Friday, March 20, 2009
Bhullar moves up to second spot
Gaganjeet Bhullar is set to lead the Indian challenge on the final day of the SAIL Open Golf Championship 2009. Bhullar returned a six under 66 on day three to move into second place with a three-round total of 19 under 197. Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat extended his lead to eight strokes as he carded an eight under 65 to take his tally to an unprecedented 27 under 189.
Chapchai Nirat (62, 62, 65) maintained his lead for the third straight day as he fired eight birdies and a lone bogey despite struggling a bit with the putter on the front nine. He closed his round on a high, sinking five consecutive birdies from the 14th to the 18th.
“I’m extremely happy with my performance, though a little disappointed that I could not shoot another 62,” said a beaming Nirat.
He added, “I expect the pin positions to be tougher in round four and I’d love to break the world record of 31 under for four rounds.”
Gaganjeet Bhullar (67, 64, 66), who was tied fifth at the last edition of the SAIL Open, fired six birdies on Friday to climb from overnight fourth to second. He attacked the pin all day and made 16 regulations for the third consecutive round.
Bhullar said, “My driving has been spot-on since last week when I won on the PGTI. However, I’m a little disappointed to miss about three putts within 10 feet today. The conditions were a little tricky at the start of the round as I had to deal with headwind for the first three holes.
“The best birdie today was on the 13th where I hit my sand wedge approach shot to within 10 feet of the flag. I did not have a very comfortable posture while addressing the ball for that shot since I had to stand in the rough.”
He added, “Shooting a 65 or 66 here is like shooting a one under on any other course so I need to fire a really low score tomorrow as well to be placed right up there on the leaderboard.
“Hyderabad-based hypnotherapist Pradeep Aggarwal has been helping me with the mental aspect of my game for the last one month. He deals with the subconscious mind. His inputs have helped my game to a great extent. My mindset has changed and I now have another vision of golf.”
Ashok Kumar (67, 68, 67) has the next best score among the Indians in the field. His total of 14 under 202 places him tied 10th.
Shiv Kapur is joint 13th at 13 under 203 while SSP Chowrasia, Gaurav Ghei and Rahil Gangjee share 20th place with matching totals of 11 under 205.
Jyoti Randhawa (71, 69, 68) lies tied 40th at eight under 208. Mukesh Kumar (70, 70, 70) is another two strokes behind Randhawa in tied 47th.
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