Ghei to be Chowrasia's thorn in flesh in Emaar-MGF PGTI tourney

Bangalore, Dec 18 (UNI) Buoyed after his tied 10th finish in the Volvo Masters of Asia yesterday, Kolkata pro SSP Chowrasia, however, will find seasoned Gaurav Ghei as the thorn in flesh when he tees off in the inaugural Emaar-MGF PGTI Championship scheduled to start here tomorrow.

Offering a total purse of Rs. 50 Lakh and promoted by golf in Dubai, the tournament will be played at the impressive Karnataka Golf Association golf course.

A 72-holes stroke-pay competition, the Emaar-MGF PGTI Championship is the highest prize money event in this part of the country and will be the highlight of the golfing season as local golf enthusiasts get an opportunity to witness the country's leading professional golfers up close.

''The experience of playing golf on the Asian Tour has really improved my game and I will take that experience with me when I tee off tomorrow. My confidence is high and even though I anticipate some tough competition this week, I am ready to take it on,'' said the confident golfer.

Ghei, winner of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters, said, ''I am sure we will witness some fabulous golf this week. Indian professional golfers are winning all over the world and are ranked among the best in Asia, Japan and Europe and the same standards will be on display this week.'' Also providing sheen to the tournament will be young guns Gaganjeet Bhullar and Chirag Kumar, both Silver medallist in the recently concluded Asian Games. Both having played the Asian Tour Q-school will be making their debut on the Indian professional tour.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Malhotra, COO, Emaar MGF said,''We are happy to be associated with such a prestigious golf championship and would like to thank all those involved with this tournament.

''We plan to create golf courses of international repute in India, with the first one coming up in Hyderabad followed by Punjab, thus giving impetus to the promotion of this game, which is already booming in the country,'' he said.

''Being promoters and organisers of international events such as the Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai Ladies Masters, we know what it takes to put together world-class tournaments. This is the first time that we will be handling an event outside the UAE on behalf of one of our partners Emaar,'' said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Vice Chairman of golf in Dubai.

''It is one of our objectives to organise golf tournaments locally or internationally, on behalf of any of our Partners, therefore, further promoting Dubai as a leading golf destination,'' he added.

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