220226-Chan shih-chang and S Chikkarangappa. Pic: Paul Lakatos/ Asian Tour
Kanchanaburi, Thailand, February 26: India’s S Chikkarangappa was going great guns at 3-under through the front in the third round of the Royal’s Cup on the Asian Tour. Then, on the back nine he had three bogeys against two birdies and was lying Tied-fifth on the leaderboard. Going as high as 13-under at one stage, Chikka, looking for his first win on the Asian Tour, is now 12-under.
Chan Shih-chang continued to race ahead as he carded a five-under-par 67 to lead on 19-under. He is one clear of American Sihwan Kim (66) at Grand Prix Golf Club, while Sadom Kaewkanjana from Thailand is two shots further back following a 67.
The next best Indian after Chikka was Rahil Gangjee, who shot 2-under 70 and was lying T-37 as was Aman Raj, who dropped down with 75.
Rashid Khan (70) and Viraj Madappa (70) were both T-47 at 5-under for 54 holes.
Chan who finished with a hole in one on 16 and an eagle on 18 in second round was ruthless today on the front nine in third round going out in four under to lead by four at the turn from Kim. Then Kim rallied with a strong back nine to ensure Chan did not start to run away with the US$400,000 event.
Chan from the Chinese-Taipei golfer won the Blue Canyon Phuket Championship at the end of last year for his third win on the Asian Tour. He is also a six-time winner on the Asian Development Tour with the last of those coming in 2018 on home soil.
Kim was in contention in both Phuket and the SMBC Singapore Open before recording top four finishes, and has not missed a cut on the Asian Tour since its restart after COVID-19 late last year.
Sadom will no doubt be a threat tomorrow having claimed Singapore’s National Open last month. Korean Bio Kim returned a 68 and is in sole possession of fourth place six behind Chan, in what is the second event of the season on the Asian Tour.
Read also:
Chikka shoots second successive 67, lies 5th in Royal’s Cup; Aman Raj is 6th; Chan leads
Gangjee, Chikka card 67 each for a fine start at Royal’s Cup on Asian Tour
Kapur returns to Thailand with fond memories; 11 Indians in Royal’s Cup
