Jeev leads Indian challenge in Dubai Desert Classic

Dubai: Proud father Jeev Milkha Singh will spearhead the Indian challenge even though five of his compatriots will tee off in the USD 2.5 million Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament here on Thursday. Apart from Jeev, Orlando-based Indian Arjun Atwal, European Tour regulars Jyoti Randhawa and Shiv Kapur, 2008 Indian Masters winner SSP Chowrasia and rising star Anirban Lahiri will also be in the fray. Jeev skipped the Qatar Masters to be with his wife Kudrat who delivered their first child in Chandigarh. "I am sure this is going to have a huge impact on my game and I am sure it will be for the better," Jeev said. "I was playing at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, where I did all right, but the focus was not there 100 per cent. The arrival of the baby will surely give me some added motivation in the Dubai Desert Classic," he added. Jeev has been paired with Robert Rock and Edoardo Molinari for the first two rounds, while Atwal has David Howell and Peter Lawrie for company. Randhawa will have Scott Hend and Nicolas Colsaerts as his partners, while Shiv Kapur will be part of the group that also includes Shane Lowry and Thomas Aiken. Twenty-year-old Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy, youngest winner in the event`s history when he lifted the crown last year, will defend the title. PTI