Aman fires superb 62 to grab two-shot lead at Jaipur Open

Patna’s Aman Raj fired a sizzling eight-under 62 in the third round to grab a twoshot lead at 17-under-193 in the Jaipur Open golf tournament here Thursday.

Bangladesh’s Md Zamal Hossain Mollah, the second round leader, slipped to second place at 15-under-195 after his round of four-under66.

Aman (64-67-62), who was overnight tied fourth and two off the lead, zoomed to the top in round three with his flawless effort that matched the tournament’s best score achieved in round one by Sri Lankan Anura Rohana.

The 23-year-old, who turned professional soon after winning the PGTI Qualifying School in 2016, is now staring at his maiden professional title.

Aman, who was India’s top amateur in 2015, hit it with precision and rolled in all putts that came his way to pick up five birdies on the front-nine. He also made a brilliant par-save from 10 feet on the ninth.

Aman, who has so far posted two runner-up finishes on the PGTI, then slowly worked his way to the top by adding three more birdies on the 14th, 17th and 18th. The 18th saw him make his longest conversion of the day, a 20footer.

Aman, currently ranked 22nd on the PGTI Order of Merit, said, “Importantly, I didn’t try too hard today. I felt I was in good rhythm from the very start. It was good to capitalize on all the four par5s with birdies.

“Today’s round was a lot like my opening round where everything clicked for me. I’ll look to play in the same manner in the last round and focus on my course management.”

Md Zamal Hossain Mollah (65-64-66) came up with five birdies and a bogey during his round of 66 to close the day in second place.