Russian Open: Indians suffer a poor day in Moscow

Report by Anand Datla

September 5, 2015: The promising start on Thursday fizzled out quickly, with Indian golfers suffering a disappointing day on the course in the second round. Both Rahil Gangjee and Jyoti Randhawa gave away 35 spots on the sheet to slip down to T48 midway through the Russian Open. SSP Chawrasia was unlucky to miss the cut, right on the line, despite a 71 in the second round. Khalin Joshi (+3) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (+8) also missed the cut despite markedly improved performances on Friday. Bradley Dredge shot a second straight 66 to gain a one shot lead over Lee Slattery.

Gangjee was coasting along nicely, moving to five under through eight holes. But then he suffered a double bogey five at the ninth and his round turned on its head. He conceded three more bogeys – at the 10th, 14th and 16th – to slip further down, before making a consolation birdie at the 18th hole.

Randhawa sent hopes soaring with an elegant eagle at the third, but struggled to retain the touch through the rest of his round. He ended up losing shots – two at the ninth with a double bogey and then added bogeys at 11th and 17th to end the second round at one under 141 alongside Gangjee.

Chawrasia has been steady this week, but unfortunately the chips did not fall his way. After a 72 in the first round, he made two birdies and two bogeys in the second for an even 71. But at one over he happened to suffer the slice at the very edge of the cut, to miss out on the weekend.

Khalin was three over at the end of the first round. He fought back gallantly in the second round, but an even 71 was not nearly good enough to get him in for an extended stay in Moscow. His four birdies were negated by a double bogey at the 16th and two other bogeys.

Bhullar had an off day on Thursday, signing on a 80. He tried his best to restore some balance, but could only manage a 70 to end his week at 8-over 150.

With only two out of five men still on the card in Moscow, Indian fans will hope to see a better performance from Gangjee and Randhawa when they resume their game on Saturday.

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