Joshi jostling for his spot in the limelight

India's Khalin Joshi hopes next week's Volvo China Open can help him emulate good friend Shubhankar Sharma's rapid rise to stardom over the past few months.

Joshi, who sits 10th on the Asian Tour's order of merit (Habitat for Humanity Standings), has received a sponsor's invite to play the 20 million yuan ($3.2 million) tournament, tri-sanctioned by the China Golf Association, Asian Tour and European Tour.

He will challenge for honors alongside world No 72 Sharma, Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnat, Australian Scott Hend and reigning order of merit champion Gavin Green of Malaysia at Beijing Topwin Golf and Country Club from April 26-29.

Sharma, 21, is enjoying a stellar year that has seen him rise to second in the European Tour's Race to Dubai standings and also earned him an invitation to the Masters.

"I am very happy for Shubhankar. Watching him play in the Masters on television was surreal. We are very good friends and he motivates me the most," said Joshi.

"He reminds me that one good week can take you to the next level, and it's just a matter of time before things will fall into place for me."

The 25-year-old Joshi retained his Asian Tour card for the first time in his career by finishing in the 2017 order of merit's top 60. He secured his 2019 card thanks to a tie for fifth place at the Malaysia Open in February.

"I was really proud of how I kept my emotions together that week in Malaysia. I showed everyone that I can compete at that level and I proved it to myself as well," said Joshi.

"Things have changed so much for me this season. I was struggling to keep my card last year but now that the pressure is off, I play to win and not just to secure my card."

He will be returning to China for the first time in eight years for the Volvo China Open.

"The last time I was in China was in 2010 when I played as a junior in the Faldo Series Asia and finished second in my division.," Joshi said.

"I'm excited to be coming back and competing against such a strong field."

Defending champion Alexander Levy of France and China's world No 44 Li Haotong will also grace the elite international field in the tournament's 24th edition.