Atwal crashes out, Chopra surges into contention at Zurich Classic

Avondale, Louisiana, Apr 21 (UNI) Lone Indian in the fray Arjun Atwal had one of his worst days in the greens, carding a horrendous second round ten-over 82 to knock himself out of contention in the the Zurich Classic here.

The halfway cut fell at one under with 85 players qualifying for the weekend but Atwal went ten-over 154 to end his campaign.

In contrast, Indian born Swede Daniel Chopra, who was disqualified from last week's Heritage Classic at Hilton Head for taking an illegal drop in the opening round, surged into contention with a five-birdie 68. He aggregates six-under 138 after two rounds.

Tied 77th overnight, Atwal could not come up with even a single birdie while double-bogeying twice and dropping shots on as many as six occasions.

Atwal's life has been in turmoil since last month when he was involved in a speeding incident that claimed the life of one person.

The Highway Patrol said Atwal could face criminal charges, but he has maintained his innocence.

Chopra, who grew up playing in the Delhi Golf Club, fired five birdies against a solitary bogey to surge ahead from the tied 32nd spot to tied 6th spot.

Atop the leaderboard, American Mark Calcavecchia, who was at second spot after first round, moved one shot clear of compatriots Lucas Glover and Nick Watney. He aggregates nine-under 135.

Woods, who has not played on the PGA Tour since the Masters, is also skipping the New Orleans event.

UNI