New Delhi, 09-10-2014

Shankar Das maintains lead on day three of BILT Open

Anura Rohana a close second

Kolkata’s Shankar Das maintained his lead in round three of the BILT Open 2014, the fifth PGTI Super Series event of the season. Shankar posted a three-under-69 in the penultimate round of the Rs. 1 crore event at the Delhi Golf Club to stay ahead by one stroke. Das’ three-day total read 12-under-204. Sri Lankan Anura Rohana fired an error-free 68 to be one off the lead in second place.

Shankar Das (69-66-69), the overnight leader by one shot, continued on top of the leaderboard in round three after a clinical 69 that included five birdies and two bogeys. The 31-year-old Shankar, a four-time winner on the PGTI, was quick off the blocks on Thursday as he collected four birdies on the first eight holes. He knocked down birdie putts from 20 feet and 10 feet on the first and second respectively. The ever-smiling Das also landed it extremely close for birdies on the sixth, eighth and 14th. Shankar however, struggled with his favourite club, the 3-wood, as both his bogeys came as a result of poor 3-wood tee shots on the ninth and 18th.

Das said, “I started really well today as I was four-under after eight holes. However, my strongest club, the 3-wood, let me down on the ninth and 18th. A one-shot lead doesn’t count for much at the DGC so I’ll have to be at my best in the final round in order to have a chance of winning. My target in the final round will be a score of around three-under to four-under. I’ve had three top-5s this year and now I’m eager to win as I last won over a year back. I’ve been working a lot on my physical fitness and that has helped my game this year.”

Anura Rohana (67-70-68) climbed from overnight third to second place after his bogey-free round of 68 on day three. The 41-year-old Rohana, a two-time winner on the PGTI, made brilliant up and downs for birdies on the first and eighth before draining a 10-footer for his third birdie on the 13th. Anura finally missed an eagle by a whisker from 15 feet on the 18th and had to settle for his fourth birdie of the day.

Rohana said, “I didn’t make any bogeys today but missed some short birdie putts. I’m quite pleased with the effort today as it keeps me in the hunt. Besides Shankar, Rashid and Chiragh will also be tough contenders in the final round as they are playing on their home course. I’ll need a good start on day four to mount a serious challenge.”

Delhi golfers Rashid Khan and Chiragh Kumar continue to be in contention as they occupy tied third place at eight-under-208. While defending champion Rashid shot a 68 on day three, Chiragh, a former BILT Open champion, carded a 69.

Bangalore’s Chikkarangappa and Sanjay Kumar of Lucknow are in tied fifth at seven-under-209.