Noida, 11-12-2014

Amardip Sinh Malik takes commanding four-shot lead in round three

Mukesh Kumar placed second

Amardip Sinh Malik of Greater Noida took a commanding four-shot lead in round three of the PGTI Noida Masters, the seventh and final event of the 2014 Super Series, being played at the Noida Golf Course. Malik's two-under-70 on Thursday helped him emerge as the clear title favourite as his total moved to nine-under-207. Mukesh Kumar of Mhow was placed second at five-under-211 after his third round of even-par-72.

Amardip Sinh Malik (70-67-70), the overnight leader by two shots, maintained his position at the top of the leaderboard after a third round that featured six birdies, two bogeys and a double-bogey. Amardip thus became the only player in the tournament to shoot three sub-par rounds.

The 29-year-old Malik, looking for his maiden title, said, "I'm happy with the way I'm playing and performing and it is even more special to me because I have just come back from a long injury break. If I continue to remain calm and patient like I have been for the last three days I think I have a good chance of winning here.

He added, "I putted well for the six birdies today. The best one was the putt on 17th because it was a tough 18 ft left to right quick putt. Mukesh was at four feet for birdie on the same hole so I really wanted to make it. The double-bogey on the 11th was the result of a bad swing as the ball found the water hazard."

Mukesh Kumar (66-73-72) hung on to his overnight second place after a round that included four birdies and four bogeys. The seasoned campaigner will be looking for a record 16th PGTI title on the final day.

Kapil Kumar of Delhi, Noida's Vikrant Chopra and Bangladesh's Md Zamal Hossain Mollah occupied tied third place at two-under-214.

Rolex Rankings and Super Series leader Chikkarangappa S of Bangalore was tied seventh at even-par-216 while Delhi's Rashid Khan, who is currently second in the Super Series, closed round three in tied 15th place at two-over-218.