Chawrasia within striking distance of best Indian finish at Qatar Masters

India’s SSP Chawrasia looks set for a strong finish in the 2020 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters after carding a three-under par 68 to finish the third round at 9-under.
Chawrasia, who shot 67 and 69 on the first two days, had four birdies on the front and one more on the back, and a bogey on either side to finish tied ninth alongside England’s Andy Sullivan and Marcus Armitage, Belgium’s Thomas Detry and Scotland’s Scott Jamison.
“It was a good day for me. I have been playing good over the last three days and now looking forward to the fourth day. I am really enjoying my game after a long time… 18 more holes to go,” Chawrasia said.
If Chawrasia finishes higher than seventh, it would be the best Indian performance at the event in its 23-year history. Jyoti Randhawa’s tied seventh in 2008 is the best by any Indian in Doha. He also had a shared 12th in 2005.
Having finished 47th as his best result in previous eight appearances and after missing cuts for three successive years since 2017 at the Doha Golf Club, the 41-year-old golfer from Kolkata managed to play well over the last 36 holes this time at the new venue — the Education City Golf Club.
The four-time winner on European Tour Chawrasia had his best start with four shots saved in the first seven holes. But he suffered a bogey on the ninth – something which he did on the first two days as well, before regaining a stroke.
He was looking steady and parred the next three holes. However, a blip in concentration led to another bogey on the 15th. However, he regrouped himself and carded par on the remaining three holes.
Talking about the conditions, he said: “When I came here, it was so windy. I was wondering how I would play. It is so tough to play in windy conditions, but I managed good scores and I hope for a better day tomorrow,” the two-time Indian Open champion said.
Chawrasia had carded a 67 at last week’s final round in Oman and has now shot four successive rounds in 60s. Another good one could see him finish with a flourish.
The Indian, who twice touched double figures under par, is still five behind leader Jorge Campillo, who carded a third round 67 to take a one-shot lead into the final day.
Chawrasia was a bit lucky at the end of the day as he got a free drop when his approach shot landed in stands at the 18th hole and he finished the hole at par four with a fine chip shot.
“Luckily I got the free drop, and I had a good chip and parred the final hole to complete a satisfactory round considering the conditions,” said Chawrasia, who is going to play in Indian Open next.
Chawrasia, who missed the cut last year at the Doha Golf Club (DGC), said “I like this course too. It is beautiful, but I think Doha Golf Club is a tough course to play in windy conditions.”