Shiv Kapur sizzles on Day 3 of SAIL Open

Shiv Kapur made the most of his home conditions by firing a superb nine-under-par 63 to join overnight leader Rikard Karlberg of Sweden at the top of the table after the third round of the SAIL Open here on Thursday.

Kapur produced an eagle and seven birdies in his flawless round to be on 14-under 202, bridging a gap of five strokes with the overnight leader Karlberg, who carded a 68 in the third round.

“I have been in decent form. Most parts of my game have been good but I haven’t had four good rounds. I had good starts but haven’t capitalised on that. Today I kept it going. I have a good feel of this course, but I don’t necessarily play a full round here regularly,” said Kapur, who is searching for his second Asian Tour victory.

Among the Indians crowding the top was Shamim Khan, who shot a 69 to be at third place, while seasoned professional Jyoti Randhawa followed him a stroke behind. SSP Chowrasia and new sensation Gaganjeet Bhullar also kept in the race going into the final round.

Randhawa, who has several last-day resurgences at the course, warned that he could not be ruled out yet. “I am only four shots off the lead. Anything can happen and I am pretty much where I want to be now. The conditions of the course are good and that explains why there are so many low scores,” said Randhawa.