Hyungsung Kim takes the lead with Rahil Gangjee on his heels

April 21, 2018: Korean Hyungsung Kim fired into the lead on the strength of a fine 67 on Saturday, even as the overnight leader Rikuya Hoshino slipped down the order with a 73. It was another great day at the Ibaraki Country Club for Indian golfers, lead again by Rahil Gangjee. The man from Kolkata enjoyed sole possession of the lead at one stage, before dropping back into second, just one shot behind Kim. The Panasonic Open Golf Championship is set for a thrilling finish with the top six men within four strokes of each other.

Rahil Gangjee and Ajeetesh Sandhu shot 68 on Saturday to plant themselves firmly in contention for honours. Arjun Atwal turned the clock back with a spectacular 66 while SSP Chawrasia rediscovered his touch with a memorable 67. Shiv Kapur moved up to T34 with a 68 on Saturday.

Gangjee enjoyed a two stroke advantage with just six holes to play, but a bogey at the 14th stalled his momentum. Kim took advantage with a fine birdie at the final hole to take pole position as they reach the final round.

His approach game was stellar – despite making just 50% of the fairways, Gangjee recovered to reach 83% of the greens in regulation to set another good round. He will look to make a significant improvement with his putter on Sunday as he hunts for a first Asian Tour title since China in 2004.

The highlight of the day was Atwal. The lone PGA TOUR winner for India shot five birdies and an eagle at the par-5 13th hole as he summoned some of his best golf in recent memory. The result was a classy 66 that helped him surge up to T14. Atwal’s returns could have been even better, but for an ugly double bogey at the par-4 11th hole.

Ajeetesh continued his good run, adding a 68 to the pair of 69s he scored in the first two rounds. He was on the top of his craft, making 78% fairways and just as many greens in regulation as he coasted through the round.

Chawrasia hasn’t been in the best of form recently, but a spotless 67 on Saturday was suggestive of a return to form. The affable man would love to build on it and finish Sunday with another solid round.