Shubhankar Sharma opens up six-shot lead

Anirban Lahiri's course record of eight-under-64 at the Kalhaar Blues & Greens in 2014 was under threat when M Dharma (69-72-66) was eight-under through 14 holes, thanks to an eagle and six birdies at the PGTI Ahmedabad Masters here on Thursday. However, the Bangalorean dropped two bogeys towards the end to close the day with 66 and finished tied third at nine-under-207.

Unaware of the record, Dharma believed it would have been a huge achievement for him. "Considering the conditions, I did fairly well. However, wind played a crucial role in the last three holes. My shot went on the left side twice, which thereby forced bogeys," he said.

The young golfer was confident ahead of the final round on Friday. "I played defensively in the previous two rounds. But today (Thursday), I was little aggressive, which made a difference. I hope to keep the momentum going tomorrow (Friday) as well," he said.

The day belonged to Shubhankar Sharma, who continued his romance with the Kalhaar greens. The Delhi lad opened up a mammoth six-shot lead on the penultimate day, courtesy his third round effort of six-under-66. Shubhankar's three-day total now stands at 16-under-200. Chikkarangappa of Bangalore, who shot a one-under-71 on day three, was placed second at 10-under-206.

"I think today's (Thursday) round was my best effort of the week, bearing in mind the conditions that prevailed today (Thursday). The wind was a major factor through the day. The eagle on the 14th really spurred me on. The 14th has been a profitable hole for me as I also eagled it in round two and birdied it on day one," said Shubhankar.

Chikkarangappa (69-66-71), who was joint second overnight, ended the day second after an eventful round of 71 that featured seven birdies, four bogeys and a double-bogey.

First round leader Rashid Khan ended the day in the eighth position at six-under-210. Ajeetesh Sandhu sank two eagles during his round of 72 on Thursday. Unfortunately the Chandigarh-based golfer conceded five bogeys, which cost him dearly. He was tied 17th at one-under-215.