Kapil, Sehwag steal the show

Barely a day after being adjudged man of the India – South Africa Test series, Virendra Sehwag and Indian cricketer of the century Kapil Dev were the star attractions on the opening day of the Vipul Corporate Invitational Golf Tournament at the par-72, Jack Nicklaus-designed Classic Golf Resorts near Delhi on Friday.

Playing alongside Kapil Dev, who is one of the longest hitters of the ball in the country, the prince of Najafgarh did learn a few tricks of the trade.

"It was a great feeling. Kapil Paaji gave me useful tips on golf and cricket as well," said the dashing opener.

"I have recently started but I think I can pick-up the game easily. Comparatively golf is much more a difficult game than cricket. I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and playing along the lush green fairways and greens. It is an experience in itself," he added.

However, the master blaster admitted that cricket is his first love.

"I would like to play this game whenever I have a break from cricket, which is my first priority," he said.

Kapil, who is a mentor to many a cricketer, played a willing teacher to the only Indian batsman to have scored a triple century.

"I admire Veeru's batting a lot and I think he can be a good golfer as well," said the legendary cricketer-turned-golfer. "In fact, all the cricketers should start playing golf as this game helps you reach a better level of concentration," he said.

A host of other cricketers including the likes of national selector Kiran More, Syed Kirmani, Ashok Mankad, Atul Wassan, Nikhil Chopra and Bharat Reddy played alongside a cream of corporate big wigs.

Olympic silver medallist Rajyawardhan Rathore and former Olympic gold medallist Pargat Singh are scheduled to play on the morrow. A gala prize presentation party will bring the curtain down to this unique tournament.