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Hero Indian Open: Chawrasia Leads Going Into the Weekend

By Mike Randleman

Jul 16, 2015; St Andrews, GBR; Matteo Manassero walks onto the 9th green during the first round for the 144th Open Championship at St. Andrews - Old Course. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 16, 2015; St Andrews, GBR; Matteo Manassero walks onto the 9th green during the first round for the 144th Open Championship at St. Andrews - Old Course. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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SSP Chawrasia set the pace through two days at the Hero Indian Open but several lurk closely

Defending champion SSP Chawrasia owns the two-day lead at a stop-and-start Hero Indian Open on the European Tour.

Lightning ended play Friday at 2:44 p.m. local time, the second stoppage this week.

Some players have as many as 16 holes remaining in round two, so Chawrasia’s five-under-par mark through 36 holes is likely to be eclipsed.

This year’s event is at a new venue, the Arnold Palmer/Gary Player designed DLF Golf and Country Club. The Gary Player design opened in 2015 and has held up well in its first men’s professional event.

Chawrasia assessed the DFL track for PA Sport:

"I’m very happy. The first day I was level par as I was a little bit scared as it’s a new course and it’s very tricky. It’s tougher than (2016 venue) Delhi GC, so I just focused on hitting it straight. The greens are tough. All the time, you need full concentration on every single shot."

Chawrasia lacked concentration on his final hole. He missed a two-footer for birdie and a 66, but he’s in prime position following an even-par 72 on Thursday and can rest until Saturday afternoon’s third round.

In Contention

Hero Indian Open
Jun 17, 2016; Oakmont, PA, USA; Kiradech Aphibarnrat smokes on the 4th tee during the continuation of the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

For as long as Matteo Manassero has been in (and out) of the global golf eye, it’s easy to throw him on the scrap heap after four winless years.

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The Italian is still just 23 years old. He may never return to the form that earned him four European Tour wins, including being the youngest winner at 17-years-old in 2010, but he appears to be making strides.

He’s on track for a third straight made cut, sitting tied for third at three-under-par overall with 11 holes remaining in round two.

Englishman David Horsey is alone in second place at four-under. The first-round leader followed a bogey-free 66 with a 74 Friday.

Rounding out the top 10 is Eddie Pepperell at three-under; Carlos Pigem, Michael Hoey, Sam Walker and Danny Chia tied fifth at two-under and Stephen Gallacher, Steven Tiley, Angelo Que and Terry Pilkadaris at one-under

Ryder Cup member Rafa Cabrera-Bello and golf’s favorite chain smoker, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, seen above, are tied for 24th at two-over-par.

The cut line is projected to be the highest on the European Tour this season. Entering Saturday, it’s projected at four-over-par and could climb to five.

Only 18 of 131 golfers are at par or better. Wei-chih Lu posted the highest total of all, carding rounds of 85 and 90.

The average 18-hole score is over 77 thus far.

Next: Arnold Palmer Invitational Missing Top Players

Weekend coverage can be found on the Golf Channel, beginning at 2:30am ET Saturday and Sunday. How’s your Hero Indian Open fantasy team doing?

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