Bangkok, Thailand, 20-05-2017
Gaganjeet Bhullar placed third, stays in title hunt
Shiv Kapur shoots a 65 to move up to tied ninth
Overnight joint leader Gaganjeet Bhullar of India posted a five-under-67 to take third place at 15-under-198 and thus stay in the hunt after the penultimate round of the US$300,000 Thailand Open on Saturday.
Bhullar (65-66-67), a seven time winner on the Asian Tour, struck five birdies against a lone bogey on day three to lie two shots off the lead.
The Thai duo of Rattanon Wannasrichan (17-under-196) and Panuphol Pittayarat (16-under-197) occupied first and second places respectively at their National Open.
Bhullar said, “I hit the ball really well again today. I have been giving myself a lot of birdie opportunities this week. I left about four to five birdies out there though but overall, I hit the ball really solid, missing only one fairway. I was giving myself a lot of chances although I had three lip-outs today.
“It was a hot and humid day. The wind wasn’t an issue today. That’s why you see a lot of low scores out there. At the back of my mind, I do know that I am in contention and I have the opportunity to chase for an eighth win on the Asian Tour.
“It’s going to be a good Sunday pairing again but I will be more cautious while playing. I have been in this position for many times. My past experiences will definitely help me tomorrow. Overall I think it’s a great golf course. It’s a ball striker’s paradise.
“At the end of the day, if you can putt well, you should be able to bring the trophy home. My goal is to give my 100% tomorrow. Whatever results my 100% gives me tomorrow, I will accept it.”
Shiv Kapur (70-67-65) was the second Indian in the top-10. He climbed 14 places from his overnight tied 23rd to tied ninth as a result of his third round of 65 which featured seven birdies and one bogey. His total stood at 11-under-202.
Jeev Milkha Singh followed up his astounding 63 in round two with a quiet 70 in round three. He thus moved down the leaderboard from overnight tied fifth to tied 19th at nine-under-204.
Shankar Das and Khalin Joshi were both in tied 40th at five-under-208.
Shubhankar Sharma was placed tied 62nd at two-under-211 and Himmat Rai was tied 67th at even-par-213.
Chiragh Kumar and Chikkarangappa were in tied 73rd at two-over-215 while Arjun Prasad was in 77th at four-over-217.
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