I was scared of losing again, says Chawrasia

The fear of losing again had started to bother SSP Chawrasia last night but a nerve-calming chat with experienced Pro Jeev Milkha Singh helped him stay focussed and deliver when it mattered the most.

Even last year, he just helplessly saw his two-stroke lead vaporise as compatriot Anirban Lahiri came from seven strokes behind to force a play-off and win it eventually.

“I was worried last night as I had lost four times and I kept thinking may be Anirban will again come back and win tomorrow,” Chawrasia told reporters after winning the Hero Indian Open by two strokes.

“So I called up Jeev for his advise and he told me not to be aggressive even if I drop a bogey or someone else hits birdies.

“I followed his words today. I tried to focus on my game even when Anirban hit three birdies early on. I kept trying to hit straight and get into the fairways to give myself a chance to birdie. I am very happy with the win.”

With this win, Chawrasia has brightened his chances of becoming the second Indian to qualify for the Rio Olympics behind Anirban (World No. 52) before the July 11th deadline.