The highest ranked Indian on the Asian Tour's Habitat for Humanity Standings at seventh place, Chikkarangappa S. will lead the country's challenge at the Maekyung Open here.
After having come close on many occasions, he will continue his quest for a breakthrough victory when he tees off at The 38th GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship, which starts on Thursday.
He arrives in great form after notching up two victories on his domestic circuit, the Professional Golf Tour of India, and a solid top-10 finish at the Hero Indian Open on the Asian Tour.
His game has matured considerably over the years. A joint runner-up finish at the Mauritius Open last November, along with his fine run so far this season, have strengthened his belief that a breakthrough is imminent. Chikka, however, has two wins on the Asian Development Tour (ADT).
The other Indians in the 144-man field are young pro, Aadil Bedi and Aman Raj, another youngster of great promise. Two other Indians, Abhijit Chadha and Chiragh Kumar, are second and third reserves.
Defending champion Sanghyun Park of Korea is chasing an unprecedented treble, in the USD 1.06m event, which is celebrating its 38th edition this week at the fabled Namseoul Country Club.
Other contenders in the field include young Thai Phachara Khongwatmai, who turns 20 years old on Friday, Spaniard Javi Colomo, Korea's Yikeun Chang, who lost to Park on the third play-off hole last year; K.T. Kim of Korea, a two-time winner of the Maekyung Open, Thai duo Prom Meesawat and Danthai Boonma, as well as Australian Jason Norris and Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh.
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