Golfer Chawrasia holds one-shot lead at Hong Kong Open

Indian golfer S.S.P Chawrasia held a slender one-shot advantage after carding a one-under-par 69 in the third round of the $2 million UBS Hong Kong Open at the Hong Kong Golf Club here on Saturday.

Chawrasia, a six-time winner on the Asian Tour, has led the tournament since the first round and his current total stands at 10-under 200 (65-66-69).

Chawrasia, who is seeking his second win outside India, carded two birdies (third and 13th holes) against a lone bogey on the ninth.

"I missed a couple putts but still managed to finish one-under. So, I'm happy. There's still one more round to go and I'm looking forward to it. To be honest, I thought someone would be able to catch me from behind simply because of my putting. There's a little bit of pressure, but I can manage that," the Indian said in an Asian Tour release.

Spain's Rafa Cabrera Bello produced the day's lowest score of 64 by mixing his card with six birdies, one eagle and two bogeys for a three-day total of nine-under 201 to sit in second place alongside Asian Tour member Wade Ormsby of Australia.

Thailand's Poom Saksansin, who started the day tied for third, posted a 70 to slip to a share of 13th place that also featured Justin Rose of England while Masters Tournament winner Sergio Garcia was a further shot back in equal 19th place after he signed for a 66.

Among other Indians in the fray, Shubhankar Sharma was 19th after a 69 took his total to four-under 206.

Rashid Khan was 35th, while Mukesh Kumar was tied on 56th spot.

--IANS

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