Jyoti Randhawa

Jyoti, Asia's number one in 2002, ended a two-year winless run by lifting a second Hero Honda Indian Open crown in a play-off in 2006, which extended to Monday. Missed a short putt in the first play-off on Sunday evening for the title but wrapped it up the next morning with a birdie against compatriot S.S.P. Chowrasia. Also finished in the top-10 at the OSIM Singapore Masters and Brunei Open, and claimed third spot at the Pulai Springs Malaysian Masters. Finished tied eighth in the Barclays Singapore Open, an event he won in 2000. A week later after Indian triumph, Jyoti won the Bilt Open on the domestic circuit. He also finished top-10 at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai where he played with Tiger Woods in the third round and was tied third at the UBS Hong Kong Open. Won the Low Stroke Average award with 69.74. The Indian also comfortably retained his European Tour card after a solid rookie season in 2006 where he finished 68th on the Order of Merit with three top-10s. In 2005, Jyoti endured a difficult season due to injuries during mid-year which ruled him out for more than two months. However he still enjoyed a lucrative season as he finished third on the Order of Merit with earnings of US$329,835. He ended his season with a second place finish in the Volvo Masters of Asia in Bangkok where he was forced to relinquish his title to countryman Shiv Kapur. Had posted a similar result in the Malaysian Open in February, beaten by back-to-back champion Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand. Another main highlight in 2005 was when he earned his European Tour card with strong performances at the Dubai Desert Classic and Qatar Masters following top-15 finishes. Partnered Arjun Atwal to ninth place in the WGC-World Cup in Portugal where they were the first round co-leaders. Was also the recipient of the Arjuna Award, India's most prestigious sporting award, in 2005. In 2004, he finished the year with a bang by winning the Volvo Masters of Asia in Kuala Lumpur. Beat Terry Pilkadaris of Australia in the second hole of a sudden-death play-off and the win propelled him to second place on the Order of Merit. Also finished tied second in the tri-sanctioned Johnnie Walker Classic and did not miss a cut in seven starts all season. In 2003, he broke through in Japan, winning the Suntory Open en route to 26th place on the money list. It was the first win by an Indian in Japan and he won 20 million yen (approx US$189,700). Was also one of the stars of Asia's winning team in the 2003 and 2005 Visa Dynasty Cup. Won all of his matches against the Japanese by making a ton of birdies at Mission Hills in China in 2003. In 2002 Jyoti became the first Indian to win the Order of Merit title in Asia after making a brave comeback from injury. The Indian broke his collarbone following a motorcycle accident in March and was out of action until August but returned to the Tour stronger than ever. He did not win that year but finished in the top-15 in 10 events. His superb season earned him the praise of his peers who voted him the Players' Player of the Year. Also finished sixth in the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland in 2002.

PERSONAL: The son of a retired army general, Jyoti is also an excellent marksman and enjoys riding horses and motorbikes. He regularly practices yoga, which played a major role in his recovery from injury in 2002. In 2000 he married celebrated Bollywood actress Tina Singh, the sister of fellow professional Digvijay.

2003 PGA European Tour Summary: Tournaments entered - 11; in money - 10; top-10 finishes - 2; scoring average 70.89 (ranked 154th); money �266,236 or £185,622 (ranked N/A); best finish, 2nd, BMW Asian Open
2004 PGA European Tour Summary: Tournaments entered - 8; in money - 6; top-10 finishes - 3; scoring average 70.57 (ranked 154th); money �260,598 or £180,210 (ranked N/A); best finish, T2nd, Johnnie Walker Classic.
2005 PGA European Tour Summary: Tournaments entered - 13; in money - 8; top-10 finishes - 1; scoring average 71.69 (ranked 83rd); money �232,240 or £156,971 (ranked 95th); best finish, 2nd Carlsberg Malaysian Open.
2006 PGA European Tour Summary: Tournaments entered - 23; in money - 17; top-10 finishes - 3; scoring average 71.33 (ranked 50th); money �351,468 or £235,450 (ranked 68th); best finish,T6th, Abu Dhabi Golf Championship
2007 PGA European Tour Summary: Tournaments entered - 26; in money - 17; top-10 finishes - 7; scoring average 70.88 (ranked 12th); money �849,895 or £596,179 (ranked 141st); Best finish, 2nd, Open de España.