I had the best ball-striking day in almost three months. That gave me a great feeling as I walked off the course on the third day of the Hero Indian Open on Saturday. A score of 69 meant I had brought myself back to a chance of a decent finish after being almost on the verge of missing the cut at one stage in the second round.
For the present I am happy that I found some consistency in my game. I wanted to enjoy myself today and not put any pressure on myself. That was a conscious decision and it worked. At five-under I have given myself a good shot at a top-10 finish. Now I need a finish on Sunday,like the one I had in 2009 Indian Open when I shot 64 on the final day and ended third.
I must mention that my score of 69 needed 33 putts,so that should give an indication of the struggle I am having on the greens. I reached 15 greens in regulation,so from the tee and off the fairway I am fine. Now I need to roll in the putts. I had four birdies,but just one bogey,so that was a bit of encouraging feature. I only need to get a few more birdies. Simple!
One more point,before I get to Chiragh and David Gleeson. I gave myself eagle chances on three of the par-fives. On the eighth I had a 25 feet putt,but two-putted for birdie; then on 14th I had a 25-footer,which again I two-putted for a birdie and then on 18th ,I hit within eight feet and again two putts meant only a birdie.
Chiragh has stayed steady. He may have lost the lead as Gleeson came from three behind to go one ahead. But Chiraghs 70 with just one bogey was great after scores of 64 and 67. So he is right up there and still in line for his maiden title. I am rooting for him. Gleeson has been the man to watch to after the second place in Macau and he is hoping to end his title drought since 2008. After two 66s,he must be raring to go. From an Indian point of view,there is also SSP Chowrasia,Himmat Singh, Harendra Gupta and Gaurav Pratap,who shot a stunning 66. These four could make things happen on Sunday.