Shiv Kapur vows to wrest Volvo Masters of Asia next year

Bangkok, Dec 18 (UNI) Dejected after his failed attempt to defend the Volvo Masters of Asia title, which eventually went to Thai stalwart Thongchai Jaidee, the supremely talented Shiv Kapur has vowed to wrest the title back next year.

The Indian closed with a nightmarish five-over 77 for a four-round total of 292, 24 shots worse than last year when he played exquisite golf to win his first Asian Tour tournament as a professional.

''It was one of those days when the last place I wanted to be was on the golf course,'' said the 24-year-old, who hit into the water at the third and fourth holes. ''Honestly, my game was not up to the mark this week. It is disappointing to finish down the field when I was defending my first title. I had been looking forward to being in the hunt again. Despite that I have enjoyed the week - it is not often you play badly and say you enjoyed the week but Volvo made me feel very special, which was nice,' he explained.

Shiv said he would regroup during three weeks off in India before starting his campaign on the European Tour at the Joburg Open in South Africa in early January.

''My goals for 2007 are sort of similar to this year,'' he said.

''I would like to win an event in Europe, finish in the top 60 to get into the season-ending Volvo Masters in Spain and break into the top 100 in the world. To meet those goals I will have to play well, which is obviously another something I want to do,'' he elaborated.

Shiv revealed he plans to play 10-11 events in Asia next season and was confident of finishing in the top 60 on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit and making it back to Thai Country Club for the Volvo Masters of Asia.

''I like this golf course and if I had played to the same standard as last year I would have done okay. It really suits my game and I will be back next year for another shot at the title,'' he asserted.

UNI XC AY SAM VP1303