Chikka storms to sole lead

S. Chikkarangappa showed his mettle as he stormed to a three-shot lead on the penultimate day of the Take Open Championship at the Karnataka Golf Association on Friday.

The Bengaluru golfer who shared the top spot with Chandigarh’s Sujjan Singh overnight, turned in a card of four-under-68 on the third day to claim sole position on the leaderboard.

Sujjan, who had been in lead from Day One. slipped down to head into the final day at tied fourth along with Rahil Gangjee and Chirag Kumar.

Meanwhile, Shubhankar Sharma made his move, finishing three shots behind Chikka to occupy the second spot along with Gaurav Pratap Singh.

Local favourite Chikka got off right from the first as he carded back-to-back birdies on the first three holes. Having set the tone, the 23-year-old saved another on the sixth hole. The localite though was set back slightly with two missed shots on the fourth and ninth hole.

On the return journey, Chikka secured his position on the top of the table saving three more shots on the 11th, 12th and 17th hole. Though contrary to his good start, he ended the day with a bogey on the final for a total score of 12-under-204.

Having put himself well in a strong position heading into the final round, Chikka said, “I started well and birdied the first three holes. I was a bit angry because of the way I managed things when it came to the par five holes. I put myself under pressure. But otherwise, putting was solid today and I was very confident. The long putts were easier than the short ones here.

“It is the short ones that I need to work on and get them to the hole.”

“On the last day, I need to stick to my strategy and I look forward to a solid round. I also need to work on my tee shots and plan well on the par 5 holes which used to be my strength,” added the overwhelming favourite.

Shubankar turns it on Giving Chikka a run for his money Shubhankar, a winner of two PGTI titles this season, turned in a card of two-under-70 to climb from third place with a total of nine-under-207.

The Panchkula golfer’s card was studded with five birdies on the 5th, 7th, 8th. 10th and 14th, with his missed strokes coming on the 2nd, 6th and 13th holes.

Heading into the final day Shubhankar said, “It was a bit of an up and down day. I was not happy with my hitting and I need to take that next step in hitting and putting.”

Joining Shubhankar on second was Gaurav who jumped from an overnight eighth position with a card of four-under-68.