Jeev, Chowrasia fight back; Woods on song
India’s Jeev Milkha Singh and SSP Chowrasia brought home much improved cards in the second round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships here on Friday.
While Jeev shot a two-under 70 to take his tally to 145, SSP hit level-par 72 for a total of 146. While Jeev is tied 45th, SSP is at tied 59th.
Former world number one Tiger Woods gave clear evidence he was back to his best after carefully plotting his way to a second-round 69 to move within two shots of the lead.
Young Dane Thorbjorn Olesen (67) set the pace on seven-under 137 but it was Woods who made everyone sit up and take notice by displaying the same sort of control and precision he demonstrated while accumulating 14 major victories.
The Abu Dhabi Golf Club is providing a stern test for a strong field and the 36-year-old American picked up five birdies and two bogeys to join six other players on 139, one behind Italian Matteo Manassero (65) and Briton Gareth Maybin (70).
Also on five-under 139 after another sun-soaked day in the desert were British quartet Rory McIlroy (72), Richard Finch (71), Paul Lawrie (69) and Robert Rock (70), Swede Robert Karlsson (72) and Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (71).
Triple major winner Padraig Harrington enjoyed a welcome return to form, shooting a 69 to join Spanish duo Sergio Garcia (69) and Jose Manuel Lara (70), US Masters champion Charl Schwartzel (70) and Briton Richie Ramsay (71) on 140.
Lee Westwood, ranked second in the world, found it tough to cope with a niggling neck injury and could only manage a 72 for 144, level par while Donald (72) was on 143.
Germany's Martin Kaymer, winner here three of the past four years, missed the cut after the world number four carded a 73 for 150.
Gangjee, Kapur in lead
There was a lot to rejoice for the Indians as Rahil Gangjee (69) and Shiv Kapur (68), both making their debut on the Challenge Tour, shared the lead at the midway stage of the Gujarat Kensville Challenge in Ahmedabad on Friday.
The globe-trotting duo is at seven-under 137 after 36 holes.
Englishmen Gary Lockerbie (69) and Seve Benson (68) and Swede Jens Danthorp (68) were tied for third place at six-under 138.
German Max Keiffer (71), Australian Daniel Gaunt (68) and American Dodge Kemmer (72) were tied sixth at three-under 141.
The cut came at four-over 148 and the casualties included Asian tour winner Himmat Rai, John Parry, Daniel Vancsik, Gaurav Ghei and Ali Sher.
