Udayan Mane holds 1-shot lead heading into final round of Delhi-NCR Open

Udayan Mane holds 1-shot lead heading into final round of Delhi-NCR Open

Key Highlights:

→ Udayan Mane takes third round lead at Delhi-NCR Open

→ Chikkarangappa slips to tied fourth place at eight-under-208

The calm and composed Udayan Mane smashed birdies on the last three holes to grab the third-round lead at a total of 11-under-205 at Delhi-NCR Open Golf Championship on Thursday.

The 30-year-old golfer from Bengaluru struck a second consecutive five-under-67 on Thursday, the day’s lowest round, and to move up three spots from his overnight tied fourth position at the Rs. 30 lakh event.

Gaurav Pratap Singh of Noida also continued his steady progress up the leaderboard with a second straight 68 and gained two spots in round three to be placed second at 10-under-206.

Mane, after producing some spectacular numbers on day 3 said, “I did really well on the par-5s today having made birdies on three out of four holes. I had a birdie chance on the par-5 11th hole too, but I three-putted for a par there. I created opportunities for myself in almost every hole today.

Udayan Mane

“I was in great form just before the forced season break due to the pandemic early last year. I’ve struggled getting back into competitive golf after the lockdown months. I was a bit rusty when the tour restarted in November. But my game and confidence seem to be improving with every passing event.

Patna’s Aman Raj (72-66-69) moved up one place to third position at nine-under-207 after shooting a 69 that featured an eagle, two birdies, and a bogey. Aman holed out from the fairway bunker from 167 yards out for an eagle-two on the par-4 14th hole.

Round two leader Chikkarangappa of Bengaluru dropped to tied fourth place at eight-under-208 after his round of 73. Delhi’s Manav Jaini carded a 69 to join Chikka in tied fourth place.

Bengalurean Khalin Joshi (71) and Gurugram’s Tapy Ghai (73) were in tied sixth place at seven-under-209.

The Chandigarh duo of PGTI Order of Merit leader Karandeep Kochhar (70) and Ajeetesh Sandhu (72) was among the five players in tied eighth place at six-under-210.