The 33-year-old Bengaluru golfer, who began the day seven shots clear, followed his first two rounds of 63 and 66 with another composed display to reach 19-under 194. Delhi\u2019s Rashid Khan (68-68-64), also a former Asian Tour winner, fired the day\u2019s best score of seven-under 64 to move into sole second place at 13-under 200, six shots behind Joshi.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Khalin Joshi\u2019s second successive bogey-free round featured six birdies and extended his run without a dropped shot to 37 holes. The former Asian Tour winner has made just one bogey all week, which came on the par-four 17th during the opening round.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While his ball-striking was not as sharp early in the round, Joshi found a way to keep moving forward before rediscovering his rhythm on the back nine.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t hit the ball as well on the front nine as I had over the first two days, but making two birdies after missing the fairways was important,\u201d said Joshi. \u201cI found some momentum on the back nine, hit a few good shots and converted some good putts. Overall, I\u2019m feeling confident and positive about my game,\u201d he said. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Joshi has now produced rounds of 63, 66 and 65, but he is not allowing his commanding position to change his approach heading into the final day. \u201cHitting fairways is the key here because it creates plenty of birdie opportunities,\u201d he said. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMy goal tomorrow will be to find as many fairways as possible. If I can do that, I believe the score will follow. There is just one round left, so I need to stay in the present and continue doing what I\u2019ve done over the first three days.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Joshi has also enjoyed the distinctive surroundings at Royal Springs. He recalled seeing a bear run across the third fairway from about 100 yards away during the Pro-Am and joked that he hoped it would prove to be his good-luck charm.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The fruit trees around the course have added another local flavour to his week. \u201cI\u2019ve had mulberries and what I think were cherries or apricots near the third hole, as well as a few apples during the practice and opening rounds. It\u2019s another part of what makes this place so special,\u201d Joshi said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chandigarh\u2019s Ajeetesh Sandhu (65-72-65), another former Asian Tour winner, climbed to third place at 11-under 202 following a third-round 65. Panipat\u2019s 21-year-old Shubham Jaglan (70-68-66) and Chandigarh\u2019s Angad Cheema (68-68-68) shared fourth place at nine-under 204.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The fruit trees around the course have added another local flavour to his week. \u201cI\u2019ve had mulberries and what I think were cherries or apricots near the third hole, as well as a few apples during the practice and opening rounds. It\u2019s another part of what makes this place so special,\u201d Joshi said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The par-four 11th hole was shortened and played as a par-three due to waterlogging from heavy rain before the start of the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n