Mukesh takes third round lead

The seasoned Mukesh Kumar of Mhow shot a resolute three-under-68 to take the third round lead at the Golconda Masters being played at the Hyderabad Golf Association course here.

The 52-year-old Mukesh, who holds the record for being the oldest champion on the PGTI, went one ahead on the penultimate day as his total moved to 12-under-201.

Sri Lankan N. Thangaraja (68) and Ahmedabad’s Udayan Mane (69) were hot on the leader’s heels in tied second at 11-under-202.

Mukesh Kumar (67-6668), lying four off the lead in tied second at the start of round three, suffered an early setback when he bogeyed the first. But the man with over 120 professional titles to his name thereafter rallied with three birdies on the frontnine.

Mukesh, who finished third at the Golconda Masters last year, further picked up the pace with a 20-feet eagle conversion on the 10th and a terrific tee shot on the par-3 11th that set up a tap-in birdie. However, a couple of poor approach shots on the 12th and 14th resulted in bogeys and put the brakes on his round.

Nonetheless, Mukesh hung on to the lead till the end thanks to pars on the last four holes.

Meanwhile, Udayan Mane (67-66-69) continued in tied second for the second successive day after a round of 69. Mane’s round featured four birdies and two bogeys with his best shot of the day coming on the 13th. Despite not having a full swing, Udayan landed his approach from 105 yards to six feet to pick up a birdie.

N. Thangaraja (65-69-68) moved up four places from overnight tied sixth after recording a 68. Thangaraja, also a winner on the PGTI, began the day with two bogeys.