Jeev Milkha Singh, another strong contender for the title, is clubbed with South Africa's Christopher Williams and compatriot Feroz Ali.

SSP Chowrasia, who surprised many with his performance at the Indian Open in Calcutta last year, has been grouped with Dominique Boulet (Hong Kong) and Juman.

Gaurav Ghei, Basad Ali, Vivek Bhandari, Arjun Singh, Arjun Atwal, Uttam Singh Mundy, Ali Sher and veteran Rohtas Singh are the other Indians with a chance of finishing among the top six.

The event will be the first major competition after turning pro for Harmeet Kahlon, who finished well in the recently-concluded Aravalli Open.

Prominent among the amateurs will be Ashok Malik and five-time National champion Vikramjit Singh, who turned pro last year.