Jeev targets top-50 berth

Former Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Jeev Milkha Singh hopes to translate his recent fine performances into a win at the Maybank Malaysian Open, that starts at Kuala Lumpur from Thursday. Jeev, a two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit number one, cut his professional teeth in Malaysia during his early days and is delighted to return to the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, where he finished tied 11th in the event last season. He will be joined by Liang Wen-chong, the first Chinese to win the Order of Merit in 2007, reigning Asian Tour number one Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, in-form compatriot Gaganjeet Bhullar, who currently leads the Merit list, besides the popular Bangladeshi Mohammad Siddikur Rahman. “I love coming back to Malaysia. I won a few tournaments here when I had just turned professional. It gives me some positive vibes and I seem to do well here. I love playing in front of the crowd here and I’m glad to be back,” said Jeev, a six-time Asian Tour champion. Jeev is currently ranked 104th in the world, but is confident of breaking into the top-50 by the end of the season if he stays healthy. He knows a victory or a solid result this week will push him closer towards his goal. “I’m playing well and looking forward to a good week. I just need to tidy my game up a bit and try to get the job done. I want to get back into the top-50 in the world and if I can stay injury-free then I know I can do it,” said Jeev, who finished tied 23rd in last week’s Avantha Masters on home soil. The Chandigarh-based golfer will be a part of a strong Indian contingent in the event that includes Bhullar, who finished second in the Avantha Masters, Anirban Lahiri, who won his third Asian Tour title two weeks ago, and Himmat Rai, currently ninth on the Merit list. “I think the young Indian guys are playing really well. They are good enough to play on any tour in the world! It was nice to see Gaganjeet and Himmat playing well last week and Anirban winning two weeks ago!” he said. China’s Liang is also riding a hot streak of form as he was in contention at the Avantha Masters before settling for third position courtesy of a hole-in-one on the last day. The scorching heat and sporadic thunderstorms will be a huge test of patience this week but Liang has prepared himself physically by working with a fitness trainer during his free time.