Nakajima takes two-shot lead at DP World India Championship

Japan’s Keita Nakajima reaffirmed his love for Indian golf courses with a flawless 7-under 65, surging into a two-shot lead after the third round of the $4 million DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club.

The 25-year-old, who was the world’s top-ranked amateur for a record 87 weeks, moved to 17-under, positioning himself for what could be his second win in three Indian starts. Nakajima, who won the 2024 Hero Indian Open and finished runner-up earlier this year, was in command throughout, making six birdies in ten holes and draining a 40-footer on the 12th to seize the outright lead.

Overnight leader Tommy Fleetwood (69) slipped to second after a patchy back nine, while Shane Lowry (69) stayed close behind at 14-under. A cluster including Brian Harman, Jens Dantorp, and Alex Fitzpatrick followed on 13-under.

For the home fans, the day’s highlight was Dhruv Sheoran’s 5-under 67, his best of the week. Recently working with coach Rahul Bajaj, Sheoran’s steady play — six birdies against one bogey — lifted him to T-25. “I stayed calm and trusted my putting. My 2-iron and 4-iron have been working really well this week,” he said.

Shiv Kapur (70) and Shubhankar Sharma (71) ended at 5-under, while Anirban Lahiri (73) and Abhinav Lohan (73) were further back.

Nakajima, eyeing another Indian triumph, summed up his mindset simply: “I love this course and this country. I’ll just keep my rhythm and stay patient tomorrow.”

Photo – Keita Nakajima/DPWT