Lahiri, Chakola tied in top spot

Mumbai, Jan 18 (UNI) It was only fitting that Anirban Lahiri match the performance of his teammate on the Asian Games silver medal wining team, Joseph Chakola and that is exactly what Lahiri did.

The 19-year-old, who is No 1 on the order of merit 2006-07, returned the day's best of two under 68 to tie for overall top spot on the leaderboard after third day's play in the Royal Challenge Western India Golf Amateur Championship at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club course here today.

Lahiri sunk four birdies and had two bogies in his round of 18 to finish with an overall score of 211 after three rounds, tied with Chakola, who came home in one over 71.

On a day that showed improved performances, three golfers, Aanjyot Singh, Raj Randhawa and Sanjay Lakra, followed Lahiri home in 70, while two others, Gagan Verma and L Selvadurai, matched Chakola's score of 71.

Occupying third spot overall, two strokes adrift of the leaders, is Jaipur's Amanjyot Singh (213), while New Delhi's Raj Randhawa is placed fourth with 216 and in fifth place is Shaurya Singh on 217, setting up prospects of an intriguing finish on the final day.

Secunderbad's Lahiri, who has one victory in 2006 and five runner-up finshes, seems to be peaking at the right moment, while Chakola's performances has regressed after a brilliant opening round. It remains to be seen which of the two talented youngsters hold their nerves on the concluding day to emerge winner.

''I got into rhythm early and could have done better, but my putting was not as satisfying as it should have been. However, I hope to improve upon my performance on the last day,'' said Lahiri.

Chakola, whose performance has slipped over the past two days was at a loss to explain, but held out hope that he would match Lahiri stroke for stroke tomorrow.

Following are the top five positions: Anirban Lahiri (Secunderbad) 211 (69, 74, 68); Joseph Chakola (Coimbatore) 211 (67, 73, 71); Amanjyot Singh (Jaipur) 213 (71, 72, 70); Raj Randhawa (Delhi) 216 (69, 77, 70); Shaurya Singh (Delhi) 217 (72, 69, 76).

UNI