November 07, 2015: India’s Anirban Lahiri was all smiles again after he signed for a third round six-under-par 66 at the WGC-HSBC Champions on Saturday. Kevin Kisner of the United States saw his overnight lead reduced to one after he carded a two-under-par 70 to take the third round clubhouse lead at the WGC-HSBC Champions on Saturday.
Kisner traded four birdies against two bogeys for a three-day total of 16-under-par 200 but has compatriot Dustin Johnson, China’s Li Hao-tong and Scotland’s Russell Knox all piling the pressure at 15-under.
After rounds of 70 and 75, the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader produced a class act that was marred only by a double-bogey on the par-five eight at the Sheshan International Golf Club.
“I’m more relieved than anything else. I’ve been playing well but just haven’t come up with a good score. I was slightly disappointed to have left a couple of shots out there coming in, but it was great round and I’m happy that it’s come around today and I’ve got a chance to move up tomorrow,” said Lahiri.
The seven-time Asian Tour winner, who teed off at the back-nine 10, stormed towards the turn with five birdies for an outward 31.
He started marking his card with more birdies again on holes six and seven before a double-bogey seven on eight halted his charge momentarily.
While feeling disappointed with carding a double-bogey on the same hole for two consecutive days, Lahiri showed great character by bouncing back quickly with another birdie on nine to sign for a three-day total of five-under-par 211.
“I haven’t made too many doubles in the last two or three months and to do it on a par-five from the fairway on each occasion is ironic. It just shows how easy it is to mess up from a good situation,” said Lahiri.
S.S.P. Chawrasia, India’s other representative at Asia’s richest tournament, meanwhile posted a 71 for a 212 total.
“I’m playing well but I missed several short putts today which I hope will not happen again tomorrow,” said Chawrasia.
