MercedesTrophy Shows Power of Performance At Gurugram

By Deepak Arora

GURUGRAM: Tuesday, February 27, was a beautiful morning. There was slight chill in the air at 5 AM. But later in the day by 8, the temperature became just right. Neither cold nor unusual warm that had been so for the past few days.

It was a beautiful sight when over 100 Mercedes-Benz cars coming from Delhi and Gurgaon were buzzing at regural interval on the Delhi-Jaipur highway. These cars with exciting golfers were heading towards the Classic Golf and Country Club in Bissar Akbarpur on the outskirts of national Capital, New Delhi.

Even thought the drive from Central Delhi was about 75 minutes, the excitement was visible as over 100 golfers were eager to participate in the MercedesTrophy 2018 on the first day at the ITC Golf course. Equal numbers would be participating on the each of the next two days.

In his remarks, Roland Folger, MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, said as many as 12 Indian cities are on the map of this coveted Trophy. Gurgaon qualifier leg is the tenth city. From here it moves to Noida (March 7 to 9) and the qualifiers end on March 11 at Jaipur.

Roland Folger informed that the 27-day qualifier golf tourament commenced on Januray 4 at the beautiful city of Pune. From there, it moved on to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, KolKata, Chennai and Chandigarh.

He said Pune will also host the national finals at the Oxford Golf Resort from April 4 to 6.

Roland Folger said forty-five winners will be selected from the qualifiers for the National Finals.

Globally, MercedesTrophy witnesses participation of approximately 60,000 golfers from across 60 countries battling it out for the top prize, making it one of the world’s largest and most coveted sporting events.

Three winners of the National Finals will then compete against those from tournaments played in 60 countries all over the world in the 29th edition of the MercedesTrophy World Final to be held in Stuttgart, Germany. Mercedes-Benz is also providing an opportunity for beginners to learn golf through their Golf Clinic program.

On the first day in Gurgaon, city Golfers Amit Luthra [Former Asian Games Gold Medalist and Arjuna Award Winner] - Handicap Category A (0-17) and Shekhar Aggarwal - Handicap Category B (18-24) qualified for the National Finals of MercedesTrophy 2018.

Amit and Dinesh clinched the first two qualification spots available from the leg by carding a nett score of 70 and 70.2 respectively.

Rishi Narain, MD of RNG Golf Management, said a total of 107 city golfers participated on Day 1 of the Gurugram leg qualifiers.

Mercedes-Benz India MD and CEO said this year for the first time, Mercedes-Benz’s global charity partner – Laureus Sport for Good Foundation is also associated with the tournament to raise funds for its programmes in India.

He said while participants can donate online or on-ground at the tournament venue, Mercedes-Benz India will donate an equal amount to match the funds raised from participants.

Since the establishment of this global non-profit prgramme in 2000, Mercedes-Benz has been deeply committed to supporting and advancing its goals and values, which are essentially about improving the lives of disadvantaged and sick children and young people through social sports projects. Today, Laureus is a fundamental component of Mercedes-Benz's social responsibility activities.

Day One winner Amit Luthra: “After having played for India for over 20 years and winning the Asian games gold medal qualifying for the MercedesTrophy finals was a different experience. I am looking forward to Pune and hopefully I can make it to Stuttgart and represent India.”

Said Shekhar Aggarwal: “I am extremely delighted to qualify for the National Finals and it is a beautiful golf course.”

The best Gross Winner of the first day was Anuj Khera with a round of 77 and there were a host of other prizes on offer to be won on the day.

Prominent winners included Jatin Sindhu who won the Ballantine’s Long Drive Challenge with a mammoth drive of 335 yards. Harsh Gahlaut won the Mercedes-Benz Closest to Pin contest on hole number 5 by landing the ball at 1 ft. from the pin.

In the Mercedes–Benz Closest to Pin in Two Shots, Gautam Gupta landed the ball at 11 ft. 7 Inches from the pin to win the contest on hole number 12.

Punit Beriwala won the Mercedes-Benz Straightest Drive contest on hole number 7 by landing the ball at 1.5 ft. from the line.

Deepak Arora won the prize for the Best Maintained Mercedes-Benz car.

