Could Honey Baisoya Maintain His Five-Shot Lead in Players Championship 2026?
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) Honey Baisoya showcased an exceptional performance with a score of six-under 64, establishing a remarkable five-shot advantage after the third round of the INR 1.5 crore Players Championship 2026, held at the Qutab Golf Course in New Delhi on Thursday.
Baisoya (63-65-64), who started the day in second place, just one shot behind the lead, achieved seven birdies and a single bogey, bringing his 54-hole total to 18-under 192. The 29-year-old professional golfer, representing the DLF Golf & Country Club in Gurugram, has won seven tournaments on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) but is striving to break a five-year title drought since his last victory in 2021.
Jamal Hossain (65-54-68) improved his standing with a score of 68 on Day Three, moving into second place at 13-under 197. The first-round leader, Kshitij Naveed Kaul (65), along with second-round leader Jhared Hack (71), Tapendra Ghai (66), and Veer Ahlawat (66), are all tied for third place at 12-under 198.
Baisoya's putting skills made an impact early, securing three birdies from distances of 10 to 15 feet within his first six holes. Despite encountering a hazard on the fifth hole that resulted in a bogey, he quickly rebounded.
Having finished as the runner-up at the DP World PGTI event at Qutab Golf Course last year, he continued to shine by adding four more birdies on the back nine, including three in the last four holes, thanks to some superb chip shots that set up easy tap-ins.
Baisoya remarked, “My putting has been exceptional this week, and I had 12 single putts today, which definitely helped. I consistently hit the fairway with my tee shots and executed quality chip shots. After my bogey on the fifth, I focused on the next hole and managed a birdie.”
“At the 10th tee, I told my caddie that I aimed for 20-under today, and keeping that in mind would put me in a good position for the title. I got close to 20-under and prepared well for the final day,” he added.
Jamal Hossain, in second place, had a mix of four birdies and two bogeys.
Kshitij Naveed Kaul made a remarkable play, holing his second shot from the fairway for an eagle on the Par-4 18th, concluding the day with a 65 and tying for third place.