Jeev’s Volvo title defence live on Ten Sports

MUMBAI: Ten Sports, the most watched sports channel of the sub-continent, will bring live the most anticipated event of the year for Indian golf fans – Jeev Milkha Singh’s defence of his Volvo Masters title on the European PGA Tour.

Last year, the Indian ace authored the finest chapter of this country’s golfing history when he won the flagship event of the European Tour in thrilling fashion, beating Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald to joint second place by one stroke. It was the biggest individual sporting achievement of the country in terms of prize money won, as the Chandigarh golfer walked away with a cool cheque of 666,660 euros (Rs 3.7 crores)

And Jeev will return to the scene of his greatest triumph this week, fully aware that some of the finest names in world golf would be eager to snatch his crown.

Talking from Cadiz, Spain, Jeev said: “Volvo Masters was the biggest win of my career, and I am naturally excited as I try and defend my title.

“It’s one of the biggest tournaments on the European Tour, and the win last year opened up so many doors for me. It would be great if I win again, but I know I am up against a quality field and will have to put on my best show to do that. Overall, I am feeling good about my game and I am physically rested after a relaxing week playing the King Hassan II Golf Trophy in Morocco.”

The reigning Indian Open champion Jyoti Randhawa will join Jeev at Valderrama, as he makes his debut in this exclusive, season-ending tournament, open only to the top-60 players on the European Tour’s Order of Merit.

Live telecast of the Volvo Masters is scheduled to start at 6:30 pm IST for the first three rounds starting Thursday, November 1, while Sunday’s final round will commence at 8:00 pm.

The tournament will also decide the winner of the race for the 2007 European Tour Order of Merit crown. Ernie Els is currently No1 on the money list, but there are four players with a chance to surpass the South African for the Harry Vardon Trophy – British Open winner Padraig Harrington of Ireland, England’s Justin Rose; and Henrik Stenson and Niclas Fasth of Sweden.

Harrington is the only one of the challengers who has claimed an Order of Merit title before. Rose (No3), Stenson (No4) and Fasth (No5) will all be looking for their first.

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