DAY TWO

On Day Two, city Golfers Hritik Gandhi Handicap Category A (0-17) and Jagdeep Rangar - Handicap Category B (18-24) qualified for the National Finals. Hritik and Jagdeep clinched the two qualification spots available on Day 2 from the leg by carding a nett score of 70.6 and 73 respectively.

Monica Jajoo who won the Ballantine’s Long Drive Challenge (A challenge that is played between men and women) said, “I am feeling really great as men are known to be great drivers and I have beaten them in their own game. I am a decent golfer but this is by far is my best achievement.”

The best Gross Winner of the second day was Aaditya Gupta with a round of 75.

On Day Two, Monica Jajoo won the Ballantine’s Long Drive Challenge with a mammoth drive of 360 yards. Subir Maheshwari won the Mercedes-Benz Closest to Pin contest on hole number 5 by landing the ball at 2.9 ft. from the pin. In the Mercedes–Benz Closest to Pin in Two Shots, Yogesh Batra landed the ball at 2 ft. from the pin to win the contest on hole number 12. Jaipreet Singh Kler won the Mercedes-Benz Straightest Drive contest on hole number 7 by landing the ball on the line.

Rishi Narain said a total of 115 city golfers participated on Day 2 of the Gurugram leg qualifiers. Another 120 golfers will compete for the remaining two qualifications spots on the final day of the Gurugram leg.

DAY THREE

On Day Three, Golfers Aman Sawhney Handicap Category A (0-17) and Manav Sardana - Handicap Category B (18-24) qualified for the National Finals of MercedesTrophy. Aman and Manav clinched the final two qualification spots available from the leg by carding a nett score of 70.6 and 72 respectively. The MercedesTrophy 2018 has so far seen 37 qualifiers including today who will be competing in the National Finals to be played at the Oxford Golf Resort in Pune from April 4 to 6.

The best Gross Winner of the day was Kumar Binit with an excellent round of 78 and there were a host of other prizes on offer to be won on the day.

Prominent winners included Phulbag Singh Sodi who won the Ballantine’s Long Drive Challenge with a mammoth drive of 320 yards. Rakesh Singh won the Mercedes-Benz Closest to Pin contest on hole number 5 by landing the ball at 8.7 ft. from the pin. In the Mercedes – Benz Closest to Pin in Two Shots, Nikhil Agarwal landed the ball at 0.7 inch from the pin to win the contest on hole number 12. Sanjeev Laroia won the Mercedes-Benz Straightest Drive contest on hole number 7 by landing the ball at 8 inch from the line.

Rishi Narain said a total of 106 golfers competed on Day 3 of MercedesTrophy Gurugram leg.

The format of play was Double Peoria. This unique format of adjusting handicaps of players levels the playing field enabling golfers to have a greater chance of qualifying for the National Finals.

Classic Golf Resort is the first South Asian Signature Championship golf course designed by the legend Jack Nicklaus. The resort has been built on a 300 acres expanse at the foothills of the picturesque Aravallis, on the outskirts of India's national Capital, New Delhi. Its only 35 kms away from the international airport.

Turkish Airlines Sponsors 41st Annual Empire State Building Run-Up

By Noyanika Arora

NEW YORK, Feb 8: Turkish Airlines, flying to more countries than any other airline in the world, was the proud title sponsor of 41st Annual Empire State Building Run-Up held on Wednesday.

Participants from around the globe raced up 1,576 steps to the top of New York City’s iconic building, with first place winner of women’s race, Australian Suzy Walsham reaching the top in 12 minutes and 56 seconds. She won this title for sixth consecutive year and extends her record for most wins to nine. On the other hand, Colombian Frank Nicolas Carreno won the men's race in 10 minutes and 50 seconds.

Turkish Airlines, Turkey’s national flag carrier, has a New York office in the Empire State Building, with its global headquarters based in Istanbul. The airline held its own race heat with key Turkish Airlines executives, VIPs, media, celebrities and athletes.

The race drew athletes and celebrities from around the world to raise awareness for Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), this year’s official charity. CAF provides access and tools to people with physical challenges to help them lead active and healthy lifestyles.

“It was an honor to support an event that promotes competition, sportsmanship and access to a healthy lifestyle for all,” said Mr. Cenk Ocal, New York General Manager of Turkish Airlines.

