Sharma gets massive boost ahead of tournament
Shubhankar Sharma of India received an invitation to play in the Masters Tournament, boosting his confidence even further as he contends at the US$1.75 million Hero Indian Open that tees off on Thursday.
The 21-year-old came off a top-10 finish at the WGC-Mexico Championship and flew halfway across the world to compete in his National Open, which will be contested at the Gary Player layout of the DLF Golf and Country Club from March 8 to 11.
Sharma was slightly disappointed with himself after his finish in Mexico, having led the tournament after 54 holes. However, the setback was all forgotten upon the call from Buzzy Johnson, Senior Director of the Masters Tournament. He is now focused on doing well at the Hero Indian Open, co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
Defending champion S.S.P. Chawrasia will be adopting the same strategy that led to him winning last year’s tournament by seven shots. The affable 39-year-old did not give anything away, and simply credited his win in 2017 to playing good golf.
Chawrasia has a brilliant record at his National Open, having won in 2015 and 2016 and finishing in second place in 2013 and 2014.
Compatriot Anirban Lahiri looks forward to competing in Asia and playing in front of his home fans. The 2015 Hero Indian Open champion and Asian Tour Order of Merit winner will be adopting a calm and patient approach to the tournament, given the challenging conditions and set up of the golf course.
The Hero Indian Open 2018 will have an elite field that comprises of five Asian Tour Order of Merit winners and more than 40 Asian Tour champions.
