Jeev says he and Randhawa not also-rans in US Open

New York, June 14 (UNI) The prospect of sharing the greens with Tiger Woods would leave most with goose bumps but leading the Asian challenge in the US Open, Jeev Milkha Singh asserted that he and his compatriot Jyoti Randhawa are not here only to make the numbers.

This is the first time that two Indians, current Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit leader Jeev and 2002 Asian number one Randhawa, will be featuring together in a US Open.

Jeev will be making his second appearance while Randhawa his debut after earning their places in the year's second major through qualifying in England earlier this month.

''It should be a big day for Indian golf,'' said Jeev.

''Whenever you qualify for a major, you want to play well for personal reasons. But coming from an Asian background, the both of us being here is fantastic for the Asian Tour. The more Asians we have in big tournaments and majors, the more recognition we'll get, he said.

Jeev, who qualified and played in all four rounds in the 2002 US Open in Bethpage is riding on a crest of new-found confidence. Since April, he has notched one victory, his first since 1999, and posted three other top-10s.

''I'm playing well. I've got a lot of trust after winning the Volvo China Open (in April). I now trust my game under pressure and I believe in myself. That's taken me ahead. I'm looking forward to this week. I've worked quite hard although there could be a lot more improvements,'' he explained.

At 7,264 yards, the par-70 Winged Foot's West Course will pose a severe test for the best golfers and Jeev is prepared to grind out a result.

''It's a monster. The rough is up and the greens are undulating with a lot of slopes. They will put some tough pins out there. The only good thing is that it's rained a lot and greens are soft but the forecast is that it'll stay dry for the rest of the week,'' he said.

And Jeev would have his small band of supporters cheering him on this week. His parents have flown into New York while his two sisters live in the Big Apple.

''I am fortunate to play in New York all the time. I'm excited about it. I always like to play on tough courses and it doesn't get any tougher than this.

''I think I've got a good draw as I'm first out on both days.

Hopefully I can take advantage of the conditions,'' he added.

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