Can Manu Gandas Secure Victory After His Impressive 64 in Round Three?
Synopsis
The thrilling match at the PGTI Players Championship heats up as Manu Gandas matches Shaurya Bhattacharya at the top. Who will emerge victorious? Discover the highlights and challenges of this exciting tournament.
Key Takeaways
Manu Gandas showcases exceptional skill with a six-under 64.
Shaurya Bhattacharya slips from his leading position after a challenging round.
The competition remains fierce with multiple players closely trailing behind.
Familiarity with the course proves beneficial for Gandas.
Final round is expected to be highly competitive.
Kolkata, Feb 19 (NationPress) Manu Gandas surged ahead with an impressive six-under 64 in the third round, tying with Shaurya Bhattacharya, who scored a 73, at the pinnacle of the leaderboard during the INR 1.5 crore Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) Players Championship 2026 at the Tollygunge Club in Kolkata.
The former DP World PGTI Order of Merit champion, Manu Gandas (66-69-64), started the day tied for seventh and nine strokes behind the leader. His round featured an eagle, five birdies, and a bogey, bringing his overall total to 11-under 199.
Shaurya Bhattacharya (64-62-73), who led after the first two rounds by four strokes, faced challenges on the third day, with two birdies and five bogeys, resulting in a tie for the lead at 11-under 199. Both Om Prakash Chouhan (64), Akshay Sharma (64), and Sanjeev Kumar (67) are tied for third at 10-under 200.
Familiar with the Tollygunge Club course, having previously triumphed there, Manu began slowly with his first birdie on the Par-3 eighth, thanks to an excellent tee shot. He quickly found his rhythm, securing another birdie on the ninth and converting a 17-foot eagle on the 10th.
A bogey on the 12th didn’t deter him, as he rebounded with three more birdies, including a chip-in on the 14th and an 18-foot conversion on the 15th.
Manu commented, “My striking off the tees was impressive today, as were my approach shots. I created numerous opportunities for myself. Although I haven’t been in my best form this season, I’m steadily improving. I enjoy playing at Tollygunge and have fond memories of my victory here in 2024, which will inspire me in the final round.”
Shaurya Bhattacharya, who led the first two rounds, had a challenging day on Thursday, missing several crucial chip-putts.
Shaurya stated, “My club selection and decision-making were not accurate today. Consistency was lacking. I plan to reset and aim to recreate my performance from the first two rounds.”
The Kolkata duo of Mohammad Sanju and Divyanshu Bajaj are both tied for 36th at one-under 209.
Point of View
I emphasize the significance of Manu Gandas’ performance in the PGTI Players Championship. His impressive round not only showcases his skill but also adds to the excitement of the tournament. This event highlights the growing interest in golf in India, and we at NationPress are committed to covering these pivotal moments.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Manu Gandas's score in round three?
Manu Gandas scored a six-under 64 in round three.
Who is leading the PGTI Players Championship?
Manu Gandas and Shaurya Bhattacharya are tied at the top with 11-under 199.
Where is the PGTI Players Championship taking place?
The championship is being held at the Tollygunge Club in Kolkata.
What challenges did Shaurya Bhattacharya face in round three?
Shaurya Bhattacharya struggled with his chip-putts, scoring a 73.
Who are the players in joint third place?
Om Prakash Chouhan, Akshay Sharma, and Sanjeev Kumar are tied for third at 10-under 200.
