Golfer Chawrasia takes lead at Hero Indian Open

Defending champion S.S.P. Chawrasia moved into sole leadership after a flawless five-under 67 in the second round at the Hero Indian Open golf tournament here on Friday.

Trailing Chawrasia was David Horsey at four-under for the day, while Matteo Manassero, who was one-over through seven holes, is now three-under for the tournament and tied third with Eddie Pepperell. The latter has played only two holes in second round with one bogey and one birdie.

But several golfers are yet to complete their second set of 18 holes.

Chawrasia woke up early to get back to the golf course to finish the remaining three holes from his first round, put a ball into the water and ended up with a bogey on the closing 18th and carded 72 to be tied 25th.

Horsey playing in the same group scored 66 to be the clear leader at the end of the first round, while the third player in the group, reigning Asia No. 1 Scott Hend (73) was tied 38th.

Italian Nino Bertasio finished his first round this morning in 67 despite a closing bogey and another Italian Matteo Manassero was third at 68.

But by the time all, except Manassero, had finished their second rounds, the look of the leaderboard had changed dramatically.

Chawrasia said: I'm getting a little used to the course now but still learning along the way and trying to understand the course. I haven't changed anything. I'll look to play the same way on the last two days. My strategy is to hit straight and putt well. Just keep it simple."

--IANS

pur/vt