Golfer Chikka eyes Manila Masters title

Manila, Nov 5 (IANS) Young Indian golfer S. Chikka of India believes he has what it takes to try for a maiden Asian Tour title at the $1 million Resorts World Manila Masters being held here from November 10 to 13.

The 23-year-old Indian has been in sparkling form of late, finishing top-10 in his last three starts on the region's premier Tour where he sits in the 30th place on the Order of Merit with $127,649.

His tied-third place finish in Macao last month, which marked his best result ever on the Asian Tour, was timely as he went on to claim a victory on the Indian domestic circuit a week later.

"The win was a huge relief, having been in contention for three weeks and not getting to the top. It gave me the much needed motivation to strive for the better and push myself harder," Chikka said in an Asian Tour release.

"It was also special to return home after three weeks and win an event."

The young Indian will be looking to extend his fine form and leave his mark on Asia's elite circuit when he heads to the highly acclaimed Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.

"I am feeling good about the game. I spent some quality time back home with my coach. It's a great layout at Manila Southwoods. I played there last year and it suits my eyes. I am really looking forward to the week.

"I think a win is around the corner for me. I just have to stay patient. I think my game has gotten better over the last three events so I just need to focus on what I need to do and things should fall in place," said Chikka.

Chikka, a two-time winner on the Asian Development Tour, will feature in the event alongside countrymen Gaganjeet Bhullar and S.S.P Chawrasia, the man whom he will partner for India at the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf later this month.

Chinese Taipei's Chan Shih-chang and local hotshot Miguel Tabuena, ranked fifth and sixth respectively on the Order of Merit, will headline the elite field.

Also in the fray are Mardan Mamat of Singapore, who won the event in 2014, Thailand's Pavit Tangkamolprasert, who claimed a breakthrough victory in Macao last month, as well as local stalwart Juvic Pagunsan, Asian Tour Order of Merit champion in 2011.

--IANS

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