Golfer Chawrasia holds one-shot lead at Hong Kong Open

Hong Kong Nov 25 (IANS) Indian golfer S.S.P Chawrasia held a slender one-shot advantage after carding a one-under-par 69 in the third round of the $2 million UBS Hong Kong Open at the Hong Kong Golf Club here on Saturday.

Chawrasia a six-time winner on the Asian Tour has led the tournament since the first round and his current total stands at 10-under 200 (65-66-69).

Chawrasia who is seeking his second win outside India carded two birdies (third and 13th holes) against a lone bogey on the ninth.

"I missed a couple putts but still managed to finish one-under. So I m happy. There s still one more round to go and I m looking forward to it. To be honest I thought someone would be able to catch me from behind simply because of my putting. There s a little bit of pressure but I can manage that " the Indian said in an Asian Tour release.

Spain s Rafa Cabrera Bello produced the day s lowest score of 64 by mixing his card with six birdies one eagle and two bogeys for a three-day total of nine-under 201 to sit in second place alongside Asian Tour member Wade Ormsby of Australia.

Thailand s Poom Saksansin who started the day tied for third posted a 70 to slip to a share of 13th place that also featured Justin Rose of England while Masters Tournament winner Sergio Garcia was a further shot back in equal 19th place after he signed for a 66.

Among other Indians in the fray Shubhankar Sharma was 19th after a 69 took his total to four-under 206.

Rashid Khan was 35th while Mukesh Kumar was tied on 56th spot.

--IANS
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