Sandhu has a two-shot lead after round 3 of Poona Club Open

Order of Merit leader Yuvraj Sandhu heading into the third day of the Poona Club Open on Thursday. Image courtesy of PGTI.

By Rahul Banerji

PGTI Order of Merit leader Yuvraj Sandhu (65-67-65) moved into the sole lead after the third round of the Rs 1 crore Poona Club Open on Thursday.

The tournament favorite came up with a fighting 6-under-par 65, the best of the day in tough conditions after an overnight rain, to hold a two-shot lead at 16-under 197, the PGTI said.

Joint leader Shaurya Bhattacharya (69-63-67) kept herself in contention with a 67 for second place at 14-under 199.

Former PGTI No. 1 Manu Gandas (67-69-66) was third after the penultimate round at 11-under 202.

Shivendra Singh Sisodia and Jairaj Singh Sandhu made up the top five tied for fourth at 8 under 205.

The Poona Club Open 2025 is supported by the host venue, title sponsors Vencobb and NECC, and Ventive, SKS Fasteners, Elica, Marvel Realtors, Shubbaan Investments, DFMC, Automech and Kinetic.

The start of play on Thursday was delayed by two hours after an overnight rain, eventually starting at 10am.

Reigning PGTI Order of Merit champion Veer Ahlawat secured a share of sixth place at 7-under 206, while Rohan Dhole Patil was the top-seeded among the local professionals at T20 at 2-under 211.

Early setback

Sandhu, a four-time winner this year, bogeyed the third hole but came roaring back with seven birdies on the next twelve.

The 28-year-old ended the day with a bogey and a birdie on the last three holes.

Along the way, Yuvraj made two long birdie conversions, drove the green on the Par-4 ninth hole and scored birdies on all three Par-5s.

“The overnight rain made the conditions there tough. But since I’ve been playing a lot of golf in Asia recently, I’m used to the wet conditions, so it worked in my favor,” Sandhu said later.

“Despite the rain the greens are playing well. Kudos to the course staff for all the work they have put in.

“The delayed start today gave me some extra sleep and that helped too.

Stable day

“It was a steady day for me, after a little hiccup in the beginning I got my momentum back from the fifth hole and kept that momentum until the end.

“Playing with Shaurya is fun because I have known him for a long time and have seen him as an amateur and a rookie.

“We’ve been roommates and traveled to events together. I’m looking forward to playing the final round with him in the leadership group.”

The 22-year-old Bhattacharya, fourth in the PGTI Ranking, also started the day with a bogey, but then rallied with five birdies.

Also read: Bhattacharya and Sandhu share the lead at the half at Poona Club Open

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