Jeev in Asian team for Royal Trophy

Jeev Milkha Singh may have missed a berth in the Presidents Cup team a couple of months ago,but the Chandigarh golfer will...

Jeev Milkha Singh may have missed a berth in the Presidents Cup team a couple of months ago,but the Chandigarh golfer will get his chance to play in an international team event in January 2010. He was selected by Asian team captain Joe Ozaki as the sixth player in the side for the Royal Trophy against Europe,and will be joined by compatriot Gaganjeet Bhullar,Ryo Ishikawa,Thongchai Jaidee,Charlie Wie,Prayad Marksaeng and Yuta Ikeda.

It always feels special to play in an international team event. It is a completely different format and I have loved playing in team events right from the start of my career. I remember playing in the Eisenhower Trophy while I was studying in the US. It gives players a chance to play with the best in international golf. This year,the Royal trophy will be based on a Ryder Cup format, Jeev told The Indian Express from China,where he was taking part in last weeks WGC-HSBC Champions Tournament,ending tied 33rd.

Earlier,he had stunned Lee Westwood in the Volvo World Match Play Championship in a crushing six-hole victory before bowing out on the second day but Singh believes the experience will count in his favour for the Royal Trophy. It is always fun to compete against the worlds best golfers and I was very happy by my performance there. We dont get many chances to play in the Match Play championship and it was a good tournament for me, said Jeev.

After winning four titles in 2008,Jeev has not won a single championship this year with his best finish being fourth in the WGC-CA championship and his world ranking has slipped to 58. But the highest-ranked Indian golfer is hopeful of ending the year on a high. I am eager to end this year on a good note and I will be playing in a couple of tournaments on the Asian Tour,besides the US tour. The ankle injury has been bothering me a little bit but I hope to hit my peak form soon, said Jeev.