Chawrasia excited about playing for Asia at EurAsia Cup

Three-time Asian Tour winner, Shiv Shankar Prasad Chawrasia is fully charged and excited about playing his first international team event, when he tees up for Team Asia in the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM next week. 

Kolkata-based Chawrasia, who finished fourth in Asian Tour Order of Merit and earned automatic selection into the 12-man squad has never represented India or Asia in a team event.

“I played very little amateur golf and in the past missed making the team for India to the World Cup or the Asian Team for 2014 EurAsia Cup,” said Chawrasia, who has won twice in co-sanctioned 

events and his latest win was in late 2014 in the Panasonic Open.

He added, “I have had a good season in 2015 and I was runner-up at the Hero Indian Open behind Anirban Lahiri. It was the second time in succession I was runner-up at the Indian  Open.”Chawrasia, a fairly aggressive player is suited for match-play.

“I like the excitement of matchplay. In India we used to have one tournament in that format, but it is no longer there. We have played a kind of a team event in a League also, but EurAsia Cup with top stars from Asia and Europe means a lot. I know I can do well and with Anirban as one of my teammates and my good friend and senior colleague Jeev Milkha Singh as captain, I am looking forward to the event and Malaysia is a venue I love.”

As for his preparation, Chawrasia, added, “I took time off after Asian Tour engagements and played the last event on Indian Tour. Now I am back to practice and I am looking forward. I also plan to spend some time with coach Vijay Divecha soon and I feel it is going to be an exciting year and I am also keen on making the Indian team for Olympics.”Jeev, who has great admiration for the plucky Chawrasia, said, “It was fantastic that he earned his spot directly. I kept an eye on him and I know he is a valuable player. His fighting spirit and ever-smiling manner will be an asset to Team Asia.” On Chawrasia’s game, Jeev added, “SSP is great player around the greens and if his putting gets going he will be hard to catch. I am looking forward to seeing him action in a Team format.

I have been fortunate to travel and tour with him in Europe and Asia and I feel he could be one of our trump cards.”“We have a very strong Asian team and I am expecting a tough contest after a 10-10 tie last time,” said Jeev. Chawrasia is one of the two Indians, who earned a direct spot to Team Asia, alongwith Anirban Lahiri. The Asian team also includes An Byeong-hun, Thongchai Jaidee, Kiradech Aphibarnrat among others.

The European team will be led by Darren Clarke and it includes the likes of Ian Poulter. The EurAsia Cup will feature 24 matches, with day one showcasing six Fourball matches, followed by six Foursomes matches and 12 Singles matches on the third day.