Chouhan takes 4-shot lead into Chawrasia Invitational final round

By Rahul Banerji

Money list topper Om Prakash Chouhan took a four-shot lead into Sunday’s final round of the SSP Chawrasia Invitational after a resolute performance on Moving Day in Kolkata.

In great form through the year and already having earned a record sum, the Tata Steel PGTI Ranking leader returned a 2 under 70 at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club on Saturday to move well clear of the field on 7 under 209 after 54 holes.

The Rs 1 crore event presented by TAKE Sports has Veer Ahlawat in second place on 3-under 213 following a penultimate card of 71, the PGTI said.

Round two was completed with an early start by the 58 players who had unfinished rounds from Friday at the end of which Rahil Gangjee and Chouhan shared top spot on the leaderboard on 5 under 139s.

The cut was declared at 7 over par 151 with with 51 professionals making it to the money rounds. Tournament host S.S.P. Chawrasia missed out by one shot.

Quick start

Chouhan (70-69-70) got his third round going under clear skies with three birdies and a bogey in the first five holes.

The Mhow golfer now based in Ahmedabad then hit turbulence that resulted in a further two dropped shots before the turn, though he would pull one back almost immediately.

Chouhan had a steady back-nine with one birdie and eight pars that helped him build a substantial lead.

“It was very important for me to score well today because I’ve always played the third round badly at this venue and lost momentum in the past,” Chouhan said later.

“On the front nine, I didn’t really feel I was in control of my game as I hit a couple of poor tee shots. But after the birdie on nine, my caddie Piyush encouraged me to focus even if the birdies didn’t come.

Hot putter

“My putting stood out today as I had quite a few long conversions. I also capitalised on both the par-5s. I’ll look to keep it simple, not look too far ahead tomorrow, just play my game.”

Ahlawat (74-68-71), a two-time winner on the PGTI, had two birdies and a bogey to sit in second place four shots behind.

Sharing third place on 2-under 214 were American Varun Chopra (69), Rashid Khan (69), Angad Cheema (72) and Udayan Mane (73), who struck a hole-in-one on the 13^th hole.

Rahil Gangjee, who grew up playing at the RCGC, slipped to tied eighth at level par 216 after a 77 in round three.

Defending champion Manu Gandas was tied for 24^th on 6-over 222.

Round 3 leaders

209: Om Prakash Chouhan (70-69-70)

213: Veer Ahlawat (74-68-71)

214: Varun Chopra (73-72-69); Rashid Khan (75-70-69); Angad Cheema (75-67-72); Udayan Mane (73-68-73)

Also read: Rahil Gangjee, OP Chouhan on top at Chawrasia Invitational