SSP Chawrasia climbs to shared second

S.S.P Chawrasia continued his love affair with the venerable Delhi Golf Club course as he moved to tied second with a second straight five-under 67 at the halfway stage of the $1.66 million Hero Indian Open here on Friday.

Chawrasia took his two-day total to 10-under 134 to stay alongside Spaniard Nacho Elviro (68) — who retained his second place on the day.

The duo were three strokes behind Australian Terry Pilkadaris, who scorched the DGC course with an eight-under 64 to grab the lead. The 42-year-old blasted nine birdies against one bogey to jump four places, and total 13-under 131.

Pilkadaris, who last won a title in 2005, had played almost 40 rounds on the course and seems to have got the trick to tackle the tree-lined course. “You got to keep it straight. If you are on the fairway then you can give yourself chances. That’s what you need to do out here,” he said.

The cut came at even-par 144, with 21 Indians making the money rounds. However, three-Major winner Padraig Harrington, Australian Scott Bar, Thai veteran Thaworn Wiratchant and S. Chikka-rangappa were among the top names to miss the weekend action. Gaganjeet Bhullar retired midway owing to bad health.

Chawrasia, eager to end his Indian Open jinx and earn a full status on the European Tour, credited his good putting and hitting for his round. A few brilliant saves – on the 14th and 17th holes — also helped his cause.

“For the next two days, I would like to play exactly the way I have done so far,” the Kolkata pro said.

Meanwhile, home golfer Rashid Khan made it two Indians in the top 10, after his four-under 68. His total of 137 helped him move 10 places to tied sixth.

Having played here since a junior, Rashid was comfortable on the tees and greens. “Normally golfers struggle with their tee shots here but I am hitting my driver long.”

Another Delhi golfer Shiv Kapur carded an improved 67 after 72 on Day One to be tied 13th on 139, matched by defending champion Anirban Lahiri (71), overnight leader Daniel Im (74) of the US and Sanjay Kumar (72).