Karachi: India's young talent SSP Chowrasia hopes to find his way to stardom when he tees off at the season-opening Pakistan Open next week.

Chowrasia's performance on the Asian Tour in 2006 was inspirational and a win in Karachi would be the perfect start after two near misses in the last six months.

"My performances have been very good. I lost in the play-off for the Hero Honda Indian Open title but I was happy. I am now looking forward to 2007 as I will be determined to win my first title," said Chowrasia.

His title ambitions will be put to good test at one of Karachi's oldest golf courses, the Karachi Golf Club.

The Pakistan Open will include the likes of defending champion Chris Rodgers of England, India's Amandeep Johl, Gaurav Ghei and Rahil Gangjee American Anthony Kang, who was the Birdie Leader winner last season, and Qualifying School champion Ben Leong of Malaysia.

Chowrasia, the son of a greens keeper, chalked up three top-10s that included a tied eighth at the Bangkok Airways Open. He was heartbroken at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters when he led by five shots after two rounds but was later disqualified when officials discovered he had failed to sign his scorecard.

Displaying traits of a future champion, the 28-year-old bounced back with a joint runner-up finish in Kolkata, losing in a play-off to compatriot Jyoti Randhawa.

He had a putt from 15 feet at the 72nd hole to seal a famous victory but missed the chance.