Chiba (Japan), April 5 (NationPress) — Karandeep Kochhar showcased an impressive performance at the International Series Japan, achieving his best placement in an international series event.

Kochhar, a two-time runner-up on the Asian Tour, concluded his round with an outstanding score of 4-under 67, which included birdies on his final three holes, resulting in a Tied-fifth finish. This marks his second Top-5 finish in just three Asian Tour appearances this year. The International Series events contribute to the Asian Tour standings, and the series has its own rankings, with the champion earning a place in the Liv League.

This week saw Kochhar complete his third bogey-free round in four days, with only one round of 73 proving detrimental. He ended the tournament with a score of 12-under par (67-65-73-65).

Starting the day with an early birdie on the fourth hole, Kochhar turned at 1-under par. He capped off his final round with three straight birdies to finish tied for fifth alongside South Korea's Hongtaek Kim.

Jeev Milkha Singh was the only other Indian golfer to make the cut this week, finishing T-70 after a final round of even par 71, with a total score of 6-over par (72-69-78-71).

Travis Smyth continued his outstanding season, claiming victory with an eagle on the final hole, wrapping up at 15-under par (71-66-68-64) and maintaining his lead on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. He also tops the International Series standings.

Pavit Tangkamolprasert from Thailand secured second place at 14-under par (67-71-70-62), delivering a remarkable final round of 9-under 62, capped by a birdie finish on the 18th.

In his third Asian Tour event of the year, Kochhar has demonstrated his strong form, having previously notched a fourth-place finish at the Philippine Golf Championship in February.

The USD 74,300 earnings this week represent Kochhar's second-largest payday, following his second-place finish at the 2023 BNI Indonesian Masters where he earned USD 165,000. Kochhar also claimed victory at the IGPL Dubai event in late 2025.

Currently, Kochhar stands fifth in the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

In the Aramco Championship, Aditi Ashok shot a 4-over 76 in the third round, dropping to T-20 with one round remaining.

Aditi (74-71-76) now has a cumulative score of 5-over par for the tournament.

Other Indian competitors Pranavi Urs (78) and Avani Prashanth (81) are facing challenges, with Pranavi at 13-over par and Avani at 16-over par, placing them T-69 and 73rd respectively.

Diksha Dagar missed the cut earlier in the week.

American Lauren Coughlin retains the lead heading into the final day, having recorded a score of 1-over 73 on the third day for a total of 7-under par.

Nelly Korda shot a 3-under 69, including late birdies on holes 17 and 18, securing her second place and narrowing the gap to Coughlin to two shots with one round left to play. Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Miyu Yamashita are tied for third with a total of 3-under par.

The world number one, Jeeno Thitikul, scored 6-over 78, placing her at T-38 with a total of 8-over par.