Anirban Lahiri opened the door for Indian golfers: S Chikkarangappa

NOIDA: Accolades poured in for Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri, who just won his maiden European tour title at Malaysia, with the country's budding golfers, including S Chikkarangappa, describing him as an inspiration who opened the door to the world for them.

"It gives a great booster because an Indian has gone on to win an European tour event. All the major golfers have been playing there, so I think Anirban has opened the door for us, it opens a door for all Indians and shows that it is not impossible to win a major tournament in the coming year. So we don't look back anymore," Chikkarangappa said.

Chikka, who finished second on the PGTI's Rolex Rankings in 2013 and 2014, along with Angad Cheema and Abhijit Singh Chadha earned an Asian Tour card last month. Himmat Singh Rai, a former winner on the Asian Tour, also regained his card after finishing inside the top-40.

The 25-year-old Cheema said: "Anirban is an inspiration. The way he won the Maybank Malaysian Open after scoring 10-under in the third round is simply amazing. I know he is mentally tough and I look upto him.

"He qualified for European tour and won in just a few starts. It gives a lot of confidence because one of us have gone and won there. He showed it is possible."

Chikka, who also hails from Bangalore like Lahiri, said: "I spoke to Anirban, he said he was just being positive. In fact, before going to Malaysia, he and me were practicing together. He was sad that he couldn't make it to Dubai Desert Classic. I could see there was so much energy in him and I thought he will do something this week and the way he won the title under pressure is a great inspiration."

Lahiri carded a dramatic 68 to clinch his maiden European Tour win and a sixth title on Asian Tour at Kuala Lumpur yesterday. He became the fourth Indian after Jeev Milkha Singh (4), Arjun Atwal (3) and SSP Chowrasia (2) to have won an European Tour title.