Sandhu opens six-shot lead after bogey-free 66 in Digboi

PGTI Ranking leader Yuvraj Sandhu extended his dominance at the IndianOil SERVO Masters, firing a bogey-free six-under 66 to move six shots clear at 16-under 200 after round three at Digboi Golf Links.

Sandhu, who led by two after the first two rounds, put together another composed day with five early birdies in his first seven holes and a sixth on the par-5 15th. The Chandigarh golfer, already a two-time champion in Digboi, is now in position to claim his fifth win of the season and a third title at this venue.

“It was another solid day with 17 greens in regulation,” Sandhu said. “The putter worked early, though I left a few out there on the back nine. I’d love to break the 23-under winning record here, but I’ll need more putts to fall tomorrow.”

Viraj Madappa, making his first appearance in Digboi and first trip to Assam, returned a steady 68 to reach 10-under 206 and move into solo second. His round included a chip-in eagle at the 11th and two more birdies.

Sri Lanka’s N Thangaraja (67) and former champion Veer Ahlawat (69) are tied third at nine-under 207.

Local favourite Deven Bhumij, the only Digboi professional to make the cut, sits tied 42nd after a 73.

This week marks the 25th edition of the IndianOil SERVO Masters, the PGTI’s longest-running event and North-East India’s premier professional tournament, now boasting a record INR 1 crore purse.

Saptak Talwar, who began the day in second, slipped to tied fifth after a 72, joined by Shivendra Singh Sisodia (70). Defending champion Jamal Hossain is tied eighth at five-under.

Sandhu heads into the final round with both form and history on his side — and a chance to close out one of the strongest seasons of his career.

Photo – PGTI