Randhawa bidding for fourth British Open appearance

Sentosa, Mar 24 (UNI) Ace Indian golfer Jyoti Randhawa launches his bid for a fourth British Open appearance here tomorrow with a firm belief that he can stamp his mark on the Major stage.

''Obviously I would like to qualify for The Open. I've played at Sentosa before and hopefully it all comes together again so that I can qualify,'' said Randhawa, a seven-time winner on the Asian Tour.

The 35-year-old Indian is amongst 63 players who will tee up for the two-day International Final Qualifying - Asia at the Sentosa Golf Club's Serapong course here. Four tickets are available for the British Open at Royal Birkdale, England in July.

Randhawa, who is ranked 70th in the world, has played in the British Open on three previous occasions, with a tied 27th at Royal Troon in 2004 being his best finish. Last season, Randhawa was first alternate at Carnoustie but he did not see any action while hopes of a good run at the US PGA Championship, the year's final Major, fell flat as he withdrew from the first round due to illness.

''I think as you get better as a player, you need to play more in the Majors,'' said Randhawa. ''Playing in Europe and playing decently, I think it's about time I go on to play in the Majors and perform remarkably.'' ''It's not just about going there to make up the numbers, it's about making your mark there. I think my game is ready for that and if I can play well, it'll be great,'' he added.

The other Indian in the fray, Shiv Kapur, who played at the British Open in Hoylake after coming through a qualifier, is also hoping for a good result. He finished fifth at Johnnie Walker Classic despite being ill and is now charged up for Sentosa, where he was among the top ten at the Singapore Open last year.

Other top Asian Tour names who will join the chase include Thailand's Prom Meesawat and Chinnarat Phadungsil, Filipino Juvic Pagunsan, in-form Korean teenager Noh Seung-yul and local hope Mardan Mamat.

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