Kuala Lumpur: Anirban Lahiri who credited his new meditation exercise for his second Asian Tour title win at the SAIL-SBI Open said that he will continue the meditation to lead him to more glory in the 2012 Asian Tour season.
The supremely gifted Indian said his mental attitude has improved tremendously since becoming a Vipassna meditation follower, known as one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation.
“I’ve changed my mental attitude towards golf. I’ve become a Vipassna meditation follower on the course and that helped me stay in the moment,” said Lahiri, who defeated Thailand’s Prom Meesawat for his second Asian Tour title on the first play-off hole at the Delhi Golf Club, which will also host the Panasonic Open India from March 29 to April 1.
“I was trying not to get ahead of myself and that was one of those few things that helped me to execute things rather than project and think into the future,” he added.
The treelined Delhi Golf Club was nevera favourite hunting ground for Lahiri until only recently when he notched two of his Asian Tour titles at the same venue.
“Winning the Panasonic Open India last year was definitely one of the highlights for me. I’ll always remember my win at the Delhi Golf Club. This is because I not only managed to win at Delhi Golf Club which I’ve always found it tough in the past but more importantly it was my first win on the Asian Tour,” said the 25-year-old.
Lahiri is highly tipped to be part of the new generation of golfers to emerge from India. Alongside rising stars Gaganjeet Bhullar and Himmat Rai, the trio have claimed a combined total of five Asian Tour titles in the span of four years.
India also holds the distinction of having the most Asian Tour Order of Merit winners with Arjun Atwal, Jyoti Randhawa and two-time Asian number one Jeev Milkha Singh previously winning the region’s top golfing accolade.
Lahiri’s victory at the SAIL-SBI Open propelled him to fourth place on the Order of Merit with earnings of US$73,677 and he will be eyeing to swell his winnings at the Panasonic Open India..
“Panasonic has been a great sponsor and I’m happy to be representing them as their ambassador as well. I’ll do my best to defend my title and I look forward to the challenge,” said Lahiri.
Jbe Kruger of South Africa continues to lead the Order of Merit with winnings of US$394,589 following his victory at the Avantha Masters in India two weeks ago.
Australia’s Marcus Fraser is in second place on US$109,380 while Prom, who finished second at the SAIL-SBI Open, is in third position with earnings of US$100,037.
Big-hitting Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand made up the top-five positions on the Order of Merit after winning US$70,433 fromthree Asian Tour events.
The Asian Tour will travel to The Open Championship International Final Qualifying – Asia this week at the majestic Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi, Thailand. Players will be vying for four tickets to the year’s third Major championship in the two-day qualifier from March 1 to 2.
By Indian Sports News
