KUALA LUMPUR – Dec. 4, 2004 – Former Asian number one Jyoti Randhawa of India believes his big time experience playing in the United States, Europe and Japan will give him an advantage over the elite field during this week's US$550,000 Volvo Masters of Asia.

Randhawa reckons he can "compete with anyone anywhere" after finishing tied 27th at this year's British Open at Royal Troon, claiming second spot at the Johnnie Walker Classic, competing in a couple of US PGA Tour events and posting three top-10 finishes on the tough Japan Tour. The smooth-swinging Indian is currently lying third on the Asian Tour Order of Merit and knows that a good performance in the season-ending event at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club from December 9-12 will secure him spots in several big tournaments next year.

If Randhawa holds onto third place in the Order of Merit he will get into the 2005 WGC-American Express Championship while a victory next Sunday will earn him a place in the 2005 WGC-NEC Invitational. "Playing in Japan, Europe and the US have all helped me develop as a player," said the 32-year-old Randhawa. "I have worked on some swing changes which are starting to take hold, so everything is very positive (going into the Volvo Masters of Asia). I suppose the main thing is the continued belief I have in my game and abilities and knowing that I can compete with anyone anywhere."

Randhawa showed scintillating early season form with his second place in the joint-sanctioned Johnnie Walker Classic and third spot at the Caltex Masters in Singapore and is geared up for a late push for glory. "I'd have to say it has been a pretty good season but I have not won a tournament yet - I will have a good shot at winning the Volvo Masters of Asia," said Randhawa, who made history by becoming the first Indian to win on the Japan Tour with victory in the 2003 Suntory Open. "I seem to start and finish the year strongly, so I hope that trend continues."

Randhawa has fond memories of Kota Permai Golf and Country Club as he held off the fast-charging Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand at the 2002 Volvo Masters of Asia to clinch the Order of Merit crown. "I like the golf course. It's a good layout with some strong holes and a fair number of scoring opportunities," he said. "I hear they have rebuilt the greens, so hopefully they will be up to the speeds we're used to. To score well I reckon you need to take advantage of the par fives and the shorter par fours and stay out of the rough around the greens and the water. There are a couple of tight driving holes to watch out for. And you've got to putt well."

Randhawa praised Volvo's role in the development of golf in Asia. "Volvo has really become one of the great supporters of golf in Asia. I know they have a long history in Europe and it's great to see that same trend here in Asia," he said. "The Volvo Masters of Asia is a great way to wrap up the season. I hope they continue to support Asian golf in as many ways as possible and maybe even spread their interests to places like India."

Chuah Choo Chiang
Communications Manager
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