Sport - Golf

Kapur blasts Montgomerie

NEW DELHI: Colin Montgomerie should zip his mouth and play well enough to qualify for the Masters instead of sulking over the Asian players’ inclusion in the golf Major, Shiv Kapur said.

Montgomerie, after failing to finish among the top-50 and missing a berth in the elite event, was when he was ignored and three lower-ranked Asian players, including Jeev Milkha Singh, were handed special invitations for the first Major of the year.

The Scot alleged commercial interests drove the organisers to induct the trio in the field, which they otherwise could not have done.

Kapur, not amused by Montgomerie’s observation, said: “It’s a clear case of sour grapes. Monty should zip his mouth and focus on his own game. He should try to qualify for the Major, instead of blaming players like Jeev.” Kapur said Jeev has done more for Indian golf than the Scot — regarded as one of the best players never to have won a Major — possibly did for his country.

“Jeev has done a lot for the game in the country. I can say that I am what I am because of players like him. Can you tell me what Montogmerie has done for Scotland?” Kapur said.

This would be Jeev’s second successive Masters appearance and he stands a good chance of having a decent finish, reckons Kapur.

“His chances are bright even though it all boils down to how you play over the four days. Your game has to click at the right time. After all, everyone walks out to win,” he said. — PTI

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