Bhattacharya leads the field into the final round of the Asian Tour Q School

Delhi golfer Shaurya Bhattacharya heads to the penultimate round of the final leg of the Asian Tour Qualifying School at the Lake View Resort & Golf Club in Hua Hin on Saturday. Image courtesy of Asian Tour.

By Rahul Banerji

The stage is set for the high-stakes final round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School in Hua Hin, Thailand, with Shaurya Bhattacharya leading the way.

The Delhi golfer shot a 5-under par 66 at Lake View Resort & Golf Club’s A&B course on Saturday to take the total to 16 under for a one-stroke lead, well placed for one of the 35 cards on offer for next year’s season, the Asian Tour said.

Japanese leader Tomohiro Ishizaka (66) was second, while Mexico’s Roberto Lebrija (66) was one shot back in third. He scored a 68 on the A&B course.

Bhattacharya made six birdies against one drop shot on Saturday. He is looking to secure his Asian Tour card for the first time, having competed in only a handful of events in recent seasons.

He plays on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), where he has won three times, including twice this season.

Strong record

With a strong amateur record that saw him ranked No. 2 in India in 2023 and representing his country at the 2023 Eisenhower Trophy and 2022 Nomura Cup, it appears India has another star in the making.

“It was good,” said the 22-year-old from Delhi.

“I mean, just keep doing what I’m doing, I’m hitting the ball well, I’m playing well into the wind, and yeah, I mean, just stick to the process. That’s it.”

“I’ve been playing for, I think, eight weeks in a row now, so I’m just concentrating on the body’s recovery, that’s about it. Eat well and do some stretching exercises.”

Little is known about Ishizaka, who plays on the Japan Golf Tour, but he continues to impress. He started the day with a one shot lead.

He also revealed that he is a close friend of Kazuki Higa, who claimed the Asian Tour Order of Merit title last week, and it was he who recommended him to play on the Asian Tour.

“I already have my Japan tour card, but getting the Asian Tour card would be a challenge for me as a Japanese person and also improve my game,” said Ishizaka, who ranked 39th on this year’s Japan Golf Tour Money list.

Unfortunate mistake

Lebrija would have had an equal lead had it not been for a disastrous double bogey at the par-four 12th.

“Today was a bit of a slower round. I started well, made a birdie on 11, but then on 12 I had a disaster, as you can see by my pants. I had to play it from the water and made a double,” he said.

“Tomorrow will be a round where I know that if I just play decently, I’ll have my card safe. But at the same time I’m trying to win the tournament, you know.”

“So I’m going to try to stick to my game plan. I’ve played that course well, the CD, so I know what to do there. I know that course can be a little harder at times, but if I just stick to my strategy, I know I’ll do well.”

Canadian Henry Lee (67) was fourth, three off the lead, while China’s Lin Yuxin (67) was fifth, a shot further back.

The 72-hole cut fell to two under on Saturday, with 71 players advancing to Sunday’s round, which will be played on the C&D course.

On Friday, Bhattacharya (65) and Lebrija (67) tied for second place, one stroke behind Ishizaka.

Also in contention after the penultimate round were early leader Shubham Jaglan (10 under 273), Honey Baisoya (8 under), Raashid Khan, Kartik Singh, Khalin Joshi, Ajeetesh Sandhu and Chikkarangappa S.

Also read: Poosit wins at Kensville with closing birdie, Chawan finishes well

Related