Mauritius, 01-12-2017
Atwal maintains lead in round two of AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open
Chawrasia moves into tied 13th
Arjun Atwal of India fired a one-under-par 70 to maintain his lead on a wind-swept day at the halfway stage of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open on Friday.
The eight-time Asian Tour champion, who opened with a sizzling 62, totalled 10-under-par 132 to hold a one-shot advantage at the €1million (approximately US$1.07 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour, Sunshine Tour and European Tour.
Dylan Frittelli of South Africa eagled the last hole for a 66 to tie in second place alongside countryman Louis de Jager (67) and Laurie Canter (66) of England, at the Heritage Golf Club.
Atwal struggled to repeat his opening round magic but stayed in the hunt to end a three-year title drought after posting three birdies against two bogeys. After 36 holes, Atwal has only dropped two shots, both bogeys coming in the second round on holes 16 and three.
The Indian, who will captain Team Asia in the EurAsia Cup next year, almost chipped in for birdie on his final ninth hole before settling for par. He stayed composed on a blustery day as he heads into the weekend as the first player to reach double digits.
Arjun said, “I thought it was a lot more trickier. The wind wasn’t blowing at a consistent pace and it would gust and you would look like a fool out there. I was pleased with how I played.
“The putter was definitely not as hot as the first day. I was hitting the ball just as good but it is tough to follow up a 62 with another low round. I’ll take this one-under.
“I almost birdied the ninth. I misjudged the wind with my second shot and it came out just short. It was right on line as well. I would usually putt from the distance I was from the hole but decided to chip and it almost went it. It was a good way to finish.
“I’m always calm. People who know me, know, that I don’t get fired up or lose my temper. I’m pretty much the same all the time. I’m really looking forward to the weekend.
“(On recovering from the long distance travel) I feel as good as I can feel for my age. I’m feeling a bit sore but I’ll be okay tomorrow.”
SSP Chawrasia (69-67) moved up 20 places to tied 13th after a second round of four-under-67. His total read six-under-136.
SSP said, “It was a bogey-free round so I’m very happy. I started with a bogey-bogey yesterday then I fought back very nicely. It was a good comeback and today I just continued from where I left off.
“There was no wind on the first five holes but it started to blow. I think it was blowing stronger than yesterday. I’m playing well and I’ve been working hard on my game. I can see that my game is getting better. That’s why I think I’ve had good results in the last few weeks except the final round in Hong Kong!
“After playing a bad round, I need to delete it after 10 minutes. I don’t want to carry these bad memories with me. Obviously when you play bad, you feel bad so you don’t want to take that with you.
“I’m enjoying my time here. There are a lot of Indian people and they can speak Hindi. I’m enjoying the beach and my room has a sea view!”
Shiv Kapur fired a second straight 69 to be placed tied 25th at four-under-138.
The two other Indians who made the cut were, Shubhankar Sharma who was tied 38th at two-under-140 and Gaganjeet Bhullar who was tied 54th at one-under-141.
Source: Asian Tour
About PGTI:
Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Kapil Dev (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
Mobile: 9910974846
Email: media@pgtofindia.com
