Anirban Lahiri targets Order of Merit top spot

Anirban Lahiri with the Venetian Macau Open trophy

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 27 (IANS) Buoyed by a stunning victory at the $162,000 Venetian Macau Open that increased his season's earnings to $504,689, Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri has set his sights on the twin task of claiming the Order of Merit summit spot and improving his world ranking. Lahiri trails American David Lipsky by $164,481 as they prepare to play in the $7 million Oct 30-Nov 2 CIMB Classic at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC).

With his win in Macau, the Indian pushed up 69 places and earned 17 world ranking points to move closer to the top-50 on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

"Where I am right now in my career, I had set myself targets, the bigger picture which is to break the top-50 by the end of the year. For me to threaten that, I've got to keep playing like this," the 27-year-old said.

He believes the confidence attained after winning at Macau will inspire him for the remaining Asian Tour events.

"It is fantastic to win my second title. I missed the cut in Hong Kong after a long time so I had time to think about what I was doing wrong and how was I was not thinking positively on the course. I'm happy I managed to turn that around after a bad week (two weeks ago)." He also said of being in a prime position to play his best golf at the most crucial phase of the season.

"This is the time of the year where you want to play your best golf. We've got the biggest events with prize money and world ranking points and there are a lot to play for. I'm playing well and I'm confident. I'm focused on what I need to do," said Lahiri.