Singapore, April 30 (IANS): Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri is ready to establish himself as a genuine title contender when The Championship at Laguna National gets underway here Thursday.
Fresh from winning his first Asian Tour title abroad in Indonesia last week, the 26-year-old is determined to extend his winning run and aim for further glory at the $1.5 million event that is sanctioned by the Asian and European Tour.
With the mental barrier of achieving success away from home broken, the four-time Asian Tour winner has set his sights higher.
"Last week in Indonesia was a great result for me. I've to focus on what needs to be done next. This event is a great opportunity for me to step up to another level in my game and there is still a lot to play for this week," said Lahiri.
Lahiri is the highest ranked Asian and second highest player after Austria's Bernd Wiesberger in the field this week.
The World No.67 has given himself a target of finishing inside the world's top-50 and winning the Asian Tour Order of Merit title by the end of the season.
"I think last week's win has put me closer to the goal but there is still a long way to go. For short term goal, I hope I can win again this week to get into the top-60 and qualify for the US Open. My other goal is to contend for the Order of Merit. The win put me in a great position and it'll be another good opportunity for me to do that as well this week," said Lahiri.
Lahiri credits the EurAsia Cup for the ability to assert himself on the world stage. The Indian played a key role in securing two points for Team Asia in the epic draw with Team Europe in the Ryder Cup style event in Malaysia last month.
"The EurAsia Cup has really boosted my confidence and it has helped my game tremendously. I'm definitely looking for another performance like that in Indonesia again," said Lahiri.