Dhaka, Bangladesh, 12-02-2016
Chikkarangappa & Bhullar in the race in Dhaka, placed tied second and fourth on day three
India’s Chikkarangappa S delivered the joint best score of day three, a six-under-65, to keep himself in the hunt at the US$300,000 Bashundhara Bangladesh Open. Chikka will now head into the final round in tied second place at 14-under-199, three shots adrift of the leader Thitiphun Chuayprakong of Thailand, who also shot a 65 on Friday.
Chikkarangappa, looking for his maiden Asian Tour title, shared the second spot with another Thai golfer Sutijet Kooratanapisan, who too came up with a 65 in round three.
Gaganjeet Bhullar was the other Indian in contention going into the final round as the five-time Asian Tour winner occupied fourth position at 13-under-200 following a 66 on the penultimate day.
Chikka’s (68-66-65) sublime third round effort helped him gain one spot from his overnight tied third. The 2015 Rolex Ranking champion, who did not drop a single shot in his last 26 holes, believes that he can still keep up with his title aspirations should he stay true to his form in the final round.
“I enjoyed myself a lot. I didn’t make any bogeys today and my tee shots were better compared to yesterday. I hit the ball really well. Thitiphun got off to a great start. He was just unstoppable. It’s good to see solid golf. It motivates you to play well,” said the 22-year-old, who highlighted his round with six birdies.
“It’s going to be the same for me tomorrow. I just want to go out there and enjoy myself. I don’t want to think so much. I have been in this position before so I really hope to just enjoy my game tomorrow,” added Chikka, who sank a 30-footer putt on 17.
Gaganjeet Bhullar (67-67-66), like Chikka, produced his best effort of the week so far, to keep his title hopes alive. Bhullar would be keen to turn back the clock to 2011 when he bagged a PGTI title at the same venue, the Kurmitola Golf Club.
Shubhankar Sharma, who was the third Indian in the top-3 at the halfway stage, signed a 71 on day three but remained in the top-10. He closed the day in tied seventh at eight-under-205.
The Indian duo of Rahul Bajaj and Rahil Gangjee slipped out of the top-10 with matching scores of 72 that placed them tied 21st at five-under-208.
Shankar Das was tied 33rd at three-under-210 while Abhijit Chadha and Sujjan Singh were a further stroke behind in tied 39th place. Khalin Joshi and Amardip Malik ended the day in tied 54th at even-par-213.
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
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Email: media@pgtofindia.com
