Khalin Joshi sparkles in Bangladesh

Edited by Anand Datla

May 29, 2015: Amidst a difficult week when most Indian golfers have been dealing with bleeding cards, Khalin Joshi has been a tall exception. After edging inside the top 10 on Thursday, Khalin produced a memorable 65 in the third round of the Basundhara Bangladesh Open to surge into contention. Mardan Mamat though is still holding sway, three clear of Khalin at 12-under 201.

Mamat of Singapore birdied the last hole to pull three shots clear after shooting a three-under-par 68 in the third round of the US$300,000 Bashundhara Bangladesh Open on Friday. The 47-year-old, who won three out of his four Asian Tour titles after leading for three rounds, totalled 12-under-par 201 to continue his dominant form at the challenging Kurmitola Golf Club.

“I lost my concentration on the back nine because of the heat. I ate and drank a lot of water to regain my focus. I don’t think I will practice. I will take a rest. It has been a long day and I was exhausted in the last three holes,” said Mardan.

Young talents Khalin Joshi of India and Lee Soomin of Korea charged into contention on matching 65s to trail Mardan by three and four shots respectively as they chase for a first Asian Tour win.

“I’m excited because I’m playing really well. I’ve put myself in position to win an Asian Tour title before but didn’t close. I’m playing well and I hope my putter holds up,” said a hopeful Joshi. “I was in contention in Jakarta earlier this year and at the SAIL Open in 2012. I played badly in the last rounds but I’m playing well now. I won my second title on the Indian tour this year so my game feels good.”

“That eagle (at the 14th hole) came after two bogeys so that really helped me. But I missed a short birdie and par putt in the next two holes. My putting hasn’t been great so I need a good putting day tomorrow,” added the young Indian. “I’m really excited because I’ve been waiting for this moment. Hopefully I get the better of everybody else.”

The 22-year-old Joshi chipped in for eagle on the 14th hole before missing two short putts for birdie and par on holes 15 and 16 respectively. Two closing birdies hauled him into contention for a first Asian Tour title.

The 21-year-old Lee, who earned an Asian Tour card at Qualifying School earlier this year, will play in the final group for the first time on the Asian Tour after shooting seven birdies and one eagle.

“I putted very well and I’m happy with where I am now. I have been playing good golf. I really want to win so I hope that I can make it this week,” said the Korean.

Finland’s Kaske, a winner on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) which is the second circuit of the Asian Tour, fought hard to return with a level par score. The highlight of his day came when he made a brilliant up-and-down par save on the ninth hole after hitting his tee shot into the water.

“It was an adventure today. Everything happened. I had to make a couple of good saves because I got into trouble a few times from the tees. I still have a chance to win. I should be able to make birdies if I can keep the ball on the fairway,” said Kaske.

Scores:

201 – Mardan MAMAT (SIN) 66-67-68.

204 – Khalin JOSHI (IND) 71-68-65.

205 – Soomin LEE (KOR) 70-70-65.

206 – Janne KASKE (FIN) 68-67-71.

207 – Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) 69-66-72, Carlos PIGEM (ESP) 67-67-73.

208 – Om Prakash CHOUHAN (IND) 69-73-66, Hyungjoon LEE (KOR) 72-69-67, Dulal HOSSAIN (BAN) 73-63-72.

209 – LEE Sung (KOR) 72-70-67, Amardip MALIK (IND) 67-74-68, Casey O’TOOLE (USA) 66-74-69, Berry HENSON (USA) 71-67-71.

210 – Chinnarat PHADUNGSIL (THA) 74-67-69.

211 – Josh YOUNGER (AUS) 73-70-68, Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 74-70-67.

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Source: Asian Tour Website