New Delhi: Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri hopes an improved short game will guide him to a successful title defence at the Panasonic Open India in March.

Lahiri enjoyed a dream home victory in the inaugural Panasonic Open India last season but subsequently struggled with his form during the second half of the year, something he believes will improve after joining the growing band of players switching to the belly putter.

"After a great start to 2011, I let my performance slip in the second half of the year," said Lahiri.

"I struggled to score and my short game and putting left a lot to be desired. I still feel like I am hitting the ball really good and that a good four days is all it might take to get things going again," he said.

"I recently switched to the belly putter at the Hong Kong Open and I am in the process of making technical changes to adapt to it. I am focussing a lot on my short game since my scrambling stats have not been good," he added.