Anirban Lahiri widens gap at top of Asian Tour Order of Merit

Anirban Lahiri

Singapore, Feb 23 (IANS)

Star Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri Monday continued to occupy the top spot at the Asian Tour Order of Merit list after winning the Hero Indian Open on Sunday. Following the Malaysian Open victory and a joint 21st place finish at the True Thailand Classic, Lahiri had $522,300 as earnings. Continuing his ascension, the 27-year-old triumphed in the Indian Open at the Delhi Golf Course (DGC) which took his total earnings to $772,300.

He now leads Australia's Andrew Dodt by $417,970 after three tournaments.

The Indian is now determined to ride on his good fortune and form in his pursuit for further glory.

"I have to stay focused and ride the momentum. I got a slice of luck and that doesn't happen often in everyone's career where things go so well," Lahiri said.

"I'm going to try to keep playing well and see what happens."

Lahiri had finished second in the previous season's Order of Merit. David Lisky claimed the first position.

Indian Open runner-up S.S.P. Chawrasia moved to third spot with $229,639.55, while experienced Shiv Kapur is the third Indian in the top-20, with earnings of $53,000. He finished 68th in his National Open.

Asian Tour Order of Merit (Top-20):

1 Anirban Lahiri (IND) $772,300.00

2 Andrew Dodt (AUS) $354,330.00

3 S.S.P. Chawrasia (IND) $229,639.55

4 Scott Hend (AUS) $218,710.00

5 Thongchai Jaidee (THA) $207,670.00

6 Richard T. Lee (CAN) $184,233.33

7 Paul Peeterson (USA) $134,400.00

8 Marcus Fraser (AUS) $115,771.43

9 Wade Ormbsy (AUS) $109,700.00

10 Jason Knutzon (USA) $92,583.33

11 Prayad Marksaeng (THA) $90,550.00

12 Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) $84,933.33

13 Carlos Pigem (ESP) $81,400.00

14 Nathan Holman (AUS) $78,200.00

15 Jeunghun Wang (KOR) $71,533.33

16 Mithun Perera (SRI) $71,250.00

17 Thanyakon Khrongpha (THA) $64,510.00

18 Shiv Kapur (IND) $53,000.00

19 Prom Meesawat (THA) $49,921.43

20 Pariya Junhasavasdikul (THA) $45,520.00