Man of the moment Lahiri does it again

The world’s his oyster and India’s Anirban Lahiri has shown yet again why he is becoming a global phenomenon.

Not once but twice in three weeks has the 27-year-old emerged triumphant against a stellar field. It was also the Indian’s fourth victory in 10 months where his first win abroad at the 2014 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters broke down all mental barriers and sparked his incredible run.

Lahiri’s remarkable feat is matched only by world number one Rory McIlroy, who has achieved four wins and three runner-up finishes in his last seven European Tour events.

The Indian’s superb run of form has caught even himself by surprise.

“I didn’t think I would win after the last three days of golf. It is fantastic. Now the whole world is opened to me. I’m really excited. This is what dreams are made of,” said Lahiri.

Lahiri’s rapid rise is significant as he has now holds seven wins on the region’s premier Tour at just 27 years old, eclipsing the likes of India’s golfing legends, Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal and Jyoti Randhawa who only had four, three and two wins respectively when they were Lahiri’s age.

Singh, a six-time Asian Tour winner, is delighted with Lahiri’s progress and believes he will continue to put India on the world map and spearhead the Indian charge on the global stage, just like he did.

“It’s good to see the young Indian players doing well especially Anirban who is inside the top-50 in the world. These kids have more knowledge and awareness about fitness and what they need to work on. They have the right guidance by their coaches and they work hard at it. That’s the main reason why these young players are doing well especially Anirban.

“In the future, I think we will see more young players coming out from India and they will be inside the top-50 in the world,” said Singh.

Asian Tour chairman, Kyi Hla Han is pleased that players from the region’s premier Tour have made an impact in recent weeks which only goes to highlight the growing strength of the game in Asia.

“Lahiri’s latest win has made it five consecutive victories at the last five co-sanctioned events with the European Tour.

“Our members have shown that they can be counted upon to make an impression on the big stage and I’m confident this trend will continue,” said Han.

Lahiri tighten his position atop the Asian Tour Order of Merit where he now leads Australia’s Andrew Dodt by US$417,970 after amassing US$772,300 in just three events.

The Indian is now determined to ride on his good fortune and form in his pursuit for more glory.

“I have to stay focus and ride the momentum. I got a slice of luck and that doesn’t happen often in everyone’s career where things go so well. I’m going to try to keep playing well and see what happens,” said Lahiri.

Asian Tour Order of Merit (Top-20)

Pos Player Earnings (US$)

1 Anirban LAHIRI   (IND) $772,300.00

2 Andrew DODT   (AUS) $354,330.00

3 S.S.P. CHAWRASIA   (IND) $229,639.55

4 Scott HEND   (AUS) $218,710.00

5 Thongchai JAIDEE   (THA) $207,670.00

6 Richard T. LEE   (CAN) $184,233.33

7 Paul PETERSON   (USA) $134,400.00

8 Marcus FRASER   (AUS) $115,771.43

9 Wade ORMSBY   (AUS) $109,700.00

10 Jason KNUTZON   (USA) $92,583.33

11 Prayad MARKSAENG   (THA) $90,550.00

12 Kiradech APHIBARNRAT   (THA) $84,933.33

13 Carlos PIGEM   (ESP) $81,400.00

14 Nathan HOLMAN   (AUS) $78,200.00

15 Jeunghun WANG   (KOR) $71,533.33

16 Mithun PERERA   (SRI) $71,250.00

17 Thanyakon KHRONGPHA   (THA) $64,510.00

18 Shiv KAPUR   (IND) $53,000.00

19 Prom MEESAWAT   (THA) $49,921.43

20 Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL  (THA) $45,520.00

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