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Gangjee counts on trusty caddie

India’s Rahil Gangjee is back in action with renewed support when he tees off at the US$300,000 Pulai Springs Malaysian Masters on Thursday.

Rahil, 27, who shot up to 39th spot on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit, will be back on course at the inaugural event at Pulai Springs Resort alongside his trusty caddie Sanjay who has been friends with the pro for the past 12 years.

“My caddie, Sanjay, is coming down from Calcutta so I will be enjoying his company here. It is his first time flying out of the country so I hope he gets here!” said Gangjee, who won the 2004 Volkswagen Masters-China title.

Gangjee enjoyed a glorious run at the Brunei Open last week as he finished in joint third spot. The Indian is already geared up for a fiery battle at the Pulai Springs Malaysian Masters with the presence of countryman Shiv Kapur, who was last season’s Rookie of the Year, Jyoti Randhawa, Thai ace Thaworn Wiratchant, Chinese Taipei veteran Wang Ter-chang, who won the Brunei Open title last week, Singapore’s Mardan Mamat, Filipino youngster Juvic Pagunsan, and Malaysia’s top gun Danny Chia.

“The field is very strong here but I don’t want to stress myself about anything. My game has been solid since Brunei as I hope to continue my form throughout this week and the next in Singapore,” said Gangjee.

After his success across the border at the OSIM Singapore Masters in March, Mardan is taking a cautious approach towards his aim for a good result in Johor.

“I am starting to strike the ball better now and after last week, I feel that my form is recovering,” said Mardan.

“This week I want to enjoy every round I play and I will take it a day at a time.”

Asian Tour’s latest champion Wang is all smiles as he will be banking on his solid putts to produce another outstanding performance this week.

“My putting was fantastic in Brunei and I hope that this week I can continue my rhythm and come out with something special again. I’ve managed to slow my game down compared to previous years and I think that has helped me improve as well,” said Wang.

Pagunsan also set a blistering pace in Brunei as his joint third place finish was the best result on his maiden season on the Asian Tour. Compatriot Angelo Que is also coming into the tournament with fond memories with his recent win in a local event earlier in the month.

“It’s been fun as I hope to continue my good game here in Johor. I am eager to do well this week but I don’t want to stress out too much on my performance and end up being frustrated,” said Que.

American Ron Won hopes to get back into the rhythm after he sustained an injury to his right elbow at the Crowne Plaza Open two weeks ago.

“I didn’t play well last week but I hope to do my best here and walk away with a strong finish,” he said.

It was similar for Strange who is determined to improve his run as he picked up an injury to his left thumb after his Philippine success.

August 29, 2006