Greater Noida, 15-03-2013
Chadha, Gangjee seventh, Liang, Chapchai in lead
14 Indians make cut at Avantha Masters
There was a very strong Asian touch to the leaderboard as Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat and China’s Liang Wen-chong, added second successive and matching 66s to share the halfway lead at the €1.8 million (approximately US$2.3 million) Avantha Masters on Friday at the to lead at the Jaypee Greens Golf Course.
Right on the leading duo’s heels was the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand, as he carded a 68 to share third place alongside Scotland’s David Drysdale, England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Finland’s Joonas Granberg. The quartet was two shots behind the leaders, who were at 12-under-par 132 and the foursome following them was at 10-under.
The bunch for tied seventh at nine-under included young Indian Abhijit Chadha, who was once again not overawed by the big stage. He carded a neat three-under 69 that included one bogey, his only one in the past 36 holes. Also tied with him was a Rahil Gangjee, whose flawless 66 carried to nine-under and gave him a shot at the title he missed narrowly in 2010, when he shared a seven-way lead after 54 holes before faltering in the final round.
First-round leader Thai Chinnarat Phadungsil, who shot 11-under on first day was five-over after 10 holes, before three birdies in the last saved him the blushes and brought him to 74 and at seven-under he was tied seventh.
Fourteen Indians made the cut and it was one of the highest-ever by Indians in an European Tour event.
Apart from Chadha and Gangjee, Jeev Milkha Singh (69-68), Anirban Lahiri (68-69) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (68-69) ere tied at 20th at seven-under. Ashok Kumar (68-71) was 28th at five-under, while Jyoti Randhawa (70-70), Rashid Khan (67-73) and SSP Chowrasia (68-72) were tied 39th, Himmat Rai (70-71), Manav Jaini (70-71), Vikrant Chopra (72-69), Ajeetesh Sandhu (72-69) and Mukesh Kumar (72-69) were tied 56th and on the cut line, which fell at thee-under.
Prominent Indians to miss the cut were Shamim Khan (77-66), Chiragh Kumar (72-71), Khalin Joshi (73-70) and Shiv Kapur (72-72).
Missing the cut among leading stars was Edoardo Molinari (72-70), Anders Hansen (73-69), Gregory Bourdy (74-68), Simon Dyson (73-70) Daniel Chopra (73-71), Thomas Levet (72-73), and Colin Montgomerie (76-76).
Chapchai was delighted that his booming drives played a key role in putting him into contention. “I played very well indeed. This is a very long course and I managed to hit the balls long the last two days. I also managed to hole several long putts as well and luck did play a part in getting me into my position today,” said the three-time Asian Tour winner.
Liang showed why he is still one of China’s best players when he found himself back on familiar ground atop the leaderboard.
“I had a good break with my family and I feel all recharged now. I’ve learnt to stay patient and my playing experience from all over the world has taught me well,” said Liang.
Chadha, who has shown great poise and character in the first two rounds, admitted that interactions with Jeev Milkha Singh have helped. The youngster said, “In Chandigarh I train with Jesse Grewal and I often talk to Jeev Milkha Singh when he is around and we also play sometimes. Then Amritinder Singh (Jeev’s swing coach) is also in Chandigarh. They have so much experience. I have learnt from them.
Gangjee was the best performing Indian after he returned with a flawless 66. “I am feeling relaxed and hitting the ball well, so let’s see how it goes over the weekend,” said Gangjee.
“I’ve hit it close on both days. I converted a few more putts today as compared to round one. I sank a dramatic 50-footer for birdie on the third where the ball hit the hole, jumped out and fell in. There were no destructive shots today,” added the Indian.
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
