Jeev Singh Has High Hopes for Asia

On the eve of the US Masters, Indian Jeev Milkha Singh said it was only a matter of time before an Asian player wins a Major tournament. Small wonder then, that it is Jeev himself who is leading the Asian charge after the first round at Augusta.

The Indian star shot a first round of even par 72 for a share of 10th place with four other golfers. He was three shots behind first-round leaders Justin Rose and Brett Wetterich.

Before his round, Jeev was quoted in an interview with the Asian Tour as saying:

“I think the time is getting closer for an Asian to win a Major. For an Asian Tour player to win, I don’t see that as being too far away. It’s basically your mind set, you have to believe in yourself when you’re playing out there and if you keep believing in yourself you’ll be as good as anybody else.”

The closest any Asian has come to winning a Major was at the 1971 British Open, when Taiwan’s “Mr”Lu Liang-huan fiished second to Lee Trevino. Three years ago, South Korean KJ Choi finished third at the Masters.

Jeev, son of former Indian Olympic track star Milkha Singh, has the credentials to win big tournaments. He is the reigning Asian Tour champion and won four tournaments last season, including the European Tour’s season-ending Volvo Masters in Spain.

Jeev, often confused as the son or brother of Fijian star Vijay Singh, was delighted with his opening round at Augusta, his maiden appearance in the Masters, saying:

“I was excited with the way I played today. You know, when I was growing up, I’ve always dreamt about playing in the Masters. And I’ve done that today.”


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