Noida, 16-10-2014
Khalin Joshi opens up three-shot lead on penultimate day, emerges top contender for title
Khalin Joshi of Bangalore came up with a three-under-69 in round three of the PGTI Players Championship at Noida Golf Course to open up a three-shot lead at eight-under-208. Abhijit Singh Chadha of Chandigarh, Delhi's Arjun Singh and Abhinav Lohan of the DLF Golf & Country Club were in tied second at five-under-211.
Khalin Joshi (69-70-69), who was overnight tied second and two off the lead at the halfway stage, began the day with a chip-in for birdie on the first. This was his second chip-in of the tournament. The 22-year-old then produced a magnificent approach on the second to pick up another stroke. The bogey on the 10th was negated by three straight birdies on the 12th, 13th and 14th. Joshi, currently placed 18th in the Rolex Rankings, had a tap-in birdie on the 12th and converted two putts from over 20 feet on the 13th and 14th. Khalin had a bogey on the 17th but still managed to stay three shots ahead.
Khalin, yet to win his maiden title, said, “I kept the ball in play and was good off the tee. I had a great start with birdies on the first two holes. I didn't make too many putts on the front-nine but fared better with the putter after the turn. The pins were a little tougher today and the playing conditions weren't that easy as the wind was also a factor. It's important for me to putt well if I have to perform well in the final round.â€Â
Abhijit Singh Chadha's 67 was the best score of day three. It featured a run of three birdies and an eagle from the 12th to the 15th. Abhijit, recovering from a lower back injury, landed his wedge shots close for birdies on the 12th, 13th and 15th. He found the green in two shots on the 14th and followed it up with a 15-feet conversion for eagle.
The seasoned Arjun Singh stayed in the hunt with a bogey-free-68 for a share of second place. He had a couple of good up and downs for birdies on the second and eighth and sank two long birdie putts on the 10th and 13th.
Abhinav Lohan, the overnight leader, slipped to joint second after a round of 74 on Thursday. Lohan was pushed back by three bogeys and a double-bogey on the first 13 holes. However, he did manage to recover some ground with three birdies on the last five holes.
Angad Cheema of Panchkula and Delhi's Ashok Kumar were in tied fifth place at four-under-212.
Defending champion N Thangaraja of Sri Lanka occupies tied 15th place at three-over-219.
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.
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