Johl stays in title hunt as compatriots disappoint

Sanya, China, Aug 18 (UNI) A disappointing back nine notwithstanding, Amandeep Johl returned a modest two-under 70 card to remain in contention for the title after the third round of the 200,000 dollar Crowne Plaza Open here today.

Johl shares his sixth place with Anthony Kang of the United States and Australian Robin Hodgetts with a three-day total of 10-under 206. Johl said he was disappointed not to have did not built on his strong start where he turned in three-under.

''I had it going but I missed a six-footer for birdie on nine and then missed another small putt for bogey on 10 and that kind of stopped my momentum. I then drove into the water on 13. I made some good shots and some bad ones but you'll never know. On this course, you can shoot a good number,'' Johl said.

The veteran had a flawless front nine studded with birdies on the first, third and seventh holes but messed up his chances of a better finish with three bogeys in his backward journey.

Meanwhile, among the other Indians in the fray Gaurav Ghei also slipped with a 70 and now lies at the tied 13th spot with a three-day total of eight-under 208.

SSP Chowrasia, however, was an upward mover and improved on his previous performance to card a four-under 68 and enter the top 20 at tied 19th with a total of six-under 210.

Harmeet Kahlon, who was tied for the ninth spot yesterday, Rahil Gangjee and Digvijay Singh shared the 23rd spot.

Harmeet dropped six bogeys against five birdies to drop down with a card of one-over 73, while Rahil remained static with a one-under 71 today. Of the three, only Digvijay improved on his yesterday's performance and carded a three-under 69.

The trio has a three-day total of five-under 211.

At the top, Thai teenager Chinarat Phadungsil charged back to the top of the leaderboard with a third round four-under 68 leaving him on the brink of a second Asian Tour title.

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