NEW DELHI, Feb 9: Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin grabbed a one shot lead at a blustery Indian Masters on Saturday, with Ernie Els lurking dangerously four behind after posting the best score of the day.

Jacquelin, who last tasted a European Tour victory at the BMW Asian Open in Shanghai last April, mixed an eagle and a birdie with three bogeys for an even par 72 on a day that saw the lead seesaw.

He enters the final push on Sunday one ahead of second round leader Damien McGrane, who struggled to recapture his early form with five bogeys in his 75.

The Irishman sits at five under par for the tournament alongside countryman Graeme McDowell (73) and Spain’s Jose Manuel Lara (71).

Local hopes remain alive with former US PGA Tour member Arjun Atwal two off the pace and Kolkata-based S.S.P Chowrasia on the same score.

But it was Els who dealt with the gusty conditions better than anyone as the world number four starts to find his groove.

He has improved each day as he gets a feel for the quirks of the tough Lodhi course having recovered from a horror nine on the 18th hole in his opening round.

The South African had been aiming to make six under par Saturday, but three bogeys mixed with six birdies derailed the plan.

Nevertheless, his 69 proved to be an excellent score that no one else could match.—AFP