Ashok Kumar leads Panasonic Open India after three rounds – Golf News
India’s Ashok Kumar carded a three-under par 69 in the third round of the Panasonic Open India to take a one-stroke lead over his compatriot Gaganjeet Bhullar at the Delhi Golf Club.
Kumar had a strong start on Saturday with a couple of back-to-back birdies on the first two holes he played. Another birdie on the par-five eight hole took him to three-under par.
While reaching the 18th hole, he was sharing the lead with Bhullar. A 15-foot birdie on the final hole earned him the lone lead on the leaderboard.
Kumar has worked as a caddy for different Indian players, along with playing on the local circuit.
"I'm not even going to think about the title. It is too farfetched to think ahead now. I'm just going to concentrate on my own game and not the leaderboard," he told the Asian Tour.
"In the past, I've been aggressive on the final day but I've totally changed now and will play calmly. I will treat it like another day," he added.
Bhullar, on the other hand, managed to score three birdies against a lone bogey to finish one stroke behind the leader.
The highlight of his performance includes the 25-foot birdie putt on the par-four sixth hole.
"Mentally there is a bit of relief in my mind that I've won before. Winning a tournament in India on the Asian Tour is a big deal for an Indian because you are playing in front of friends and family," he said.
The overnight leader, Siddikur Rahman from Bangladesh, faltered in the third round because of three bogeys against only two birdies to move three positions down on the leaderboard.
Despite this, he is in contention for the Asian Tour victory as he is just three strokes behind Kumar.
The Indian super star, SSP Chowrasia, has failed to impress his fans throughout the tournament. He is currently tied for the 18th position after 71 – 72 – 74 in the first three rounds.
Anirban Lahiri, the first-round leader, also faltered in the second and third rounds, as he carded 75 and 74 following his impressive 69 in the opening round.
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