The monkey is finally off SSP Chawrasia’s back!
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Australias golfer Terry Pilkadaris fired a superb second round eight-under 64 to lead by three shots over home favourite S.S.P. Chawrasia at the $1.66 million Hero Indian Open here on Friday.
American David Lipsky was also at that mark with seven birdies and two bogeys in a 67, a shot clear of Spanish duo Alejandro Cañizares and Jorge Campillo, and Indian Rashid Khan, while defending champion Anirban Lahiri is on four under par. There was to be no such repeat this year as he kept his compatriot at an arm’s length with a comfortable two-stroke cushion, despite a determined start from the World No. 52 in the final round.
“It was a rookie mistake and I’m no rookie, so I should be shot for that one”, he quipped. I have finished second four times in the Indian Open and every time that happened to me I wondered if I would ever be able to be the champion. “Everything was feeling good and I kept going at them”, said Pilkadaris. It was his third European Tour win and the fourth on Asian Tour. Overall, this is his 14th win of his professional career.
“It is a very important day for me”, said Chowrasia. “Hopefully, I’ll have a little more luck on my side over the weekend”. “I am happy. I was nervous a bit but I focussed and breathed in and out and controlled my nerves”. Chawrasia had a poor second shot there, but he staged a superb recovery when his third shot from 100 yards stopped three feet off the flagstick to give him an easy birdie chance. Chawrasia’s happiness was shortlived when he sank a bogey on 10th, but he brought smile back to his face with a birdie on 13th.
“Anirban is a great player and a fine sportsman and I enjoy my duels with him”, Chawrasia said”.
The Australian added a seventh birdie at the 14th and chipped in at the next to extend his advantage, but missed out on a bogey-free card when he sent his approach on the last in to the trees. “This win means so much to me”. I have played in the USA a couple of events but I have never played in South America but I guess we will reach their two days early atleast and make a game plan. “One day, my win will come”, said the 20-year-old Wang.
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Rahil Gangjee of India shot a 66 to share fifth place with Korean rising star Jeunghun Wang, Brazilian Adilson Da Silva and Frenchman Sebastien Gros, who will head into the final round five shots off the pace. “She is very happy”.
