Key Points
Arjun and Yuvraj hold 10-under 206 score after third round
Challenging wind conditions test golfers' adaptability
Friendship and competition drive top performers
Exciting final round expected in Greater Noida
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, a release said.
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-feet 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.
Arjun said, "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.
"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."
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.
Yuvraj said, "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."
Comments:
What an exciting tournament! Arjun and Yuvraj's friendship makes this competition even more special. Hope they both bring their A-game tomorrow! 🏌️♂️
Yuvraj's experience really shows in how he handles ups and downs. That bunker shot by Arjun on 17th must have been amazing to watch in person!
While the coverage is good, I wish there was more focus on the amateur player Sukhman Singh. It's impressive for a teenager to make the cut in such a strong field.
The wind conditions sound brutal today! Kudos to all players for adapting so well. That eagle by Arjun Sharma must have been the highlight of the day ⛳
Great sportsmanship between the leaders. Their friendly rivalry is exactly what golf needs more of. Can't wait for the final round showdown!
While the tournament is exciting, I think the course setup could be more challenging for professionals. The scoring seems quite low across the board.
Saptak Talwar moving up to third is the dark horse story I'm here for! Local boy making good 👏 Hope he has another strong round tomorrow.
