July 30, 2016: Chikkarangappa is a picture of consistency this week at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in Pattaya. He shot a third straight 68 to go six under 204, just three behind the leader Shih-chang Chan. Jeev Milkha Singh also produced a second straight 67 to edge inside the top ten after three rounds of the King’s Cup.
Chikka struck five birdies on Saturday in another strong round to push forth into contention. A double bogey at the ninth and a bogey at the 18th compromised Chikka in an otherwise efficient round of golf.
Jeev produced an encore of his second round effort, if only through a more colourful scorecard. He made two birdies and two bogeys on the front nine, making the turn in 35 strokes. He is lying in ninth spot.
The 44 year old showed impeccable golf on the back nine shooting four birdies against a lone bogey at the par-4 16th hole to complete the back nine in just 32 shots.
Gaganjeet Bhullar made 69 in the third round, in an effort that included five birdies and four bogeys. Bhullar got off to a great start this week, firing five under 65 in the first round. But he slipped to a 72 on Friday before making a marginal recovery in the third round. Bhullar is currently tied for eleventh place.
Chiragh Kumar shot an even number of birdies and bogeys – four each in his 70 on Saturday. Chiragh and SSP Chawrasia are lying together in 35th place, after both golfers made matching scores in the third round.
Shiv Kapur jumped inside the top 40 with a 67 in the second round, but a 73 today dropped him down to 62nd position. Shubhankar Sharma also made 73 to end the day in 77th place.
Himmat Rai and Rashid Khan failed to make the cut, while Rahil Gangjee withdrew from the tournament midway through the second round.
