Defending champion Lahiri confident of bagging Panasonic Open

In-form Anirban Lahiri is confident of defending his Panasonic Open India title when he tees off on Thursday at the Delhi Golf Club here.

Lahiri, who also sealed his spot for his maiden Major at the British Open in July by winning International Final Qualifiers  Asia recently, said he would look at continuing his good form.

"The win at the Panasonic Open India last year really kick-started my good run. Anybody on Tour will tell you that the first win is critical. Since then, I've made a lot of progress and also a slump but I've come out and made it a positive start by winning at the SAIL-SBI Open and qualifying for the British Open.

"I'm really focussed at continuing my form and keeping it at a level where it should be," Lahiri told the media after the practice round.

Lahiri, who is also Panasonic's Sporting Ambassador, talked about the meditation course that he took up at the start of this season.

"Meditating has not only helped with my game but also made me a better person. It has put me more at peace with myself, the environment, my surroundings and with my family. That's what's reflecting on the golf course," insisted Lahiri.

"I don't think meditating has any direct effect on my game. I'm not losing my temper on the course, I'm much calmer and I accept whatever comes my way. The same things that would have upset me last year do not upset me anymore. I think those things are all contribution factors to me playing better golf," he added.