Phuket (Thailand), March 6 : India’s S.S.P. Chowrasia follwed up his first round 66 with a magical eight-under-par 62 at the Singha Thailand Open on Friday to grab the lead in round two. The Kolkata-based professional needed only 25 putts at the par-70 Laguna Phuket Golf Club to top the leaderboard on 12-under-par 128, one stroke ahead of Welshman Rhys Davies, who sank a hole-in-one en route to a 64 in the US$500,000 Asian Tour event.
Chowrasia’s compatriot and fellow PGTI member Gaganjeet Bhullar is third after a 66. Bhullar, who had shot 64 in round one, currently has a total of 10 under 130.
SSP Chowrasia’s bogey-free card was sprinkled with eight birdies but none was sweeter than the one on the eighth hole, his penultimate of the day, when he holed a wedge shot from 110 yards after finding trouble in the trees.
“It was good to get that birdie as I was struggling for par. My putting is coming back and I’m driving it well. I’m confident of playing well this weekend,” said the 30-year-old Chowrasia.
Gaganjeet Bhullar was disappointed with his two bogeys on the seventh and 17th holes, where he three putted and drove into the water hazard respectively. But the young Indian was pleased to force his way into contention.
“That was decent but I dropped two silly shots. I am hitting the ball well. Fingers crossed, I’ll be alright for the weekend. I’ll need to be patient. If I can, I’ll be okay,” said Bhullar.
Anirban Lahiri (68, 67) climbed from overnight 44th to tied 19th as his tournament total read five under 135.
Round one leader Digvijay Singh (63, 73), Jyoti Randhawa (68, 68) and Amandeep Johl (67, 69) share 31st place with matching totals of four under 136 while Shiv Kapur (69, 68) and Himmat Rai (65, 72) are both tied 42nd at three under 137.
Gaurav Ghei and C Muniyappa (both two over 142), Arjun Singh (three over 143), Rah