Indian Open Golf: SSP Chawrasia grabs 2-shot lead, Anirban Lahiri hot on heels
Anirban Lahiri and S.S.P. Chawrasia find themselves in familiar territory going into the final round of the $1.66 million Hero Indian Open golf tournament here on Saturday.
Just like last year, Chawrasia was two strokes ahead of the field when the penultimate day’s play ended at the venerable Delhi Golf Course. Starting the day two shots off the pace, Chawrasia scorched the course with his brilliant ironplay and short game for a flawless four-under 68, and move to the top of the leaderboard. Once again, his short game came to his rescue in crucial situations.
“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. Those two holes made a lot of difference,” said Chawrasia, who totalled 14-under 202.
Lahiri is hot on the heels of the leader — last year, he trailed SSP by seven shots before eventually winning the play-off and his second European Tour title.
On the day, Lahiri played a bogey-free round of 67 though he was left frustrated after a cold back nine that yeilded just one birdie. He hoped the blustery conditions, much like last year, will give the chasing pack a chance to move ahead.
“I didn’t birdie the two par-5s on the back-9 today as well. That’s been one of the frustrating things for me over the last two days. My goal today was to get as close to the lead as possible. I think I executed that plan well. I still feel I have a good chance tomorrow as pressure does funny things to the leaders, especially at the DGC,” said the seven-time Asian Tour winner.
Overnight leader Terry Pilkadaris of Australia had an off back nine as he signed off his day with a 73 to slip to second spot, jointly followed by Lahiri and Rashid Khan — who started and ended with a birdie in his round of 69 — on 10-under 206.
For Rashid, memories of the 2013 Indian Open were revived when he was part of the leader group on the last day. “I have some good memories from that year as I started and finished the final round with eagles. It’s now all about creating maximum opportunities for myself,” the local pro said.
Besides the three home players, Rahil Gangjee (66) and Arjun Atwal (67) made it five Indians in the top-10. DGC golfer Shiv Kapur was two-under for the day to lie tied 14th on 209, followed by Sanjay Kumar (72) in tied 20th place.
With only a few shots separating players on the top, it’s once again expected to be Lahiri vs SSP on Sunday. “Honestly, the event is very important for me and I want to win it, which will also help me make the Olympics squad,” said Chawrasia, keeping his fingers crossed to finally break the jinx this time.
