Jyoti Randhawa shares lead in Manila, SSP Chawrasia two shots behind

Jyoti Randhawa turned the clock back with a flawless 67, giving him a share of the lead after three rounds. (Source: File)

Jyoti Randhawa turned the clock back with a flawless 67, giving him a share of the lead after three rounds at the Resorts World Manila Masters on Saturday. Randhawa, an eight-time Asian Tour winner who last won the tour title in 2009, is now 15-under alongside Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena (64).

Adding to Indian hopes was defending champion, SSP Chawrasia (69) who just couldn’t hole putts. He did not drop any bogeys. Chawrasia is now 13-under and Tied-7th two behind the leaders.

Arjun Atwal (71) was Tied-10th, while Gaganjeet Bhullar (69) was Tied-20th. Shiv Kapur (69), Ajeetesh Sandhu (69) and Honey Baisiya (66) with nine birdies against a double and one bogey, were T-24 at 8-under.

Chiragh Kumar (71), Khalin Joshi (70) and Himmat Rai (69) were all T-38th at 6-under 210. Sujjan Singh (74) was T-65th. The 45-year-old Randhawa, said, “I didn’t take my chances today. I am not hitting my long-irons too good. All the par-fives today, I sought of laid up to the front of the greens and made up and downs for birdies. It was just a strategy of mine.”

He added, “The course is getting drier I think, conditions are much better today. The fairways have improved a lot. The greens are always good here, if not for the rain this week. I will be glad if I can continue to do the same thing for the final round tomorrow.”

Close behind the leading duo of Randhawa and Tabuena were four players, Micah Lauren Shin (US), who shot 66 to share third place with Philippines’ Justin Quiban (70), Thailand’s Namchok Tantipokhakul (63) and Arnold Vongvanij (70).