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Journalism of Courage
It was a neck and neck scenario right through the third round at the Indian Open on Saturday. But eventually,a bogey on the last hole notwithstanding,overnight second-placed David Gleeson managed to squeeze out a one-stroke lead over Chiragh Kumar,who had been setting the pace for the last two days. While Chiragh seemed to have lost his mojo going without any birdie on the back-nine the Australian carded a six-under for the day to take his three-day total to 16-under 200.
Gleeson opened play with two straight birdies and by the eighth hole,the difference between him and Chiragh,who was playing in the same group and still holding on to his overnight lead,was just one shot. However,a small indecision on the 9th led Gleeson to use a 3-iron to tee off and he bogeyed that hole,helping Chiragh regained his 3-stroke lead,albeit momentarily.
Gleeson,who has been winless on the Tour for three years will have to protect his slender advantage as the pack behind him is enjoying some good momentum. Chinese Taipeis We-chih Lu just won a Tour event in Taiwan last week and is sharing the third position at 11-under. Along with him is Scotlands Ross Bain who has been consistent in the top-4 on all days. Bain,who is roommates with Gleeson this week is hoping he can challenge his friend on Sunday,and do what he hasnt been able to do on this course in 20 previous attempts close in on the title.
But Gleeson has his own plans on that. Closing is always crucial,I havent done it recently but if I dig deep Im sure Ill be able to find that in me.
Leaderboard:
200 8211; David Gleeson ,201 8211; Chiragh Kumar,Lu Wei-chih,Ross Bain,207 8211; S.S.P. Chowrasia,Adilson da Silva,Daisuke Kataoka,Chapchai Nirat.
