Jeev optimist of good showing in the Johnnie Walker Classic

Gurgaon, Feb 27 (UNI) World number 86 and home crowd favourite Jeev Milkha Singh today promised a better showing in the Johnnie Walker Classic, which starts here from tomorrow saying ''I'm playing well and hope to continue with this good form here too.'' Jeev missed the title by a whisker at the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open last week but despite the disappointment his performance elevated him to second position on the UBS Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Talking to mediapersons here this afternoon, Jeev said, ''I'm playing well. This week it's going to be an interesting week because the Johnnie Walker Classic has always been one of the biggest events in Asia and there's also a lot of depth in the field.'' The 2006 UBS Asian Tour Order of Merit winner added, ''The golf course is playing well and it's in good condition. I think the playing conditions are going to be tough with the wind. It could all come down to putting at the end of the day since the greens are firm and there's a lot of slope on them.'' The Chandigarh golfer hasn't won a title since December 2006 and is now striving for glory on home soil. ''I've picked a number of positives from my performance in Indonesia. You have to do that being a professional golfer. One thing's for sure, I think there is something better waiting for me.'' On the field for the Classic, Jeev said, ''There's a lot of depth in the field this week and you cannot pinpoint who is going to win this one. There are a lot of good players, and, you know, the guy who handles himself well mentally, putts well and displays good course management, will finally come through.'' The two-time winner on the European Tour was of the view that ''There's a lot of talent in India and I think players are maturing really well. They are now more comfortable playing alongside the big names.'' He said, ''If an Indian goes on to win here, I think we'll have more tournaments in India and more sponsors would like to be associated with the sport.

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