Randhawa, Jeev stay within striking distance

Even as the leader, South African Louis Oosthuizen, hopes to make up for his Masters Tournament heartbreak, Randhawa and Jeev are hoping to end their long title drought.

Oosthuizen, the 2010 British Open champion, who lost to American Bubba Watson in a play-off in the year's opening Major, moved to 13-under-par in the US 2.5 million dollar championships through 10 holes of his third round when play was suspended due to a lightning storm in the evening.

Randhawa had as many as six birdies in the 12 holes he had played but he also gave away three bogeys to be three-under for the day and nine-under for the tournament.

He was lying tied sixth. Randhawa, who last won on the Asian Tour in 2009, was the highest placed Asian.

Jeev, who shot a 73 in second round, was two-under through 13 holes and eight-under for the week.

Shiv Kapur (72) was three-under through three rounds and lying tied 31st, while Gaurav Ghei was two-under for the tournament through 17 holes in third round and was even par for the round with one more round to play.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (73-72), Digvijay Singh (73-72), Himmat Rai (73-73), Sujjan Singh (70-76), Chiragh Kumar (76-70), Anirban Lahiri (75-73) and SSP Chowrasia (74-76) missed the cut after second round.

Randhawa was excited about the prospect of ending his title drought.

"It's been a while, about a year and half since I've been in contention in a big event. I guess nerves play a bit. But I was surprised how calm I was and how relaxed I was," said Randhawa.