Gurugram, March 28 (NationPress) Current titleholder Eugenio Chacarra from Spain delivered a solid performance with a score of two-under 70 in the third round, thereby increasing his lead to four shots, totaling 10-under 206 at the US$2.55 million Indian Open 2026.

South African MJ Daffue, who recently triumphed at the HotelPlanner Tour event in India, and English player Alex Fitzpatrick, both recorded scores of 72 in the third round, placing them jointly in second with a score of six-under 210.

Om Prakash Chouhan (73-71-73), hailing from Mhow in Madhya Pradesh, maintained his status as the top Indian golfer for the second consecutive day after posting a 73 in his third round, moving him up one spot to a tied 20th place with a total of one-over 217.

Earlier in the day, 30 golfers who had not completed the second round on Friday due to poor light resumed their play at 7:15 am local time. At the conclusion of round two, three Indian players successfully made the halfway cut of four-over 148. This included Om Prakash Chouhan (tied 21st at even-par 144), teenager Manoj S (tied 38th at two-over 146), and Kshitij Naveed Kaul (tied 57th at four-over 148).

Kshitij, who had four holes remaining in the second round when play was suspended, returned in the morning to card a birdie and an eagle, dramatically ensuring his place for the next round.

The 39-year-old Chouhan, the 2023 DP World PGTI Order of Merit champion, had an eventful third round, mixing five birdies with four bogeys and a double-bogey.

Chouhan, who boasts a total of 12 titles including one on the HotelPlanner Tour in 2023, faced a challenging start, being three-over through his first 14 holes due to a couple of three-putts. Nevertheless, he rallied back with birdies on the final four holes, sinking putts from distances ranging from 10 to 12 feet.

Chouhan remarked, “My tee shots were solid, but my putting was not as precise as in round two. I also hit fewer greens in regulation today. Still, I’m encouraged by my ability to bounce back with birdies after dropping shots. I need to forget this round and focus on performing better tomorrow.”

Manoj S, an 18-year-old from Bengaluru making his debut at the Indian Open and in only his second professional season, carded three birdies but also encountered a bogey and three double-bogeys, finishing with a score of 76 and landing in tied 54th place at six-over 222.

Kshitij Naveed Kaul (73-75-77) concluded the penultimate round with a 77, placing him tied 63rd at nine-over 225.