Lahiri stumbles but stays in contention

Southampton (Bermuda), Nov 1

India’s Anirban Lahiri made a lot of birdies but also gave away a few shots to finish the third round at tied-11th in Bermuda Championship, keeping within striking distance of the leaders.

On a day when winds gusted up to 40 kmph, Lahiri shot a 2-under 69 despite a closing bogey. Lahiri is now a 6-under 207 and four behind the leader, Doc Redman (67), who moved to 10-under. Redman, the 2017 US Amateur champion, was at a 10-under 203, one clear of Ryan Armour (70), Wyndham Clark (70) and Kramer Hickok (69).

Also in contention is another former Asian Tour No. 1, Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat (69), at 7-under and in tied-8th place.

Former Asian Tour No. 1 Lahiri, who started the third day with a bogey, also ended it with a bogey — he also had a double-bogey, on the ninth. However, he has been making a lot of birdies. In the third round Lahiri made six birdies, taking his total to 15, equalling the most this week. “I played quite well but managed to make enough mistakes. Felt like I was a bit loose and gave away two or three shots that I should not have,” Lahiri said. “I’m happy with the way I struck the ball especially on the back nine which was playing harder today. Disappointed to finish with a bogey again. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth but that’s okay.”

Lahiri is playing in his sixth successive season on the PGA Tour with a runner-up finish at the 2017 Memorial Tournament being his career-best finish. He has not won a title worldwide since his win at home at the Hero Indian Open, after which he has been playing on the PGA Tour.

“Tomorrow, my goal will be to keep a clean card and if I can minimise my errors, I feel I’m playing well enough to make a bunch of birdies and hopefully down the stretch give myself a chance,” he said. — PTI