The long-hitting Anshul Kabthiyal holds a share of the penultimate day’s lead in the SECL Chhattisgarh Open after a bogey-free round in New Raipur on Thursday. Image courtesy DP World PGTI.
By Rahul Banerji
Rising star Anshul Kabthiyal and seasoned Honey Baisoya shared honours in round three of the Rs 1.5 crore SECL Chhattisgarh Open with the shared lead in New Raipur on Thursday.
Both shot 6 under par 63s to move up one place on 21 under 186 at the Fairway Golf & Lake Resort with plenty of action up and down the order, the DP World PGTI said.
Jhared Hack of the US also returned a 63 to gain one spot and end the day in third place at 20 under 187 at 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 on 18 under 189 after Moving Day.
Early gain
Kabthiyal (62-61-63) got an early break with a 45-foot birdie conversion on the second.
After a dry spell till hole 10, he then picked up birdies on 14, 15, 17 and 18 where he sank a 25-footer and three other putts from between nine and 12 feet on his way to an er.
The 21-year-old who is yet to win on Tour and had seven top-10s last year, said later, “I hit some great approach shots today.
“I’ve kept the errors out this week having dropped just one bogey in the tournament so far and that too early in round one.
“I didn’t fare too well at this course last year but this year I’ve adjusted to it much better. I have my game plan in place and a much-improved mindset this time around.”
Gurgaon-based Honey Baisoya made the most of Moving Day to take a share of the lead at the SECL Chhttisgarh Open on Thursday. Image courtesy DP World PGTI.
Baisoya, a seven-time winner on the DP World PGTI, made five birdies over his first 11 holes which included three conversions from 10 to 25 feet.
Hot pace
He dropped a shot on 12 but did not slow down as he rallied with a 15-foot eagle conversion on 13 and a birdie on 15.
Baisoya, who took eight top 10s on the DP World PGTI last year including a runner-up finish, then dropped his third shot of the week on 16.
“I had an up and down day today,” Baisoya said.
“I worked hard on chipping and putting during the new year break and as a result those aspects of my game have been trending well this week.
“I’m now feeling more comfortable on the course and enjoying myself out there.”
Also read: Sharma continues his domination at SECL Chhattisgarh Open
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