Chowrasia, Sujjan and Jeev going strong at Avantha Masters

New Delhi, Feb 19 (PTI) SSP Chowrasia and Sujjan Singhkept Indian hopes alive as they closed the gap with soleleader Pablo Larrazabal at the Euro 1.8 million AvanthaMasters even as play was suspended due to darkness here today.

Larrazabal had an eagle on his closing hole to move intoclubhouse lead but Chowrasia, winner of the first-everEuropean Tour event in India in 2008, was just one shot behindthe Spaniard after a round of 67.

Keeping pace with him was Sujjan (68) and Argentina''sRafa Echenique (67).

And one shot behind them was Jeev Milkha Singh atnine-under but he has five more holes to play in his thirdround.

Home favourite Jeev, looking for his first internationaltitle at home is nine-under-par through 13 holes whileThailand''s Thongchai Jaidee is seven-under-par through 13holes.

A total of 24 players have yet to complete their thirdround and will resume play tomorrow morning.

Chowrasia looked to have regained the form that led himto his first win when he defeated an elite field at the IndianMasters in 2008.

Starting the day tied-for 15th, Chowrasia birdied hisopening par-four first. However he gave that shot back with abogey on the sixth before hauling himself back into contentionwith two birdies on holes eighth and nine.

He marked his card with another birdie on the par-three11th before dropping another shot on the 13th hole.

Three birdies starting from the par-five 14th wouldhowever surge him back up the leaderboard.

"I''m really feeling good about my game at the moment. Itwas solid from tee to green and I did not make many mistakestoday. I''m well-rested. After playing 30 holes yesterday, 18holes today felt like a breeze and I''m feeling verycomfortable," said Chowrasia.

Sujjan Singh, who came through the Asian Tour Q-Schoolthis year said, "I putted well and focused hard today. I waspatient throughout the round and didn''t get too greedy. I''vebeen hitting it good this week and have read the lines toperfection. The best part about my game at the moment is thatI''m not making any three-putts. .