In-form Gibson eyes Indian Open

Canadian Rick Gibson, fresh from his victory in the Philippine Open on Sunday, hopes his accurate game and local knowledge will help him win his second successive Asian PGA Tour title at this week's Indian Open.

"The Delhi course suits my game," the 41-year-old said after a practice round at the picturesque Delhi Golf Club on Tuesday.

The Manila-based player, who won the Asian Tour's Order of Merit in 1991, played the course four years in a row from 1988 and believes he is well equipped to handle its tight fairways.

"I have never been a long hitter and the important thing here is to keep the ball in play," he said.

The Canadian is in fine touch after cruising to a four-stroke victory in the Philippine Open at the weekend, having only recently returned to tournament play from a three-year break after losing his card on the Japan Tour.

But he cautioned that the strong winds which tend to sweep across the Delhi course could produce some big scores this week.

"When the winds get up, it's going to be tough here," he said.

PREDICTING SCORES

However, Indian professional Harmeet Kahlon, who won his maiden title at last month's Indian Masters, predicted 72-hole scores of between 13 and 15 under par should still be achievable.

The 31-year-old Kahlon leads a contingent of 41 Indian golfers in this week's field -- in the absence of compatriots Arjun Atwal, Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa.

Atwal, who became the first Indian to win a European tour event at last month's Singapore Masters, and Singh are both playing in this week's Qatar Masters -- the latest stop on the European Tour.

Randhawa broke his collarbone in a motorcycle accident last week and could be out of action for three months.

The Indian Open, which has attracted an entry of more than 150, starts on Thursday.