Phuket, March 3: Two-time US PGA Tour winner Daniel Chopra believes he is close to regaining his best form as he prepares for a title charge at the Singha Thailand Open starting on Thursday.
The Swede will headline the US$500,000 Asian Tour event at the devilish par-70 Laguna Phuket Golf Club alongside in-form Thai star Thongchai Jaidee, Order of Merit leader Anthony Kang of the United States and India's Jyoti Randhawa.
"My game feels good. I'm getting closer every week. The swing is getting better and it's a matter of getting the confidence. I don't think about the swing changes anymore, I'm just trying to get the control of the ball which is getting better," said Chopra.
The 35-year-old, who is of Indian-Swede parentage, took a decision to remodel his game after lifting the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Championship, a tournament exclusive for winners on the US PGA Tour, for his second triumph in America.
But while the results have suffered over the past few months, Chopra knows his new swing will serve him better in the long haul.
"Obviously, if I were to win (this week) it would be fantastic. What I'm looking forward to these days is to be in contention again. I was close last week and I want to be in contention with nine holes to play. That's what I'm looking for," said Chopra, who finished tied 16th in the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open on Sunday.
He said the challenging Laguna Phuket course will provide a stern test at the Singha Thailand Open, which is making a welcome return to the Asian Tour after a three-year lapse.
"The course is a lot tougher than I thought it would be. The rough is some of the thickest I've seen in Asia. With the tight pins, it will be a very good test," said Chopra, who enjoyed wins in Malaysia, India and Chinese Taipei before finding success in the US.
"I've not played in too many Thai Opens in the past and I've not had any success here. It'll be a good week to change that as Phuket is a great place."
Thailand's Chinnarat Phadungsil summed up the importance of the Singha Thailand Open for the local brigade. "This is our biggest event as we're playing for the King's Trophy," said Chinnarat, who holds the honour of being the youngest Asian Tour winner following his victory in the 2005 Double A International.
As a child, the talented 20-year-old regularly watched the Thailand Open with his father whenever it was staged in Bangkok and he was overwhelmed when he competed in the 2003, 2004 and 2005 editions while he was in the national amateur squad.
"I was always in awe of the Thailand Open. This is the first time I'm competing as a professional player and I'm looking forward to a good week. However, it's a tough golf course and driving will be a premium. I'll be using my three wood quite often as you need to find the fairways."
After losing his full Tour card and missing out on Qualifying School earlier this year, India's Rahil Gangjee will be on a mission at the Singha Thailand Open.
The slightly built Indian, who enjoyed a career first victory in 2004 when he won the Volkswagen Masters China, has worked hard at his game and visited a sports psychologist for the first time in hope of turning his fortunes around.
"It is frustrating to miss the big events," said Rahil, whose lone tournament this year was the season-opening Asian Tour International in Bangkok where he finished seventh.
"I didn't watch any of the golf on TV over the past few weeks. It gets to me knowing that I should be there. From having full status on Tour to no status, it's a big jump but the good thing is that I'm playing well and I'm feeling confident.
"Since working with the sports psychologist, I've had several top-fives in India and also the seventh place at the Asian Tour International. I feel I'm playing better than last year."
Ends
For further information, please contact Asian Tour's Chuah Choo Chiang at the Singha Thailand Open media centre tel: +667 7636 3810. Also visit www.asiantour.com
About the Asian Tour
As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Carlsberg (Official Beer), ESPN Star Sports (Official Regional TV Broadcaster), Pin High (Official Apparel Partner), Ricoh (Official Office Solutions Provider) and Srixon (Official Ball). Sentosa, Singapore's premier island resort getaway, is the Home of the Asian Tour.