Pune-based Udayan Mane (69-65-68), a winner of 12 titles and former PGTI Order of Merit champion, was rock-solid on Friday as he extended his lead by one shot despite conceding an early double-bogey. The 34-year-old Udayan, who also pocketed an eagle, five birdies and a bogey on day three, is now well-placed to end an over three-year-long victory-drought.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bengaluru\u2019s Khalin Joshi (70-65-69), another former PGTI No. 1 and winner of six titles who grew up playing junior and amateur golf alongside Udayan, struck a 69 featuring four birdies and a bogey on the penultimate day to continue in second place and keep hopes alive of ending his winless streak that has lasted over two years. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Faridabad\u2019s Abhinav Lohan (68) ended the day in third place at nine-under 207 while Chandigarh\u2019s Angad Cheema (70) was a further shot back in fourth position.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ahmedabad\u2019s Varun Parikh carded a 69 to occupy tied eighth place at five-under 211.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The swirling wind troubled Udayan Mane early on as he dropped a double-bogey on the second hole. Mane then picked up five birdies till the 12th hole thanks to his outstanding drives and tee shots as well as a 30-feet conversion on the seventh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Udayan bogeyed the 13th but came back strong once again with his best drive of the day followed by a chip-in for eagle on the 14th. He was five-under on the four par-5s in round three.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mane, playing at his former home course, said, \u201cAfter the early double-bogey, I reminded myself that I know this course well and I\u2019m playing well, so I just need to play the shot and not the situation. That\u2019s how I got going.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe eagle on the 14th was a major momentum-gainer for me. I produced a great drive there, probably my longest drive of the day. After an equally good second shot on the 14th, I played the perfect chip from six yards that found the hole.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe wind was slightly less than round two but it was swirling a lot more and that wasn\u2019t easy to deal with.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always fun playing along with Khalin in the same group. It reminds me of our junior days, since we competed a lot against each other growing up and there are many memories we have together.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn the final round, it will be all about keeping it simple, making fairways and greens and playing smart shots keeping the situation in mind.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always fun playing along with Khalin in the same group. It reminds me of our junior days, since we competed a lot against each other growing up and there are many memories we have together.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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