Kuala Lumpur: India's rising star Anirban Lahiri is eyeing a top finish at the star-studded USD 7 million CIMB Classic next week to haul himself into the chase for the Asian Tour Order of Merit crown.
Lahiri, a three-time Asian Tour winner, will be amongst a stellar cast at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club which will include include multiple Major winner Phil Mickelson of the United States, defending champion Nick Watney and Spanish stalwart Sergio Garcia.
Major champions Ernie Els of South Africa, who is also an Asian Tour honorary member and international ambassador, former Masters Tournament winner Bubba Watson of the United States and Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, the current Asian Tour number one, will also feature in the CIMB Classic which is sanctioned by the PGA TOUR and Asian Tour.
Lahiri, ranked eighth on the Order of Merit with USD 156,973, knows a strong week in Malaysia will put him in position to challenge for the Merit crown. He trails Kiradech by approximately USD 550,000.
"Obviously it will be a very important event that shapes the Order of Merit. Anybody that finishes high up that week is going to have a good chance at winning the Order of Merit," said the 26-year-old Lahiri, who has already won once this season.
The young Indian, who finished tied 26th in the CIMB Classic last season, knows there will be plenty to play for as the winner of the CIMB Classic will earn playing rights on the PGA TOUR and a prized spot in the 2014 Masters Tournament.
"Giving it official status on the PGA Tour and on the Asian Tour will change the importance and stature of the event. The attitude towards the event will change and players will be more serious. There's a lot more on offer apart from the prize money and experience and I'm really looking forward to the challenge," said Lahiri.
After a relatively successful season highlighted by six top-10s on the Asian Tour, Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea will be hoping that the experience of playing against the PGA TOUR stars will provide him with the impetus to win his first title on the region's premier Tour.
"It is really important for me to play in the CIMB Classic because this is the first time I'm playing in a PGA TOUR event. I don't want to go to the tournament just to play in it. I want to learn something from the players. I want to use the experience to improve in my own game," said Baek.
Baek Seuk-hyun of Korea will be out to learn some valuable lessons from the stars of the game including Asian Tour honorary member K J Choi, who is an eight-time PGA Tour winner, Angel Cabrera of Argentina and Keegan Bradley of the United States.
"I haven't played with a PGA Tour player so now I will get the chance to learn how they hit different shots. I'm going to watch them closely, play my own game and try not to be too aggressive. I'm sure it will be fun," smiled the Korean.
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