Jaipur Open 2022: Abhijit Singh Chadha back in lead after round three

Jaipur, Sep 16 (IANS) Abhijit Singh Chadha carded a five-under 65 in round three to regain the top spot in the Jaipur Open 2022 being played at the Rambagh Golf Club here on Friday.

Chandigarh-lad Abhijit (62-69-65), who led the field in round one before slipping to the second position in round two, got back to the top of the leaderboard with a two-shot lead at 14-under 196 on Friday.

Om Prakash Chouhan (67-66-65) of Mhow, who has made five chip-ins in the tournament so far including two in round three, shot an error-free 65 to gain four spots and end the day in second place at 12-under 198.

Bangladesh's Jamal Hossain fired the day's best score of 63 to move up 15 spots to be tied third at 11-under 199. Bengaluru's Mari Muthu (67) was also in tied third place.

Halfway-leader Amrit Lal of Chandigarh dropped to tied seventh place at nine-under 201 after returning a 73 on Friday.

Local professional Girraj Singh Khadka was tied 28th at three-under 207. Amateur Manoviraj Shekhawat, the other Jaipur golfer to make the cut, was 50th at six-over 216.

Three-time PGTI winner Abhijit Singh Chadha's day was highlighted by his three long birdie conversions from a range of 15 to 30 feet on the second, fourth and 18th as he did well to negotiate the tricky greens.

The 31-year-old Chadha, a winner on the PGTI last year and currently 17th on the tour's merit list, also set up three tap-in birdies with his exceptional wedge shots. His seven birdies were accompanied by two bogeys.

Chadha said, "I managed myself well despite the conditions not being easy as the wind was swirling around and the greens were tricky. I stayed patient and I've been rewarded for that. I was also very consistent with my putting.

"The wind generally doesn't have much of an impact here in Jaipur. But this week we've had more windy conditions than usual for this venue."

Om Prakash Chouhan capitalised on his hot short-game as he followed up on his three chip-ins on the first two days with two more for birdies in round three. He also sank three birdies from a distance of 12 to 20 feet.

Chouhan said, "My chipping and wedge shots have been outstanding this week. I've also made a lot of long putts over the last three days. I enjoy playing at Rambagh as I always feel I have a chance at this course. I've been in contention here every time but never won. I would like to change that."