Lahiri in commanding position at SAIL-SBI Open

Bhullar, Gulfam in tied fourth

New Delhi, February 24, 2012: India’s Anirban Lahiri enjoys a commanding three-stroke lead at the SAIL-SBI Open 2012 being played at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC). Lahiri posted a five under 67 in the third round on Friday to take his total to 15 under 201.

  

Australia’s Scott Barr began to pile on the pressure on the Indian leader when he returned with his best score of 65 to take a share of second place alongside Thailand’s Prom Meesawat on 204.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar and Gulfam signed for matching 207s to take tied-fourth at the US$300,000 full field Asian Tour event.

Lahiri (65-69-67), who started in the front-nine, opened with a birdie but dropped a shot on the par-four second.

The 24-year-old then responded with two further birdies on the third and fourth holes before adding another on the ninth hole to turn in 33.

Lahiri seemed to be surging ahead after carding another three birdies in five holes after the turn. However, two successive bogeys on the 15^th and 16^th holes led to some anxious moments for the Bangalore-based golfer before he restored order with a closing birdie on the 18^th.

“I’ll take my 67 anytime today. I made a few silly mistakes which cost me a few bogeys. I could have done without those but overall I’m still happy,” said Lahiri.

“It’s never nice to give away shots but that was how it was today and I’ll take that and come back tomorrow and play well again,” added Lahiri who is seeking a wire-to-wire victory at the SAIL-SBI Open.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (68-69-70) fired a two under 70 to be tied fourth at nine under 207. Bhullar’s round featured six birdies and four bogeys.

DGC golfer Gulfam (73-68-66) carded a sublime six under 66 to join Bhullar in tied fourth place. The 46-year-old fired seven birdies against a lone bogey on Friday. His longest putt of the day was a 15-footer on the ninth.

Gulfam said, “I have the advantage of local knowledge over the other players in the top five. I’ll hope to capitalize on that advantage in the final round.”

Gulfam’s younger brother Shamim Khan is placed tied eighth at six under 210.

Among the other Indians in the top 10 are Ashok Kumar and Rahil Gangjee, both of whom are in tied 10^th position at five under 211.