Justin Harding (Getty Images) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (inset)
Nairobi, Kenya, March 20: Gaganjeet Bhullar getting off in the very first group of the day was unable to build on a fine start that him birdie the second and third holes to rise close to Top-15 and stayed at 2-under for the day. His 69 in the third round of the Magical Kenya Open saw him get to 6-under, but drop two places to T-39 with one more round to go.
Bhullar, who was tied second last week, had five birdies against three bogeys and will be hoping for a low round to make a significant move upwards.
India’s other two stars, Shubhankar Sharma and SSP Chawrasia missed the cut earlier on.
Justin Harding, who played a lot with Bhullar on the Asian Tour, moved into the pole position for a second European Tour title as the South African takes a two-stroke lead into the final round. He shot a seven under par third round 64 at Karen Country Club.
The 34-year-old won his maiden title almost exactly two years ago at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, which continued a remarkable rise up the Official World Golf Ranking and he peaked at 42nd in May of 2019.
He was also joint runner-up at the 2019 Magical Kenya Open, and the 34-year-old will be hoping to go one better this time as he starts the final round 16 under par.
Three players shared second spot on 14 under, with Johannes Veerman carding a flawless course-record 62 which comprised nine birdies. He was joined by his American compatriot Kurt Kitayama – who recovered from a tough spot at the seventh as his ball embedded in a sponsor board, eventually signing for a 66 – and Australia’s Scott Hend, who carded a 68. Scotland’s Callum Hill was a stroke further back on 13 under after a four under 67.
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Bhullar starts with solid 5-under 66 in Magical Kenya Open
