Jeev draws major company at Masters

Augusta, Georgia, Apr 9 (UNI) Jeev Milkha Singh was handed a dream draw at the Masters Tournament where he will play alongside British Open champion Padraig Harrington and 2003 Masters winner Mike Weir in the opening two rounds.

''I'm really excited. Padraig and Mike are two nice guys. I've played with them often enough and I'm looking forward to it,'' Jeev said.

The 2006 Asian Tour number one, who finished tied 39th in the Shell Houston Open on Sunday, is making his second straight appearance in this year's opening Major after receiving a special invitation from the Augusta National Golf Club. He finished tied 37th on his debut last year and hopes to improve on his record.

''It's a great feeling, the second time my dream has come true.

I qualified for the Masters last year and now I couldn't have asked for a better invite in my life,'' he said. ''I'm really excited to be here. The golf course is in excellent condition and I'm looking forward to a good week,'' said Singh.

The tenacious Indian is showing signs of reproducing his best form once again after enduring a frustrating and winless season last year. He finished runner-up at the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open and the Ballantine's Championship in Korea this year. ''I'm happy with my game, it's in good shape right now. I like this golf course as it suits my style. Hopefully I have a good week.

I'll just go out there and give it a good shot. Last year, I learnt quite a bit and I've made a few changes. Hopefully I've learnt enough to make full use of it,'' Jeev said.

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