KUALA LUMPUR: India’s rising star Anirban Lahiri is hoping to return to winning ways after enjoying a remarkable Malaysian swing.
The talented 26-year-old finished tied for 10th at the star-studded Maybank Malaysian Open on Sunday and was also contributed two points in Team Asia’s 10-10 draw with Team Europe in the inaugural EurAsia Cup here last month.
Anirban won three of his Asian Tour titles on home soil and his results in recent weeks have given him added motivation to go and win his first title outside of his comfort zone.
“It has been a while since I’ve been playing well. I feel like I’m playing well enough to win,” he said.
“I just need to be patient and relaxed. I can’t get too far ahead of myself. That’s what I’ve learnt from last week.”
The Indian golfer enjoyed a fine run at the Malaysian Open, ending the event on eight-under 280 – thanks largely to a superb performance during the weekend after even-par rounds on the opening two days.
“All in all, it was a solid week but I can’t help but feel that I left a lot out there. I’ve been hitting it really good. I hit 16 greens but didn’t make the putts which I needed to. I gave myself a lot of opportunities but couldn’t hole the birdies,” he explained.
“I was a little anxious to do well (at the start of last week). I was feeling good about my game. I really wanted to be in contention.
“I tried a bit too hard and forced the issue. I didn’t focus on what I needed to do. It got better over the weekend and it is good that I’m playing consistently.”
His result at the Malaysian Open, which was won by Lee Westwood of England, earned him a cool US$50,966 (RM165,624) which propelled him to fourth on the Order of Merit.
“It is important to get off to a good start on the Order of Merit. I didn’t win the SAIL-SBI Open this year,” said Anirban.
“I need to get up on the rankings as fast as I can. It was a good week to move up and I’m glad I played well over the last two days.”
The Asian Tour moves to the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters this week. It will be played at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
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