Jeev and Ashok tied fifth in Indian Open
China's Liang Wen-chong, the runaway leader on the first two days, saw his lead cut down to just one as the $1 million Hero Honda Indian Open entered its final stretch.
China's Liang Wen-chong, the runaway leader on the first two days, saw his lead cut down to just one as the $1 million Hero Honda Indian Open entered its final stretch Saturday.
A second straight one-under 71 from the 2007 Order of Merit winner gave Liang a 14-under 202 at the end of 54 holes.
Liang held a narrow advantage over Australia's Adam Blyth, who nailed a 66 at the Delhi Golf Club, which time and again penalised the players for transgressions.
Australia's Unho Park was pleased with his 66 in lone third place while Singapore's Lam Chih Bing posted a 67 to grab fourth spot.
New Zealand's Mark Brown, who is the current Asian Tour's Order of Merit leader, was in the mix in a tie for fifth place after a 69 alongside India's Jeev Milkha Singh who posted a 68.
After a five stroke lead in the first two rounds, Liang held his game today firing four birdies against a bogey and a double bogey.
"I feel good about my game but this is the first time I've been in this position leading for so long, so it's something new to me. The holes here are tough and it's always a challenge. I wasn't playing safe but at the same time I can't really be aggressive here. Adam played well but there are still 18 holes left tomorrow so we shall see what happens," said Liang.
In-form Blyth, with his father Steve on the bag, this week, closed in on Liang after a solid 66 Saturday.
"It's nice to see my putts drop. But I'm surprised with where I am at the moment. After the first two rounds, I thought Liang was going to run away with it but now I see I have a chance. I kept it in play which was the key for me."
"I've been enjoying a good year and I've learnt a lot from my experience at the British Open. I hope for solid putting when I head out on my final charge Sunday," said the Brisbane-based Blyth.
Australia's Park found his footing at the Delhi Golf Club when he fired six birdies and was two strokes off the pace.
"Driving is not the key here which is good because I've been struggling with my long game. This is a breath of fresh air for me as I have been enduring a slow season so far," admitted Park.
Lam, who recorded a top-10 finish at the Pertamina Indonesia President Invitational in August, enjoyed a bogey free round that included an eagle at the par five eighth hole.
Sweden's Daniel Chopra slipped to a tie for 18th spot after a 74 while defending champion Jyoti Randhawa carded a 73 and was in joint 55th position.
