Thangaraja leads by five with 18 holes to play in Bengaluru

Sri Lanka’s N Thangaraja continued his blistering form on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), carding a superb five-under 66 in the third round to open up a commanding five-shot lead at the INR 1 crore Bengaluru Open 2025 Powered by IndianOil, played at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) course.

Thangaraja, who led overnight by one, has now compiled rounds of 66-65-66 to move to 16-under 197, making him the clear favourite heading into the final day. The two-time winner this season — and currently third on the PGTI Order of Merit — has been in inspired form over the past month, following a win and a runner-up finish in his last three starts.

A trio of challengers trails in tied second at 11-under 202 — Mohd Azhar (69-66-67) from Hyderabad, Manu Gandas (70-63-69) from Gurugram, and Viraj Madappa (65-67-70) of Kolkata. Bengaluru’s Khalin Joshi was among the few who matched Thangaraja’s pace, firing a day’s best 65 to rise to T-8 at eight-under 205, while defending champion Abhinav Lohan sits T-19 at five-under 208.

Noida’s Kanav Chauhan, the lone amateur to make the cut, remained steady at one-under 212 in tied 31st place.

Thangaraja’s round began with early momentum — birdies on the first and third, both long-range conversions from 20 feet. Despite a bogey on the fourth, he recovered impressively with four more birdies through the round, combining clinical approach play with confident putting.

“It was my best putting day of the week,” Thangaraja said. “I hit 15 greens in regulation and kept my focus even after the bogey. I’m in a good space right now — the key tomorrow will be to stay patient and not get complacent with the lead.”

Azhar climbed four spots with his 67, while Gandas’ 69 helped him consolidate his position near the top. Madappa, who started the day one behind Thangaraja, had a quieter round but stayed in touch with the leaders despite a closing bogey.

“I’ve hit the ball well all week,” said Madappa. “I just need to finish stronger and avoid late mistakes.”

With 18 holes left to play, Thangaraja has one hand on what could be his third title of the season, but the chasing pack — led by Azhar, Gandas and Madappa — will be eager to test his composure on Sunday at KGA.

Photo – PGTI