Key Points
Arjun Prasad and Yuvraj Sandhu extend lead to two strokes
Saptak Talwar climbs to third with eight-under 208
Arjun Sharma shines with two eagles in tied sixth
Wind challenges players on Day Three
Overnight joint leaders Arjun (68-69-69) and Yuvraj (70-67-69), who happen to be close friends and are also often roommates during tournaments, took their total score to 10-under 206 on Thursday as they extended their lead over the rest of the field to two strokes.
Greater Noida's Saptak Talwar (67-72-69) climbed two spots to third position at eight-under 208 following his third round of 69. Delhi's Honey Baisoya and Chandigarh's Harendra Gupta carded scores of 72 to end the day in tied fourth place at six-under 210.
Arjun Sharma (68) was the other player from Greater Noida in the top 10 as he closed the day in tied sixth place at five-under 211. Arjun sank two eagles during his 68 on Thursday. Noida-based teenager Sukhman Singh, the lone amateur to make the cut, returned a 73 to be placed tied 39th at three-over 219.
On a day when the swirling wind switched directions and was causing trouble to most of the field, Arjun Prasad made a hot start with three birdies on the first five holes, where he had a couple of 10-foot conversions.
After a bogey on the eighth, the 26-year-old Arjun, searching for his maiden title, came back strong with birdies on the 10th and 17th (par-3), where he came up with a terrific bunker shot and an equally good tee shot, respectively. Prasad, currently sixth on the PGTI Order of Merit, remained on top of the leaderboard despite dropping a bogey on the closing 18th.
"With the wind switching direction today, quite a few holes were playing differently. So, one had to accordingly make the changes in the tee shots and the lines. Making these adjustments was critical today, and I managed to do that well," Arjun said.
"It's always fun playing in the same group as my good friend and regular roommate, Yuvraj. We play a lot of practice rounds together, so we always enjoy each other's company. Even today, we were pushing each other to do better by making those birdies and par saves. I look forward to playing in the leader group with Yuvraj once again in the final round," he added.
Unlike the second round, Yuvraj Sandhu had a comparatively slower start on Day Three as he bogeyed the first hole. The 28-year-old Yuvraj, a winner of 11 titles including two on the PGTI this year, came roaring back with three birdies between the second and fifth holes.
Sandhu, currently third on the PGTI Order of Merit, then added three more birdies and two bogeys on his back nine, where he had mixed fortunes.
"It was an up and down day for me as the putter went cold, especially on the back-nine. But I'm glad that it was topsy-turvy today, as I can now expect a much better final round. I'm excited about playing alongside my friend Arjun in the leader group on the final day for the second time this season. He's been working really hard on his game, so I'm looking forward to the contest," Sandhu added.
Comments:
What an exciting tournament! Arjun and Yuvraj's friendship makes this competition even more special. Rooting for both of them to bring their A-game tomorrow! 🏌️♂️⛳
Impressive performance from both leaders, but I wish the article had more details about Saptak Talwar's climb to third place. He seems to be the dark horse in this tournament!
That bunker shot by Arjun on 17th must have been amazing! Golf doesn't get enough coverage in India - we need more tournaments like this to grow the sport. #SupportIndianGolf
Yuvraj's experience is really showing in how he handles ups and downs during the round. 11 titles is no joke! Though I do think the course conditions could be more challenging for professionals of this caliber.
The sportsmanship between these two is so refreshing to see! In most sports, competitors at the top are usually rivals, but these guys seem to genuinely enjoy playing together. More of this please! 👏
Great to see Indian golf growing! The Adani Invitational is becoming a premier event. Hope we get to see more young talents like Sukhman Singh coming through the ranks.
