Shubhankar Sharma endured a difficult finish but retained a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the INR 2 crore Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida.
The two-time DP World Tour winner returned an even-par 72 to remain at 11-under 205 after three rounds. His overnight advantage, however, was reduced from four shots as Manoj S and Michele Ortolani mounted strong charges.
Sharma appeared set to tighten his grip on the tournament after collecting four birdies on the front nine and another at the 10th. But three bogeys and a double bogey over the closing stretch wiped out those gains and brought the chasing pack back into contention.
The 30-year-old Chandigarh golfer, who opened with rounds of 68 and 65, will nevertheless begin the final day in pole position as he pursues his second DP World PGTI title of the season.
“It was an up-and-down day,” Sharma said. “The back nine was disappointing because I missed a few opportunities and dropped some shots. However, I’m still playing good golf and have plenty to look forward to tomorrow.”
Bengaluru’s Manoj produced a bogey-free six-under 66 to climb from sixth into a share of second place at nine-under 207. Italy’s Ortolani joined him after firing seven birdies in a flawless 65, the joint-lowest round of the day.
Defending DP World PGTI Order of Merit champion Yuvraj Sandhu moved into fourth place at seven-under 209 following a three-under 69.
Brashwarpal Singh followed his second-round 65 with a 73 to share fifth at six-under 210 alongside four-time season winner Khalin Joshi, who returned a 71.
Current Race to the DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar added a second successive 72 to climb six places to tied 25th at three-over 219.
With Manoj and Ortolani closing the gap, Sharma will take only a slender cushion into the final round as he looks to turn his 54-hole lead into another home victory.
Photo – PGTI
