Hero Indian Open – Chawrasia has a two stroke cushion over Carlos Pigem

SSP Chawrasia has a two shot lead going into the final round of the Hero Indian Open. Carlos Pigem and Gavin Green are in hot pursuit.

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SSP Chawrasia - Hero Indian Open

Anand Datla
Gurugram, March 12, 2017: We could be in for an incredible afternoon at the DLF Golf & Country Club. SSP Chawrasia has stretched his advantage at the top with a disciplined 68 in the third round. He has a two shot lead over Spaniard Carlos Pigem, who shot 67. The moisture from the rains this week seem to have softened the Gary Player course. The morning dew and an early start also helped the men that came out to complete their third round today.

Carlos Pigem - Hero Indian Open
Carlos Pigem – Hero Indian Open

The Battle of the Titans has reached its climax. Gavin Green, the man that made six consecutive birdies yesterday is also in the mix at 6-under 210. He is three strokes behind Chawrasia, who is at the top of the leaderboard at 9-under 207. Green made the lowest score of the week, a 65.

Chawrasia had ended Saturday with par at the eleventh hole, moments after the bugle had been blown. The defending champion came out this morning and made a move almost immediately. After a birdie at the 13th, Chawrasia produced a characteristic chip that flew straight at the flag. “I made a good chip, was on line. It hit the flag and went in,” explained the man from Kolkata.

He added another at the 15th to take control of the leaderboard.

Discipline has been the mantra for Chawrasia this week. He has made just three bogeys so far – two on Thursday and one yesterday.

“I feel great honestly. I didn’t believe I can make three birdies this morning but I made some good putts. I’m really happy,” said Chawrasia. “It’s a long day but I’m just talking to myself to keep calm and keep playing.”

“I have played seven holes now and am looking forward to the final round,” he added. “Just trying to save my shots and not make bogeys. That’s the goal when I came out this morning.”

Chawrasia is a candid man who only needs a few words to express his thoughts. “I feel nervous, but have to try to relax. Otherwise I won’t be able to play this golf course.” Nervousness cost him the title in the final round of 2015. If he can keep his nerves at rest, we could see him become the first man since Jyoti Randhawa in 2007 to defend the Hero Indian Open.

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