New Delhi: The third day of the 50th Hero Indian Open witnessed some delightful performances from the leading players but little could they do to unseat Bangladesh’s Mohammed Siddikur from the top of the leaderboard of the Asian Tour event.
The soft-spoken golfer, affectionately called Tiger Woods back in his country, continued to dominate for the second consecutive day when he came up with a flawless five-under 67 to total 17-under and extend his lead by four shots over Indian hero SSP Chowrasia (13-under).
Having started the day confidently, Siddikur finished in a triumphant manner with an amazing 52-yard chip from the greenside bunker on hole 18. So dominating was the Bangladesh star that he ended the day with five birdies and without a bogey.
“This is certainly the best week of my career,” admitted a smiling Siddikur in the end. “I am putting and hitting the ball so well. Mentally, I am strong and I am very focussed.”
Asked how he felt about leading throughout the day, Siddikur said he never liked looking at the leaderboard. “I even tell my caddy not to show me the standings. But you can’t avoid it while at the 13th and 16th hole,” said the Bangladesh pro.
Siddikur said he is now confident of winning the $1.25 million event but knows that the task would not be easy on Sunday. “It is a big advantage for me now… If I can play like the way I have been playing, then I think I can win the tournament.
“At the same time, it won’t be easy to win… Only thing I should play my natural game and not go aggressively.”
Siddikur was not far from the truth. Chasing from behind are some of the most accomplished stars like Chowrasia, Rashid Khan, Angelo Quo of Philippines and Anirban Lahiri.
While Chowrasia closed with two birdies for a 66, local boy Rashid Khan and the Filipino player shot a 65 and 67, respectively, to share the third position with a 12-under total at the Delhi Golf Club. Just behind them is Lahiri, who finished with 11-under total.
In the end, both Chowrasia and Rashid have promised to go for the kill on the final day.
“Playing at the course was good fun today… My hitting wasn’t very accurate to begin with as I kept hitting it left and right,” said Chowrasia. “I feel I really got going from the 14th onwards as I started finding the centre of the fairway. I was very consistent with my putting on the back nine as I holed birdie putts from a range of 12 to 20 feet on the 14th, 15th and 17th.
“After all, I ended with four birdies in the last five holes. I intend to play in the same aggressive manner on Sunday,” announced the Calcutta-based star, whose only bogey of the day came on the sixth hole.
No less confident was Rashid Khan, who had eight birdies and one eagle on the third day. “I had an eventful front nine and I am really enjoying myself. All I need tomorrow is a big score. Right now I’m five shots behind but anything can happen… I think I am coming back well and I’m proud of the manner I’m playing now,” said Rashid.
Much was expected of Rahil Gangjee, who was placed sole second at one point of time in the day. But two bogeys and two double bogeys pushed him to the shared eighth place with an eight-under.
Sanjay Kumar and Shankar Das were tied 12th after carding 72 and 73 respectively, for a total of six-under.
