Chandigarh's Akshay maintains second spot at golf meet

Chandigarh’s Akshay Sharma (62-64-65) submitted a score of 65 to continue in second position for the third straight day, while Bangladesh’s Jamal Hossain dominated the third round to establish a four-shot lead at the Telangana Golconda Masters 2025 being played at the Hyderabad Golf Association (HGA) complex.

Sharma’s total read 19-under 291 at the end of the week’s windiest day which also witnessed a drizzle in the last 30 minutes of play. Sharma’s flawless 65 on Thursday meant he was leader Jamal’s closest rival.

Meanwhile, Chandigarh golfer Vishav Pratap Singh Gill produced the day’s best score of 63 to move up 28 spots to seventh position at 9-under 201.

Hossain (61-62-64), who enjoyed a three-shot advantage at the halfway stage, extended his lead by another shot after returning a score of six-under 64 on Thursday that moved his total to 23-under 187. The 40-year-old from Dhaka thus continued in the lead for the third day running.

Khalin Joshi (65-66-66) of Bengaluru carded a 66 to close the penultimate round in third position at a total of 13-under 197 thus making a gain of one spot. Delhi’s Shaurya Bhattacharya and Gurugram’s Manu Gandas fired rounds of 64 to share fourth place at 12-under 198. Hyderabad’s Vishesh Sharma was the highest-placed among the local golfers as he posted a 67 to be tied 22nd at five-under 205.