Jyoti Randhawa fires second 65; best Indian in Switzerland

Crans Montana: Former Asian number one Jyoti Randhawa showed he still has a lot of golf left in him as he carded a second successive round of 65 to move to tied 17th after third round of the Euro 2.3 million Omega European Masters here on Saturday.

Randhawa climbed up from tied 37th to tied 17th on the third day, even as other Indians Anirban Lahiri (68) dropped to tied 41st and Rahil Gangjee (71) slipped to tied 77th.

The third round was still in progress as Brooks Koepka moved into pole position as he was five-under through 13 holes. He also had rounds of 65-65 in first two rounds.

At 15-under with five more holes still to go, Koepka led by one over Tommy Fleetwood and Graeme Storm.

Randhawa, whose 72 in first round had put him in danger of missing the cut, was all fired up as he said, "I'm happy with the way I played. I putted well the last two days, made several birdies putts and overall, I'm very happy."

The 42-year-old Indian battled back with a 65 before he traded six birdies and one bogey in the penultimate round to compile a three-day total of eight-under 202 at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

"I haven't played a lot of golf in the last three months so it was like a practice round on the first day. You get a little edgy and I needed to figure out what I need to do in the second and third round. I'm glad I'm playing well now," said Randhawa.

Randhawa became India's first Asian number one in 2002.

And after more than a decade, the 42-year-old is still displaying the same kind of form which has led him to eight Asian Tour titles throughout his illustrious career.

"I'm 42-years old and I'm still enjoying my golf. In fact, my best golf is yet to come," smiled Randhawa.

Lahiri had a promising start when he opened with an eagle-three on the first hole before adding a birdie on the fifth hole.

However, a double-bogey six on 14 ruined his hopes and he posted a 68 for a 205 total.

Rahil Gangjee had a day to forget after he mixed five bogeys against four bogeys to sign for a 71.