Ahmedabad Open Golf: Thangaraja Takes Commanding Five-Shot Lead in Round 3
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Synopsis
Sri Lanka's N. Thangaraja surged to a commanding five-shot lead in the third round of the INR 1 crore Ahmedabad Open 2025 at Kensville Golf & Country Club. Thangaraja's strong putting performance reestablished him as a favorite for his fifth PGTI title, with Harendra Gupta and Yashas Chandra trailing in tied second.
Key Takeaways
- N. Thangaraja leads by five shots in Ahmedabad Open 2025.
- Thangaraja's score of nine-under 207 sets a strong pace.
- Harendra Gupta and Yashas Chandra are tied for second.
- Thangaraja aims for his fifth PGTI title.
- Good putting form was key in Thangaraja's success.
Ahmedabad, March 6 (NationPress) Sri Lanka’s N. Thangaraja reclaimed his position at the top of the leaderboard, showcasing his impressive putting skills as he surged ahead with a significant five-shot advantage in the third round of the INR 1 crore Ahmedabad Open 2025, taking place at the Kensville Golf & Country Club near here on Thursday.
The 43-year-old Thangaraja (65-73-69), who started strong in Round One but dropped to second place on Day Two, delivered a solid three-under 69 on Thursday. This performance boosted his total to nine-under 207, creating a substantial lead over the competition.
As the current frontrunner, Thangaraja aims to secure his fifth PGTI title and his first victory since 2023 this coming Friday. Chandigarh’s Harendra Gupta (70-67-75), who led at the halfway point, recorded a 75 in the penultimate round, landing in a tie for second at four-under 212.
Mysuru’s Yashas Chandra (72-70-70), the only competitor without an over-par score so far, recorded another 70 to join Gupta in the tied second position. Ahmedabad’s Varun Parikh (69) stood in tied fifth place at one-under 215. Former PGTI Order of Merit winner Manu Gandas from Gurugram achieved the day’s best score of 67, placing him tied 10th at two-over 218.
After struggling with his putting in Round Two, Thangaraja made a remarkable comeback in the third round, turning his performance around. He scored four birdies, each from six feet, and recorded just one bogey.
“I hit 16 greens in regulation today, consistently landing it close and sinking most putts. I’m pleased to have regained my putting form just in time for the crucial final round,” Thangaraja stated. “My ability to execute low shots effectively was beneficial in the windy conditions here at Kensville. The low shot often provides an advantage of about five to six yards in windy weather. I’m eager to return to my winning ways,” he added.
Chandra made three birdies and a bogey in his 70, while Gupta struggled with three bogeys during his 75.
