2006 Volvo Masters of Asia

India's Jeev Milkha Singh, the planet's current hottest player, tees off in the Volvo Masters of Asia on Thursday looking to collect a unique treble of Volvo victories and season-ending championships on three different world Tours.

Singh headlines an elite field in the Asian Tour's US$650,000 season-finale at the spectacular Thai Country Club and will be shooting for a fifth title in what has been a magical season.

After a seven-year title drought, the Indian lifted the Volvo China Open title in April and the triumph sparked a stunning run of form which included victories in the prestigious Volvo Masters in Spain, Golf Nippon Series JT Cup, both season-ending events in Europe and Japan, as well as the Casio World Open in Japan.

Such is his dominant form that Singh has already wrapped up a career first Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit title.

"Volvo and I get along really well and hopefully that mental positive flow keeps going. I've been lucky that I've played well in them and I'm looking forward to this week. I'm very excited as I'm playing well and I'm fully rested after taking last week off," said Singh in a press conference today.

Singh, who turns 35 on Friday, will be up against title holder and compatriot Shiv Kapur in this week's elite field which is exclusive to the top-60 finishers of the UBS Order of Merit, including four regional amateurs.

Former Volvo Masters of Asia winners Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, bidding to extend his streak of having won a tournament in each year since 2000, and Jyoti Randhawa of India, and highly-rated Australian Andrew Buckle are among those tipped to challenge for this week's US$104,000 top cheque.

All eyes will however be on the in-form Singh, who has won three of his last six tournaments. Apart from four victories this year, he has also notched 14 other top-10s around the globe and his world ranking has shot up to 45th from a previous low of 319th in April, ensuring him starts in golf's four Majors next season.

Two of the more telling statistics are that the Volvo Masters of Asia will be his 32nd event in 36 weeks since April and his 40th tournament in 12 countries during a 2006 golf odyssey that has won him the respect of his peers.

Singh recalled how he had struggled with a loss in confidence after throwing away tournament victories. He said the worldly advice from his father, Milkha Singh, an Olympic sprinter for India, has also been a great influence.

"There were times I said I've had enough. But I feel that a true sportsman is a person who loves to fight back. My dad told me three things before I turned pro, he said I needed to be disclipined, honest and hardworking.

"I'm now less result orientated. I've put so much pressure on myself in the past. I've been so close, I think I've let four tournaments get away from me. It's a personal satisfaction to win."

The tenacious Indian is looking forward to next season with the ultimate destination being the US PGA Tour. "My main goals will be to play on the US Tour and give good performances in the Majors. I still need to work a lot more on my mental side and I am ready to do that and hopefully try to get to the next level," said Singh, a faithful reader of psychological books.

Thongchai will be banking on his new-found form on the greens to challenge Singh and Asia's best this week. "My game right now is very good. I had problems with my putting for the past six months. I tried using a new technique but it didn't work, so I've gone back to my old technique.

"I always feel good playing at home. My feeling with my putting is very good now. Hopefully I can hole a few putts this week," said Thongchai, a two-time Asian number one and winner of the 2003 Volvo Masters of Asia in Bangkok.

He joined the growing chorus of players saluting Singh's success. "Jeev seems to be perfect now," said Thongchai. "I saw him at the practice range and he's hitting the ball so good. I'm happy for him."

Title holder Kapur is determined to hang on to his maiden Asian Tour title. The 24-year-old says the only goal that he has yet to achieve this year is another victory.

"The course is a bit different from last year. The greens are a lot firmer and they have added a little bit of length on the course," said Kapur, who penciled down a maiden Major appearance at the British Open and securing his European Tour card as missions accomplished in 2006.

"I am playing better than when I came here last year. Every part of my game is pretty solid, I am relaxed and I am mentally refreshed. I am a better player now than I was a year ago.

"Obviously it is the first time I am doing it (defending a title). The attention is on you. My picture’s up everywhere, which is a cool feeling. If I can go out and defend it, that will be great. I know I have won on this course so that is a good feeling," said Kapur.

December 13, 2006

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