Chiragh Kumar eager to secure his Asian Tour card at the Iskandar Johor Open
Chiragh Kumar of India is set to make a final move into the top-60 in the Asian Tour Order of Merit, by recording a strong finish at this week’s Iskandar Johor Open, slated to start from December 13, 2012.
The US$2 million event will be played at the Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club, featuring a total of 120 players from different parts of the world.
The Iskandar Johor Open is known for setting up a strong line-up each year. This year too, the event has reeled in some prominent names, including the likes of the Ryder Cup hero Sergio Garcia, the British Open champion Ernie Els and the 2005 US Open champion
Michael Campbell.
Kumar, who currently holds the 69th position in the Asian Tour Order of Merit, insists that he will not be distracted by the starry line-up assembled in Malaysia.
According to the Asian Tour’s official policy, only the top-60 players to finish year will be allowed to retain their cards for the upcoming season. The Indian needs at least a top-10 finish, in order to reach that mark in the money list.
“Yeah, I have to play well to keep my Asian Tour card. I’m going to go out there and play my game. I can’t give myself extra pressure to perform well and keep my card. If I play well then I deserve to keep it. Otherwise, I’ll try again next year,” he said.
Talking to the Asian Tour’s official website, the 28-year-old also stated that he will try to focus on his own game, rather than trying too hard in the tournament.
“I tried pushing myself to play well in the big events and that kind of got to me. I had some injuries early in the year which I couldn’t get fit enough to play. I feel a little better now and playing better,” said Kumar.
Shaaban Hussin of Malaysia is another player, who is expecting to make an 11th hour qualification to 2013 Asian Tour season, with a solid performance in the season-ending tournament. Hussin currently ranks 79th in the Order of Merit.
Tags: