New Delhi, 19-03-2016
Chawrasia ready for shot at glory, takes two-stroke lead on penultimate day of Indian Open
Anirban Lahiri, Rashid Khan in tied third, Rahil Gangjee lies tied fifth
In a stark contrast from day two, Indians crowded the leaderboard on day three of the Hero Indian Open. While SSP Chawrasia led the field, there were also four other Indians, Anirban Lahiri, Rashid Khan, Rahil Gangjee and Arjun Atwal, in the top-10.
Two-time European Tour winner S.S.P. Chawrasia produced a short game masterclass as he returned with a third round four-under-68 to hold a two-shot lead over Australian Terry Pilkadaris at 14-under-202 at the US$1.66 million event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
Reigning Asian Tour number one and title holder Anirban Lahiri charged into contention with a flawless 67 to tie in third place alongside countryman Rashid Khan (69) at 10-under-206 to trail by four shots.
Chawrasia, looking for his for his fourth international title and maiden Indian Open triumph, carded four birdies and a magnificent par save after finding the thick bushes on the 12th hole on Saturday.
Chawrasia, a four-time runner-up at the Indian Open, turned in 32 before holding his nerve to sink a crucial 14-foot par putt on the 10thhole.
The 37-year-old Chawrasia, who has won two of his three international titles at the DGC, found trouble on the 12th when his tee shot landed in the thick and thorny bushes. Standing in an awkward position, he calmly chipped out to safety and holed out to save par from the edge of the green.
“On the 10th and 12th holes I had to make saves. I think on the 12th I was very lucky to make a chip to make a par. It felt great to see the ball going into the hole. It helped me to hold the score. Those two holes made a lot of difference,” Chawrasia smiled.
He added, “On the back nine, few putts didn’t go in even though I played pretty well on the front nine. To have a a bogey-free round was very good for the final score. If you don’t make bogeys, then the birdies count even more.
“Going into the final round, I will follow the same process that I have been for the last three days. I have been focusing on the hitting the ball straight because it creates more chances. I hope to keep doing that tomorrow also.
“I have played here at the Delhi Golf Club quite few times. So, I know how to play here. Honestly, the Indian Open is a very important tournament for me and for sure I want to win it because I have finished second over here four times,” said SSP.
Lahiri, ranked 52nd in the world, will be aiming to repeat last year’s heroics where he fought back from seven shots down to defeat Chawrasia on the first play-off hole.
“I have a chance. This is Delhi Golf Club and pressure does funny things to people out here. I can’t control the weather or how anybody is playing. I’m happy with how I played today so hopefully I can back it up with a better final round,” said Lahiri, a seven-time Asian Tour winner and a four-time winner at the DGC.
Rashid Khan, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, also kept himself in the hunt with a third round 69 that placed him tied third.
Rashid, who won his maiden Asian Tour event at DGC in 2014, said, “It’s going to be a tough fight tomorrow. I’ll draw from all my past experiences of having played in the final day’s leader group at the DGC. It’s now all about creating maximum opportunities for myself.”
Rahil Gangjee shot a 66 to take a share of fifth place at nine-under-207. Arjun Atwal fired a 67 to be a further shot back in tied ninth place.
Shiv Kapur closed the day in tied 14th at seven-under-209 while Sanjay Kumar made it seven Indians in the top-20 as he was placed tied 20th at five-under-211.
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