Kabthiyal and Baisoya are making their way to joint leadership in New Raipur

Longtime player Anshul Kabthiyal has a share of the lead on the penultimate day in the SECL Chhattisgarh Open after a bogey-free round in New Raipur on Thursday. Image courtesy of DP World PGTI.

By Rahul Banerji

Rising star Anshul Kabthiyal and seasoned Honey Baisoya shared the honors in round three of the Rs 1.5 crore SECL Chhattisgarh Open with the lead tied in New Raipur on Thursday.

Both shot 6-under par 63s to move up one spot at 21-under 186 at the Fairway Golf & Lake Resort with plenty of up-and-down action, according to the DP World PGTI.

Jhared Hack of the US also shot a 63 to move up one spot and ended the day in third place at 20-under 187 in the opening event of the DP World PGTI’s 2026 season.

Former Order of Merit champion Veer Ahlawat, who was bogey-free in his 7-under 62, and overnight leader Akshay Sharma (69) shared fourth place at 18-under 189 after Moving Day.

Early wins

Kabthiyal (62-61-63) got an early break with a 45-foot birdie conversion on the second.

After a dry spell until the 10th hole, he picked up birdies at 14, 15, 17 and 18, sinking a 25-footer and three other putts from between nine and 12 feet on his way to an there.

The 21-year-old, who has yet to win the Tour and had seven top 10 finishes last year, later said: “I hit some great approach shots today.

“I’ve kept the mistakes out this week because I’ve only dropped one bogey in the tournament so far and that too early in the first round.

“Last year I didn’t do so well on this course, but this year I’ve adapted to it much better. I have my game plan in order this time and a much improved mentality.”

Honey Baisoya from Gurgaon made the most of Moving Day to take a share of the lead at the SECL Chhttisgarh Open on Thursday. Image courtesy of DP World PGTI.

Baisoya, a seven-time DP World PGTI winner, made five birdies over his first 11 holes, including three conversions from 10 to 25 feet.

Hot pace

He dropped a shot on 12 but didn’t slow down as he rallied with a 15-foot eagle conversion on 13 and a birdie on 15.

Baisoya, who took eight top 10s at last year’s DP World PGTI, including a second place, then dropped his third chance of the week at 16.

“I had an up and down day today,” Baisoya said.

“I have been working hard on chipping and putting over the New Year holidays and as a result these aspects of my game have been on a roll this week.

“I now feel more comfortable on the course and enjoying it off the course.”

Also read: Sharma continues his dominance at SECL Chhattisgarh Open

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