Shares top spot with overnight leader Muniyappa after carding a 4-under 60.
Mukesh Kumar shot into title contention by sharing the top spot along with overnight leader Chinaswamy Muniyappa with a total score of 11 under 159 after round three of the Aircel PGTI’s Crompton Greaves Open under way at the Willingdon Sports Club here on Friday.
Kumar proved why he is still regarded as one of the best on the domestic tour after carding a round of four-under-60 on Friday, registering seven birdies and three bogies in the process. Muniyappa returned a card of two-under-62 while Australia’s Kunal Bhasin and Delhi-based Shamim Khan are tied third at 10-under-160.
Kumar, the 2007-08 PGTI Order of Merit winner, was placed fifth after round two and came up with some great bunker shots to set up birdie putts within four feet on the fourth, fifth, 12th and 18th holes. “I hit some really good bunker shots today. I also had a couple of outstanding tee shots on the ninth and 11th, both of which landed within six feet of the pin. However, I felt I made too many bogeys today.”
Muniyappa had a relatively average round making four bogeys. But the six birdies, two of which were quite remarkable, saved him in the end. “I made too many bogeys for my liking. The chip-in on the ninth and the approach shot on the first were the best moments of the day for me. I was trying to attack the pins but did not hit it well and missed far too many greens,” said Muniyappa, who was overnight tied second.
Overnight leader Shaquill Shane scored two over 66.
If Kumar manages to win the tournament, it will boost his chances of winning the Order of Merit title this year. On Saturday, it is expected to be a three-horse race for the title between Kumar, Muniyappa and Khan.
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