“The Empire State Building Run-Up embodies our core values and our shared commitment to continue bridging communities together through a common passion, whether it’s sports and running or traveling and exploration. As Turkish Airlines, we thank the Empire State Realty Trust and everyone involved for putting together such a magnificent and successful event.”

The race was followed by a special function at the STATE Grill and Bar to celebrate all racers, which was also a stage for the presentation of 6 Turkish Airlines’ Business Class tickets to the first three female and male contestants who entered the ranking. Besides that, Turkish Airlines’ representatives hosted a Miles & Smiles Frequent Flyer table where race participants and event attendees could enroll for the airline’s robust frequent flier program.

Within the scope of the organization, the Empire State Building was also coloured with red and white lights which symbolize the colours of Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Turkey, starting from the evening of the event until the following morning at 2 am.

Joshi maps out game plan for Hero Indian Open

By Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI, March 3: Rising Indian star Khalin Joshi plans to adopt a more patient approach when he contends at the US$1.75 million Hero Indian Open next week.

The 25-year-old Joshi, who enjoyed a commendable top-10 finish at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia last month, will keep things simple at the challenging Gary Player designed DLF Golf and Country Club from March 8 to 11.

“Par is going to be your friend. The Gary Player-designed course at DLF Golf and Country Club is a real test of patience and everyone is bound to make some mistakes. Some holes are really challenging and they demand great golf shots,” said Joshi.

The Bengaluru native will be inspired to follow in the footsteps of his close friend Shubhankar Sharma, who sensationally won the Maybank Championship and is currently leading the Asian Tour’s Habitat for Humanity Standings and Race to Dubai.

Joshi is fired up to win his first Asian Tour title at the Hero Indian Open after successfully retaining his Tour card for the 2019 season.

With the pressure off his chest, the young Indian hopes to keep a cool head in the heat of battle at his National Open which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

“I can get a bit carried away after a bad hole, but I’ve learned to deal with my emotions better. I missed the cut in 2016 and 2017, but I’m back with a vengeance! I’ve never felt better going into the tournament and I hope to be in contention come Sunday,” he said.

The 54th edition of the Hero Indian Open will feature an elite 144-man field that includes five Asian Tour Order of Merit winners, more than 40 Asian Tour champions, as well as a bevy of international names.

Top contenders from Asia’s premier circuit such as Australia’s Scott Hend and India’s Anirban Lahiri, Order of Merit winners in 2016 and 2015 respectively, will tee it up alongside Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn of Denmark, crowd favourite Andrew Johnston of England and 2016 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year Emiliano Grillo of Argentina.

The last two editions of the Hero Indian Open was won by S.S.P. Chawrasia of India. The six-time Asian Tour winner will be attempting to be the first golfer in the tournament’s 54-year history to lift the trophy three consecutive times.

Rahul Dravid remains humble after India’s U-19 Cricket World Cup win, says ‘it’s not about me’

MOUNT MAUGANUI, Feb 2: Rahul Dravid hopes India’s ICC?Under-19 Cricket World Cup triumph is a stepping stone for great things to come following Saturday’s eight-wicket win over Australia in the final.

Having bowled Australia out for 216 in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, Indian U-19 cricket team made light work of a moderate total as Manjot Kalra saw them home in style.

The opener struck an unbeaten 101 from 102 balls with eight fours and three sixes as Dravid’s men reached their target with more than 11 overs to spare.

The title is India’s first since 2012, having been beaten in the final by the West Indies two years ago, and the head coach hopes this success is the first of many for this crop of players.

“I’m really proud of the boys and the effort they put in,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier for them.

“Hopefully it’s a memory they cherish for a long, long time, but hopefully not the lasting memory and they have many more great moments and bigger things in future.

“It’s a bit embarrassing at times because I tend to get a lot of attention and focus, but it is really about the support staff and the quality of people that we’ve had.”

“I don’t want to mention names but everyone in the support staff has put in a great effort. We do the best for the kids.”

“I enjoyed it a lot,” added man of the match Kalra. “The conditions were good. Not a difficult wicket, it was flat and good to bat on. It’s been a great environment within the team and I’ve enjoyed that.”