Twitter
Advertisement

Rikard Karlberg aiming to defend Hero Indian Open crown

Karlberg won two Asian Tour titles at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) in his rookie season last year.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Defending champion Rikard Karlberg of Sweden is aiming to retain his crown at the Hero Indian Open golf beginning Oct 13 in New Delhi.
 
Karlberg won two Asian Tour titles at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) in his rookie season last year and will be gearing up to defend his title at the same venue, according to an Asian Tour media release.
 
The Swede will, however, face a stiff challenge from seven players from the top-10 of the Order of Merit in the $1.25 million event, the highest prize money on offer in a full field Asian Tour event.
 
Jbe Kruger of South Africa, who is still seeking a maiden Asian Tour victory, Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, winner of the SAIL Open in India, and Lin Wen-tang of Chinese Taipei are tipped as strong contenders in India's national championship.
 
Korea's rising star Baek Seuk-hyun, who finished second behind Karlberg last year, Siddikur of Bangladesh, who is fourth on the Order of Merit, and Australian Marcus Both will also be in the elite cast.

Edoardo Molinari of Italy, a member of the European Ryder Cup winning team and also a World Cup winner, will headline the 48th edition of the tournament.
 
Karlberg has yet to replicate his successful 2010 campaign, with a tied 14th placing at the recent Macau Open being his best result so far. But he is hopeful a return to his favourite hunting ground will turn his fortunes around.
 
"My game has been a little bit like last year. I started good in Asia and Europe but now I will concentrate more on the Asian Tour. I feel like I need to get back in the groove. It takes a while to warm up but I feel good and I feel very positive of the future," said Karlberg.
 
The 25-year-old believes his game is well suited for the immensely challenging DGC, which demands straight driving and accuracy due to the tight tree-line fairways.
 
"My golf game is improving but sometimes you don't get the results right away. I feel I am hitting it more consistent so I know I will do better in tougher courses," he said.
 
The highly rated Baek stormed into prominence when he took the second and third round lead at the Indian Open before finishing runner-up, two strokes behind Karlberg. His result earned him his best placing on the Asian Tour and a 21st place finish on the Order of Merit.
 
He has yet to claim a top-10 finish this season but the Thailand-based Korean will draw inspiration from his battling performance last year as he seeks to win his maiden Asian Tour title.
 
 

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement