After Mumbai high, Gupta eyes Indian Open

On Thursday, when Chandigarh golfer Harendra Gupta tees off in the first round of the Indian Open at the KCA greens in Bengaluru, he will be basking in the glory of Mumbai Open triumph that happened few days back. With a title win behind him, Gupta will be showing off his mettle in the elite company of top golfers like Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shiv Kapur and also hope to carry his fine form which landed him the Mumbai Open title.

The 27-year-old golfer, who pursed the biggest prize money of his career with the Mumbai Open win, had a practice round on Tuesday at the KCA Golf Course. Talking to Sportline from Bengaluru, Gupta believed that the conditions at the course are well-suited to his game and would help him do well in the championship.

"The course is playing fine. I had a good practice round on Tuesday. The greens are in good shape and everyone is expecting smooth conditions during the competition. The grass is a bit taller here but that's not a problem. It was the Pro-Am event today and most of us had an experience of the conditions. I have been playing continuously for the last four weeks, I hope to carry forward the momentum and do well in Bengaluru. My caddie Kaalu has been giving me handy and usefull tips," said Gupta. With golfers like David Gleeson of Australia (defending champion), Peter Hanson of Sweden and Richie Ramsay of Scotland, more than 150 golfers are taking part in the $1.25 Million tournament.

Unfazed by presence of big names, the Chandigarh golfer thinks that his experience of playing in the South India will help in raising his game. "The field is very strong in the Indian Open. Defending champion David, Hanson and Macau Open winner Gaganjeet Bhullar would be the main challenge in the championship. It's good that the championship is happening in South India for the first time. I have played a lot here and know the courses well. I am aiming to play my own game according to my game plan. Making the cut will be the first priority. A top-ten finish in Bengaluru will boost my confidence. To tee off along with the likes of Jyoti Randhawa and Peter Hanson is a huge thing for golfers like me," shared the professional golfer.

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