Naya Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Feb 5 (NationPress) Anshul Kabthiyal and Honey Baisoya showcased their skills in the third round of the INR 1.5 crore Chhattisgarh Open 2026, both achieving impressive scores of six-under 63. This performance propelled them up the leaderboard to share the top position at a remarkable total of 21-under 186, hosted at the Fairway Golf & Lake Resort in Naya Raipur.

American player Jhared Hack also delivered a stellar performance, scoring a 63 on Thursday, which moved him to third place with a total of 20-under 187, marking the opening event of the DP World PGTI season. Meanwhile, Veer Ahlawat (62) and Akshay Sharma (69) were tied for fourth place at 18-under 189.

The 21-year-old Anshul Kabthiyal (62-61-63), who began the day tied for second, made an early impact with a birdie from 45 feet on the second hole. After a brief dry spell until the 10th hole, Kabthiyal found his rhythm with multiple birdies starting from the 11th. He capped off his round with a series of birdies on the 14th, 15th, 17th, and 18th, including a remarkable 25-footer and several putts ranging from nine to 12 feet.

Kabthiyal, who achieved seven top-10 finishes last year, shared, “I executed some excellent approach shots today. I’ve minimized mistakes this week, having only made one bogey so far, and that was early in the first round.”

Reflecting on his past experiences at the course, he added, “Last year didn’t go as well for me here, but I’ve adapted much better this time around. My strategy and mindset are significantly improved.”

Honey Baisoya, a seven-time DP World PGTI champion, started strong with five birdies in his first 11 holes, including three from distances of 10 to 25 feet. Despite a bogey on the 12th, he quickly regained momentum with a 15-foot eagle conversion on the 13th and another birdie on the 15th. However, he also encountered his third bogey of the week on the 16th.

Baisoya, who shared second place with Kabthiyal overnight, commented, “Today was a mix of highs and lows. I focused on my chipping and putting during the New Year, and it’s paying off this week. I feel more at ease on the course and am enjoying my game.”

The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) oversees and sanctions men's professional golf in India, recognized as a member of the International Golf Federation and the International Federation of PGA Tours. PGTI has strategic partnerships with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Events on this tour contribute to the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. The tour is led by Padma Bhushan Kapil Dev, an iconic sports figure who continues to inspire athletes and fans across the nation.