be held in the country.

The winner will earn a cheque of 416,666 dollar.

Leading the 132-golfer field are winner of 2005 edition Australia's Adam Scot, world number 10 Vijay Singh (Fiji), Scotland's Colin Montgomerie, March Warren, England's Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Nick Dougherty.

''We are expecting few more top notch golfers for the event,'' said Asif Adil, managing director Diageo India (sponsors of the tournament).

Talking to mediapersons here this afternoon, Jeev said, ''Johnnie Walker classic is going to be something special,because it is being held in my country (India) for the first time and I will be playing in it.'' ''This tournament will give a big boost to the sport (Golf) in the country because some of the big names of the world of golf will be seen in action and the public especially the golf buffs will have the chance to see their heroes in action.

''For me that is going to be a special week, It will be great if any Indian wins it and it will be good if any Asian wins it because so far no Asian has won this tournament which was started in 1990 at Hong Kong,''he said.

About the star studded field, Asif Adil said of the 132 golfers, 47 each will be from Euorpean and Asian tours, 22 from Australian tour, eight from Professional Golf tour of India (PGTI) and eight will be sponsor invitees.

The previous winners of this tournament are Nick Faldo, Ian Palmer, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Ian Woosnam, Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, Michael Campbell, Retief Goosen, Miguel A Jimenez, Adam Scott, Kevin Stadler and Anton Haig.

UNI