Aiming to repeat the feat,Nirat ready to set sail

As the third edition of the $300,000 event moves to the heart of the Capital from the fringes of the NCR,a repeat of 2009’s scores might seem unlikely at the Delhi Golf Club. Not to the 26-year-old Nirat,though,as he prepares to return to the country. On top of his agenda for the next week (March 30 to April 2) will be to defend his title and better his record.

“I’ll be aiming for 33-under-par this time,” the burly Thai,who is one of the longest hitters in Asia,was quoted as saying by the tour’s website. “I was happy to set a new world-scoring record last year and it was also a record for every one on the Asian Tour to savour.”

Nirat acknowledged that the tree-lined Delhi Golf Course would offer a different kind of test compared to last year’s venue. He said it was logical to keep his driver in his bag in search for a fourth Asian Tour victory. What must give Nirat confidence is the fact that China’s Liang Wen-chong had established an 18-hole record with a 12-under-par 60 en route to his Indian Open title win at the DGC in 2008.

“The DGC is a tough course as it’s very tight. You can’t miss your tee shots and you’ve got to be consistent off the tee. I might have to leave my driver behind in Bangkok,” said Nirat.

“Last year,I could use my driver all the time and the second shots were easy into the greens. I’ll need to come up with a good gameplan.”

Stiff local challenge

He might have to face a stiff local challenge in the form of India ‘s top stars including Jyoti Randhawa,Bhullar,winner of the season-opening Asian Tour International,Shiv Kapur and reigning Indian Open champion C Muniyappa.

Australians Scott Hend,David Gleeson and Marcus Both,all winners on the Asian Tour,will also head to the SAIL Open in search of their first title of the season.

Nonetheless,an undeterred Nirat hopes to repeat the feat,this time for his newborn son. “I hope to win for my son,Mew,who was born on February 24. I’m happy to be a father. I’m not sure how it will affect me but it is a different feeling altogether,” he said.