Anirban Lahiri aims for consistency in Thailand

Anirban Lahiri

Hua Hin (Thailand), Feb 11 (IANS)

Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri is determined to scale greater heights when he takes his place as the highest ranked player at the inaugural $2 million Thailand Classic that tees off Thursday. The 27-year-old, ranked 37th in the world, is enjoying one of the best times of his career, having claimed his biggest victory in Malaysia last week.

Voted as the Players' Player of the Year in 2014, Lahiri's latest triumph was his sixth win on Asian Tour and third victory in 10 months. It was also his first win on the European Tour.

"It's a very exciting period for me right now. I'm playing well and one of the many goals that I've set for myself is to crack the top-50 and that win last week has made it possible," said Lahiri.

Lahiri is not planning to rest on his laurels and is determined for a greater push up the world order, starting with another assured performance at the Black Mountain Golf Club this week.

"I had a big boost in my world rankings after Malaysia. But the next two weeks here and in India are going to be crucial for me to play well. It'll seal up my place in the Masters and a host of other major events. I've got a lot to play for. Last week was great but these two weeks are equally important for me to keep the momentum going in the right direction," said Lahiri.

Lahiri will be up against the best players from the Asian and European Tour in the richest golf tournament of Thailand which is also the first co-sanctioned tournament by both Tours in Thailand in eight years.

He will face a strong European Tour field that includes Denmark's Thomas Bjorn as well as Spaniards Miguel Angel Jiménez and Alejandro Canizares, who finished tied third in Malaysia last week.