New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS): Golfer Rahil Gangjee rolled in a close range birdie putt on the last hole to hold a one-shot lead after the third round of the $300,000 Panasonic Open India here Saturday.
The Indian was disappointed not to extend his overnight two-shot lead after shooting a one-under-par 71 at the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).
His three-day total of 11-under-par 205 gave him a slim advantage over title holder Wade Ormsby (70) of Australia who shared second place with Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman (69), Indian teenager Shubhankar Sharma (68) and Mithun Perera (69) of Sri Lanka.
Thailand’s Panuphol Pittayarat battled into contention with a 69, courtesy of two closing birdies, to trail Gangjee by two shots at the Delhi Golf Club.
After opening with a birdie, Gangjee struggled on the greens and had to battle tooth-and-nail to stay in contention to end a 10-year title drought on the Asian Tour.
“I wasn’t tensed because that’s what most people are thinking. I didn’t hit the shots and that’s what I didn’t like about the entire day. Overall, I hung in there today so tomorrow will be a lot better,” said the 36-year-old Gangjee.
The home favourite set-up a glorious 12-foot eagle chance on the 18th hole but misjudged the line before settling for a birdie. With four players snapping at his heels, Gangjee knows he must stay calm and patient.
“I hit a bunch of great putts but I had tricky lines so I got a bit unlucky. I’m still in it with a chance so it will be about holding my nerves on the last 18 holes,” said Gangjee.
The 18-year-old Shubhankar charged into contention and credited the experience of playing on the Asian Development Tour (ADT), which is the secondary circuit on the Asian Tour.
“The 10 tournaments that I have played on the ADT this year have really helped me grow as a professional. I posted two top-10s on the ADT and the experience has given me a taste of life on the Asian Tour,” said Sharma, who turned professional after winning the 2013 All India Championship.
Leaderboard:
205 - Rahil Gangjee (IND) 66-68-71.
206 - Shubhankar Sharma (IND) 73-65-68, Siddikur Rahman (BAN) 70-67-69, Mithun Perera (SRI) 70-67-69, Wade Ormsby (AUS) 68-68-70.
207 - Panuphol Pittayarat (THA) 70-68-69.
208 - Unho Park (AUS) 69-71-68, Lionel Weber (FRA) 73-66-69, Pratap Atwal (am, IND) 69-68-71.
209 - Rashid Khan (IND) 68-70-71.
210 - Akinori Tani (JPN) 71-72-67, S.S.P Chowrasia (IND) 70-71-69, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 69-70-71.
211 - Atthaphon Sriboonkaew (THA) 73-70-68.