SA MasterChef contestant Sashi Cheliah is one step closer to glory

SOUTH Australia’s Sashi Cheliah is one step closer to MasterChef glory after securing a spot in the reality cooking show’s final three.

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SOUTH Australia’s Sashi Cheliah is one step closer to MasterChef glory after securing a spot in the reality cooking show’s final three.

The mild-mannered prison officer survived last night’s elimination challenge, which saw Jess Liemantarabow out of the competition, and will now battle Ben Borsht and Khanh Ong for a position in tomorrow night’s season finale.

Adelaide's Sashi Cheliah with fellow SA MasterChef alumni (back row left to right) Callum Hann, Tracy Collins, Heather Day, Jessie Spiby, Michael Weldon and Andre Ursini. Front row left to right: Eloise Praino, Georgia Hughes, Sashi, Laura Cassai and Rose Adam. Picture: Supplied

“It’s unexpected, I never thought I’d come this far,” says Sashi, pictured above with past SA MasterChef stars including Callum Hann and Laura Cassai.

“I’ve been taking everything on a daily basis, I haven’t been looking too far ahead … maybe that’s the secret.”

A favourite all season after winning two immunity pins, Sashi admits he’s struggled during finals week, in particular during a difficult service challenge when he was put under the pump by guest chef Icebergs Dining Room & Bar’s Monty Koludrovic.

“It’s been stressful for me having to cook so fast,” he says.

While Sashi’s fanbase used social media to accuse Monty of “bullying and belittling” behaviour towards him, he says it was “no big deal”.

“Monty has been very encouraging, he was very helpful,” Sashi says.

“But I’m very grateful for all the love and support of family, friends and everyone.”