Chennai Open: Thangaraja in pole position; Manu Gandas, Chadha in pursuit

CHENNAI: Sri Lankan N. Thangaraja's strong back-nine ensured he struck a five-under 67 on day three to be in pole position as he enjoyed a one-stroke lead at 16-under 200 at the Impiger Technologies presents Chennai Open 2022.

Gurugram golfer Manu Gandas' rear-guard action including a closing eagle helped him to a 68, keeping him in contention at 15-under 201 at the Rs. 40 lakh event.

Chandigarh's Abhijit Singh Chadha was also in pursuit following a day's best of 66 and another closing eagle that took his total to 14-under 202 and placed him third.

The first half of the round saw sultry conditions like the second round. But the weather changed for the better in the latter half of the round as it became overcast with a gentle breeze coming into play even as the temperature dropped. There was a drizzle towards the end of the play.

N. Thangaraja (66-67-67), the overnight joint leader, continued to be one of the top contenders after the penultimate round as a result of his tenacious 67 which featured an eagle, five birdies and two bogeys. Thangaraja had a slow front-nine where his best effort was a superb second shot on the fourth that left him a seven-foot eagle conversion.

Thanga, a three-time winner on the PGTI, then picked up four birdies on the back-nine with some great putting and a good chip to strengthen his claim to the title.

Manu Gandas (68-65-68), the joint halfway leader along with Thangaraja, slipped one spot on day three after an up and down round. Manu, a three-time winner on the PGTI, was even-par for the day through 12 holes before he rolled in some long birdie putts on the 14th and 17th and set up an eagle with a terrific second shot on the 18th, the PGTI informed in a release on Thursday. IANS

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