Kabthiyal, Baisoya share lead after round three of Chhattisgarh Open

Anshul Kabthiyal and Honey Baisoya surged into a share of the lead after round three of the INR 1.5 crore SECL Chhattisgarh Open, with both carding six-under 63s at Fairway Golf & Lake Resort in Naya Raipur.

The duo moved to 21-under 186 heading into the final round, one clear of American Jhared Hack, who also shot a 63 to climb into third at 20-under 187 at the DP World PGTI season-opener.

Veer Ahlawat, after a seven-under 62, and overnight leader Akshay Sharma (69) were tied fourth at 18-under 189.

Kabthiyal, still searching for his maiden PGTI title, built momentum steadily through the day. After an early birdie from 45 feet on the second, he went quiet until the back nine before catching fire from the 11th. He closed with birdies on four of his final five holes, including a 25-footer on the 18th.

“I’ve kept the errors out this week,” said Kabthiyal, who has dropped just one bogey all tournament. “I didn’t play this course well last year, but I’ve adjusted much better this time and my mindset has improved.”

Baisoya, a seven-time PGTI winner, had a more eventful round. He picked up five birdies over his first 11 holes before a bogey on the 12th. He responded immediately with a 15-foot eagle on the 13th and another birdie on the 15th, before a late bogey on the 16th.

“I had an up-and-down day, but my chipping and putting have been trending well,” Baisoya said. “I’m feeling more comfortable and enjoying it out there.”

With three players within a shot and scoring conditions still favourable, the Chhattisgarh Open is set up for a wide-open finish.

Photo – PGTI / Anshul Kabthiyal & Honey Baisoya