Prakongvech Surges Ahead in the Bharath Classic
Settee Prakongvech showcased remarkable skill and determination during the third round of the $500,000 IGPL Bharath Classic, overcoming a challenging start and finish to secure a three-shot lead heading into the final day. The 31-year-old golfer from Bangkok is in pursuit of his first title on the Asian Tour since turning professional in 2014. His performance included a remarkable stretch of three consecutive birdies beginning from the fifth hole, culminating in a four-under-par score of 68, which elevated him to an impressive total of 13-under par.
Overnight co-leader Runchanapong Youprayong, who finished with a round of 71, faltered due to a late double bogey, placing him in a tie for second at 10-under par alongside Sweden’s Charlie Lindh, who carded a 67. Both players are eager to secure their first victory on the Asian Tour. Meanwhile, England’s Sam Broadhurst, son of six-time DP World Tour champion Paul Broadhurst, matched the day's lowest score with a remarkable seven-under 65, propelling him into a tie for fourth place with Thailand’s Poom Saksansin, who shot a 67, both sitting at nine-under.
Challengers and Performances in Focus
This tournament is part of a co-sanctioning with the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL), where Karandeep Kochhar currently leads the charge for IGPL members, tied for 10th place after a round of 70. Ayoub Lguirati also maintained his status as the top Moroccan player, finishing tied for 16th at six-under par following a score of 70. Prakongvech expressed some missed opportunities, notably only converting one birdie on the four par-five holes, reflecting on a few short putts he failed to make, which could have extended his lead further. "I missed like a five-foot putt on the third and then again on the 18th. Both are par-five holes," Prakongvech noted.
On a celebratory note for Swedish National Day, Lindh aimed to capitalize early with birdies on the first three holes. Despite dropping shots on the 10th and 12th, his impressive tally of seven birdies kept him firmly in the hunt. "It was a really good start to the day. We said when we came out that we need to be ready from the first hole to make birdies," Lindh remarked. Runchanapong, despite a bogey start, managed to fight back with three birdies but faced setbacks due to a double bogey on the par-5 14th hole. He remains optimistic about his chances in the final round.
Broadhurst reflected on his successful round, crediting solid ball striking and improved putting for his performance, which contrasted with his previous day. As the tournament continues, excitement builds as the Asian Tour prepares to move to Rabat for the upcoming $2 million International Series Morocco presented by Visit Morocco, following two weeks of competitive action in Morocco.
As reported by golfdigestme.com.
