New Delhi, Nov 3 Even though it has become nation's richest golf tournament, Bilt Open has lost some sheen this year with Jeev Milkha Singh, holder Jyoti Randhawa, Gaganjeet Bhullar and C Muniyappa opting out of the event, commencing in Greater Noida from November 5-8.

The quartet of Jeev, Jyoti, Gaganjeet and Muniyappa are the four Indians among 11 Asians, who have qualified for the prestigious HSBC World Golf Championship in Shanghai, which coincides with the Bilt Open.

However, other big names of Indian circuit like Anirban Lahiri, Himmat Singh Rai, veteran Gaurav Ghei, SSP Chowrasia, Mukesh Kumar, Digvijay Singh, Rahil Gangjee, Ashok Kumar and Gurki Shergill will be participating in the tournament, whose prize money this year has been increased from Rs 80 lakhs to of Rs one crore.

"The Bilt Open is today the most coveted title on the AIRCEL PGTI calendar.

- (Agencies)