March 10, 2017: Defending champion SSP Chawrasia put on a putting masterclass in a brilliant 67 to set the clubhouse target before play was suspended for the second day in a row at the Hero Indian Open.
After recording a bogey on the last in completing his first round in the morning, Chawrasia was six shots behind first-round leader and playing partner David Horsey who had birdied the same hole.
The tables were turned in emphatic fashion in round two, however, with the home favourite making five birdies in a blemish-free effort to get to five under and sit a shot ahead of Horsey and Matteo Manassero.
The Italian had played just a single hole – parring the first – when the hooters sounded to stop play due to the threat of lightning at 2.44pm.
Chawrasia is looking to continue a remarkable record at his national Open that has seen him add four runners-up finishes to last year’s victory, with all three of his European Tour wins having come in India.
One of those wins – the 2011 Avantha Masters – came here at DLF Golf and Country Club but that was over a different course to this week’s Gary Player designed layout.
Chawrasia birdied the 11th while Horsey made a gain on the 12th but gave the shot straight back on the next before the Indian drained a stunning 50-footer on the 14th.
Both men then birdied the 15th with Horsey dropping a shot on the 18th after finding the hazard and taking a drop.
The Englishman put his approach on the fourth to four feet but there was drama to come on the par three fifth when Horsey made a double-bogey after taking three off the tee and Chawrasia holed another long putt for birdie and a three-shot swing.
A four-putt from Horsey on the eighth dropped him to four under and when Chawrasia made another long putt for birdie, he held the lead.
Eddie Pepperell was yet to start his round at three under and he was a shot clear of Carlos Pigem, who recorded a 73 containing two double bogeys.
Scott Jamieson was also two under having played 16 holes with Michael Hoey at the same mark after 14, Sam Walker after two and Steven Tiley having played two holes.
Stephen Gallacher was then in the clubhouse at one under after a 73.
European Tour Release
