Dubai, 20-12-2014
Atwal and Kapur in joint lead along with Kruger and Wang after day three of Dubai Open
The Indian duo of Arjun Atwal and Shiv Kapur went into the final round of the inaugural Dubai Open holding the joint lead along with South Africa’s Jbe Kruger and Korean teenager Wang Jeung-hun after an exhilarating third round on Saturday.
No fewer than 21 players, all within three shots of the lead, will have a chance of lifting the top prize at the majestic Els Club Dubai.
Co-overnight leader Kapur, a Dubai resident, overcame two early bogeys with an inward 31 and a 69 and stayed in the joint lead on 10-under-par 206 with Atwal, who mixed six birdies against two bogeys for a 68.
Six players lie a stroke back, including India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar (69).
Kapur, who won the European Challenge Tour’s season-ending tournament in Dubai last year, is hopeful of completing his double despite his bogey-bogey start. He later missed an eagle putt on 18 for the outright lead but was happy to contend again in the metropolitan city of Dubai.
“Yeah, it was a nightmare of a start. I didn't really hit any poor shots and then actually holed about a 15-footer for par on the fourth hole to sort of keep the round going,” said the 32-year-old Kapur.
“But standing on the 10th tee, I just turned to Neeraj (his caddie) and said, "I need a back nine like the front nine I did at Muirfield. Let's go out and play with that sort of attitude." I’m happy with the way I fought back. There was a time where I could completely have thrown myself out of the tournament, so I'm tied for the lead, not too bad.”
Atwal, Asia’s number one in 2003, has not contended since becoming the first Indian to win on the PGA Tour in 2010 and reckons the hottest putter on Sunday will walk away with the Dubai Open crown. “It's been a while,” said the seven-time Asian Tour winner. “Just make a lot of putts. Make a lot of birdies. It's going to be fun tomorrow I think.”
Jeev Milkha Singh closed the day in tied 40th at two-under-214.
About PGTI:
Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Kapil Dev (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
Mobile: 9910974846
Email: media@pgtofindia.com
