Atwal calls Indian Open 'very important,' aims to win

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NEW DELHI (AP) -- Indian golfer Arjun Atwal wants to cap a historic year by winning the Indian Open.

The 37-year-old Atwal became the first player from India to lift a PGA TOUR trophy when he won the Wyndham Championship at Greensboro in August.

He now has his sights set on conquering the tournament he last won 11 years ago in the eastern city of Calcutta.

Despite his success on the PGA TOUR, Atwal said he always made a point to try to play the Indian Open, which begins Thursday.

"Winning on the PGA TOUR has definitely taken a lot of pressure off me, but the Indian Open is a very important part of my schedule and that is why I try and come here every year," he said.

Atwal's compatriot Jeev Milkha Singh said he was disappointed to withdraw from the tournament.

"I was hoping to play in India after a long time," said Jeev. "But I have been advised rest for three weeks and am aiming to work on my posture so that this problem does not continue to trouble me."

Other prominent players in the fray are former champions Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand and Jyoti Randhawa of India, Swedish player Daniel Chopra and Irishman Paul McGinley.

McGinley, known for his winning putt for the European team in the 2002 Ryder Cup, said he was not expecting much because of bad form.

"It has been a poor year (for me). I missed five months due to injuries. That is why I am taking less impact on my knee. I have changed my swing a bit," he said.

This is the 47th edition of the tournament, which has been held at different venues over the years.