Golfer Randhawa makes comeback at European Masters

Indian golfer Jyoti Randhawa is fired up to end his week on a high after he returned with a third round five-under-par 65 at the 2.3 million euro European Masters here Saturday.

"I'm happy with the way I played. I putted well the last two days, made several birdies putts and overall I'm very happy," said Randhawa.

Randhawa's hopes of progressing into the weekend rounds were in danger when he carded a 72 to take a share of tied-111th place after the opening round.

However, a sterling effort on the second day saw the 42-year-old battle back with a 65 before he traded six birdies and one bogey in the penultimate round to compile a three-day total of eight-under-par 202 at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

"I haven't played a lot of golf in the last three months so it was like a practice round on the first day. You get a little edgy and I needed to figure out what I need to do in the second and third round. I'm glad I'm playing well now," said Randhawa, who holds the honour of being India's first Asian No.1 in 2002.

And after more than a decade, the Indian is still displaying the same kind of form which has led him to eight Asian Tour titles throughout his illustrious career.

"I'm 42-years old and I'm still enjoying my golf. In fact, my best golf is yet to come," said Randhawa.

Meanwhile, compatriot Anirban Lahiri had a promising start when he opened with an eagle-three on the first hole before adding a birdie on the fifth hole. But a double-bogey six on 14 left his title hopes all but over as he could only post a 68 for a 205 total.

Rahil Gangjee had a day to forget after he mixed five bogeys against four bogeys to sign for a 71.

The European Masters is the only tournament on European soil to be jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour since 2009 and marks the start of the second half of the Asian Tour season.