HUA HIN: India's Anirban Lahiri is determined to scale greater heights when he takes his place as the highest ranked player at the inaugural USD 2 million True Thailand Classic presented by Black Mountain which will tee off here tomorrow.
The 27-year-old Indian, ranked 37th in the world, is enjoying one of the best times in his career, having claimed his biggest victory in Malaysia last week.
Voted as the Players' Player of the Year in 2014, Lahiri's latest triumph was his sixth win on the region's premier Tour and third victory in 10 months. It was also his first win on the European tour.
"It's a very exciting period for me right now. I'm playing well and one of the many goals that I've set for myself is to crack the top-50 and that win last week has made it possible," said Lahiri.
Lahiri is not planning to rest on his laurels and is determined for a greater push up the world order, starting with another assured performance at the Black Mountain Golf Club this week.
"I had a big boost in my world rankings after Malaysia. But the next two weeks here and in India are going to be crucial for me to play well. It'll seal up my place in the Masters and a host of other major events.
"I've got a lot to play for. Last week was great but these two weeks are equally important for me to keep the momentum going in the right direction," said Lahiri.
Lahiri will be up against the best players from the Asian Tour and European Tour in the richest golf tournament in Thailand, which is also the first co-sanctioned tournament by both Tours in Thailand in eight years.
He will face his acid test as the Thailand Classic will also include a strong European Tour field that includes Denmark's Thomas Bjorn as well as Spaniards Miguel Angel Jiménez and Alejandro Canizares, who finished tied third in Malaysia last week.