Randhawa endures stomach cramps to shoot brave 71 and stay ahead by one

Joshi lurks in second after firing day’s joint best, Chikka top contender for Rolex Ranking crown

Kolkata, December 26, 2015: Jyoti Randhawa endured stomach cramps in round three to shoot a brave one-under-71 that kept him in the lead by one shot at the Rs. 1.5 crore McLeod Russel Tour Championship being played at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC). The Gurgaon-based professional took his three-day tally to 12-under-204 on Saturday.

Bengaluru’s Khalin Joshi fired the day’s joint best score of four-under-68 to lurk behind the leader in second place at 11-under-205.

Jyoti 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 10^th.

Randhawa missed the greens on 12 and 13 for consecutive bogeys as his lead was cut down to three strokes. It was on the 14^th 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.

Khalin 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 16^th green and followed up with a 25-feet putt for eagle there. He finally had a birdie chip-in on the 17^th which helped him end the day within one shot of the lead.

“I think the 12^th 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 15^th 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.