Jyoti Randhawa braves cramps to retain the lead; Khalin Joshi in hot pursuit

Jyoti Randhawa survived cramps on Saturday to retain a one shot lead in the Tour Championship

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Jyoti Randhawa survived cramps on Saturday to retain a one shot lead in the Tour Championship

December 26, 2015: The PGTI Tour Championship is set for a thrilling finale with Jyoti Randhawa and Khalin Joshi separated by just one shot after 54 holes. The 43 year old Randhawa has been winding the clock back this week and despite a cramped 71 on Saturday, managed to end the day in the lead at 12-under 204. Joshi shot a classy 67 to underline his promise and stay right in the hunt for Sunday glory.

Randhawa began with the fluency that has characterized his week so far at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club – making three birdies in the first four holes. A bogey at the ninth hole was offset immediately by a birdie at the tenth, but trouble loomed for Randhawa on the return stretch.

He was struck by a bad bout of stomach cramps midway through the round, affecting his ability to play his natural game. Back to back bogeys at the 12th and 13th took away two shots from the former Asia No.1 even as Khalin was playing with remarkable assurance.

The 23 year old from Bengaluru was even through the first eleven holes, having made birdie-bogey at the second and third holes of the third round. He dipped back under for the day at the 12th before pinching two shots with an eagle at the 16th.

He added another birdie at the 17th to stay firmly in the hunt for the grand trophy on offer this Sunday.
Joshi’s friend from Bengaluru, S Chikkarangappa is also in the hunt, though he has much to do in the final round to try and catch up with Randhawa and Joshi.

Chikka made 70 on Saturday, on the strength of birdies at the 2nd and 4th holes. A bogey at the 15th hole cost him a shot but he regained it quickly at the 17th hole. He is lying three back at 9-under 207.

Randhawa (68-65-71), the overnight leader by four shots, felt the effects of an upset stomach through the third day but still managed to deliver a resolute 71 to continue in the lead. Jyoti was quick off the blocks picking up birdies on the first, second and fourth, landing it within five feet on the first two occasions, to build a comfortable five-stroke lead. He dropped a stroke after missing a six-footer on the ninth but came roaring back with a 20-feet birdie conversion from just off the green on the 10th.

Randhawa missed the greens on 12 and 13 for consecutive bogeys as his lead was cut down to three strokes. It was on the 14th tee that the 43-year-old seasoned campaigner considered withdrawing from the tournament due to the pain and discomfort caused by the cramps. However, cheered on by the big crowd, he decided to carry on. Jyoti was solid thereafter, making pars all the way till the finish.

“It was a tough and draining day for me today due to my physical condition. However, I’m glad to have hung in there to stay in front. I look forward to coming back strong on the final day,” said Randhawa.

Joshi (70-67-68), who was overnight joint second, had a birdie and a bogey on the front-nine but he made his move on the back-nine with an eagle and two birdies. He made a 15-feet birdie conversion on 12 and then drove the par-4 16th green and followed up with a 25-feet putt for eagle there. He finally had a birdie chip-in on the 17th which helped him end the day within one shot of the lead.

“I think the 12th was the turning point for me today as I started swinging better from there on. I was far better on the back-nine in all aspects of the game. I was also very relaxed playing alongside my good friend Chikka. I play a lot of practice rounds with him back home in Bengaluru. I’m in a decent position now just one shot off the lead and will look to raise the tempo in the final round,” said Joshi.

Chikkarangappa, who was lying joint second after round two, slipped to third place at nine-under-207 after his 70 on Saturday. Chikka, second in the order of merit, is still the strongest contender for the Rolex Ranking title as money list leader Mukesh Kumar of Mhow is currently placed tied 15th in the tournament at one-under-215.

Defending champion Shankar Das (70) of Kolkata occupies fourth place at seven-under-209. The Kolkata duo of 2012 champion SSP Chawrasia (68) and Rahil Gangjee (72) are a further shot back in tied fifth.

Kapurthala’s Gaganjeet Bhullar moved up to seventh place at five-under-211 thanks to his third round effort of 68.

Shankar Das was three over through six holes but he recovered well to score six birdies and sign off with a 70 to lie fourth going into the final Sunday of the season.

Kolkata golfer SSP Chawrasia has been dealing with the twin disappointments of losing his brother and a tight race for a slot at the Open Championship, all in December. After seemingly insipid performances in the first two rounds, Chawrasia shot an impressive 68 to tie for fifth with Rahil Gangjee.

While Chawrasia’s sheet was clean as a whistle on Saturday, Gangjee was faltering at three over through eleven holes. It took all of his experience from there to score three birdies over seven holes and restore parity on his card.

Gaganjeet Bhullar is in 7th spot, after he recovered from a bogey at the first hole. An eagle at the par-5 fourth and three birdies on the back nine helped him post 68 for a 5-under total of 211.

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