Siddikur relishing second chance

Bangladesh's premier golfer Siddikur Rahman is relishing another opportunity to play on home soil as he gears up for the second edition of the Bashundhara Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

The two-time Asian Tour winner, who finished tied-38th last time around, said the conditions at the Kurmitola Golf Club would be more favourable for himself and his fellow countrymen this time around.

"I didn't enjoy a good outing last year but that's a course which holds a lot of good memories for me. I just want to enjoy my game, my home crowd and the course next week. It's always pressure playing in front of your home crowd as everybody expects the best from you but I feel more motivation than pressure," Siddikur told Asiantour.com.

The two-time Asian Tour winner, who is currently participating in the Leopalace21 Myanmar Open, moved to joint 54th position after the third round with an aggregate score of five-under-par (211). The 31-year-old golfer traded three birdies against three bogies yesterday, but he was already looking forward to returning to his home course.

"The weather is going to be much better this time around, compared to last year. It is winter in Bangladesh. There will be little chance of rain during the week and the course will be in good shape," said Siddikur.

A total of 31 Bangladeshi golfers, including five amateurs, will be part of an elite 138-man field which will feature defending champion Mardan Mamat of Singapore, reigning Asian Development Tour Order of Merit champion Casey O'Toole of the United States, as well as Thai veteran Thaworn Wiratchant and countryman Danthai Boonma.