Memphis (USA), Aug 10 (NationPress) - Akshay Bhatia recorded a steady even par 70, placing him tied for sixth and five strokes behind the leader after three rounds at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. The 22-year-old, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour, has posted rounds of 62-69-70, sitting at 9-under and still in contention for a strong finish in the opening of the three FedExCup Play-off events.

Bhatia, representing Hero, who dazzled with a round of 62 on the tournament’s first day, recorded two birdies and two bogeys during his third round. Tommy Fleetwood managed to navigate some challenges en route to a 1-under 69, maintaining the sole lead at 14-under. Fleetwood, aiming for his inaugural PGA Tour victory, has carded rounds of 63-64-69.

Trailing Fleetwood by one shot is veteran Justin Rose (64-66-67) at 13-under, while Scottie Scheffler (67-66-65) is close behind in third at 12-under.

Indo-British Aaron Rai (70-69-68) is tied for 30th as he hopes to break into the Top 50 from his current position of 55th to qualify for the next Play-offs event.

Bhatia scored birdies on the second and 17th holes but lost strokes on the seventh and 18th. He experienced a three-shot swing against him early on and a two-shot swing at the last hole on Saturday in the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

He managed to secure a 1-under 69, holding a one-shot lead over Justin Rose as he seeks his maiden PGA TOUR title. Adding to the drama, Scottie Scheffler looms just two shots back.

These two holes served as a reminder to Fleetwood that 18 holes can feel quite distant at the TPC Southwind. Anticipation builds as pressure mounts atop the leaderboard, alongside others vying to progress in the FedExCup Playoffs.

Fleetwood began the third round holding a three-shot lead over Rose, who completed his storm-delayed second round that morning.

On the par-5 third hole, Fleetwood's second shot fell short and landed in the water. Following a penalty drop, he hit a wedge over the green and into a bunker. Fleetwood mentioned he noticed his ball shift slightly during his swing with the wedge.

Officials were unable to determine if the movement was significant enough to impose a penalty, and none was given. He ended the hole with a double bogey, allowing Rose to surge ahead with three consecutive birdies.

Fleetwood bounced back to recover his lead to three shots, but on the 18th hole, he hit into the rough, failed to reach the green, and ended with a bogey, completing his round at 14-under 196.

Rose capitalized with four birdies between the third and seventh holes, finishing with two birdies and two bogeys in his final five for a 67.

Scheffler had an impressive round, posting six birdies and a single bogey on the 10th, positioning him two strokes behind. He aims for his fifth victory this year and has remained in the top 10 since March.

U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun (65) and Andrew Novak (67) are three shots back.

Following this week, the top 50 in the FedExCup will qualify for the second playoff event at the BMW Championship, securing their participation in all USD 20 million Signature Events next year.