Nuh (Haryana), April 23: Overnight co-leader Dhruv Sheoran fired a six-under 66 to open up a three-shot lead at 15-under 201 after round three of the Rs 1-crore DP World Players Championship, here on Thursday.
The 31-year-old from Gurugram, a winner on the DP World PGTI in 2024, delivered his second consecutive 66 to take firm control heading into the final day.
Sheoran will look to maintain his composure and convert his lead into a second title on the tour, while the chasing pack will aim to apply pressure early in the final round.
Sheoran’s (69-66-66) error-free third round was built on a blistering start, as he reeled off four consecutive birdies from the second to the fifth to seize early momentum. He maintained that control through the round, adding two more birdies on the 10th and 11th to stay ahead of the chasing pack.
Kolkata’s Sunit Chowrasia (70-66-68), who returned from a long injury lay-off earlier this year, climbed into sole second at 12-under 204 after a steady four-under 68 that featured five birdies and a lone bogey.
Chowrasia moved up one place from his overnight tied-third position and kept himself within striking distance heading into the final round. Overnight co-leader Akshay Sharma (70-65-70) of Chandigarh and Jamal Hossain (67-70-68), who had shared the first-round lead, were tied third at 11-under 205. Akshay followed up his tournament-low 65 in round two with a composed two-under 70, while Hossain returned a 68 to remain in contention.
Karnal’s Mani Ram (69-68-70) occupied fifth place at nine-under 207 after a round of 70 that included an eagle on the par-5 14th along with two birdies and two bogeys, keeping him within reach of the leaders.
Sheoran said, “I didn’t realise at the time, but those four early birdies really gave me momentum and helped me build into the round.” He added, “I’m just trying to follow my process and improve each day rather than thinking about my position. That’s been working well for me.” Chowrasia, who built his round with a steady run on the front nine, said, “I got into a good rhythm early with birdies on the fifth and sixth, which made me comfortable.” (PTI)
