Dhruv Sheoran surged ahead with a six-under 66 to open a three-shot lead at 15-under 201 after round three of the INR 1 crore DP World Players Championship at Classic Golf & Country Club in Nuh.
The 31-year-old from Gurugram, a 2024 DP World PGTI winner, followed his second-round 66 with another bogey-free effort to take firm control heading into the final day. Sheoran (69-66-66) set the tone early with four consecutive birdies from the second to the fifth and never let up, adding two more gains on the 10th and 11th.
Kolkata’s Sunit Chowrasia (70-66-68) climbed to solo second at 12-under 204 with a steady 68 that featured five birdies and one bogey, keeping himself within range.
Overnight co-leader Akshay Sharma (70-65-70) and first-round co-leader Jamal Hossain (67-70-68) were tied third at 11-under 205. Sharma followed his tournament-low 65 with a composed 70, while Hossain stayed in contention with a 68.
Karnal’s Mani Ram (69-68-70) was fifth at nine-under 207 after a 70 that included an eagle on the par-5 14th.
Sheoran credited his fast start for setting up the round. “I didn’t realise at the time, but those four early birdies really gave me momentum,” he said. “I’m just focusing on my process and trying to get better each day.”
Chowrasia, who returned earlier this season after an injury layoff, built his round steadily. “I got into a good rhythm early with birdies on the fifth and sixth,” he said. “I won’t change anything for the final round—just keep playing the way I have been.”
Harman Sachdeva slipped to tied sixth at eight-under 208 after a 71, alongside Mohammad Sanju (67), Om Prakash Chouhan (69), and Nepal’s Sukra Bahadur Rai (72).
What it means: Sheoran holds clear control, but the chasing pack remains within striking distance on a volatile layout.
What’s next: Final round Sunday—Sheoran chases a second title, with early pressure likely from Chowrasia and Sharma.
Photo – PGTI
