European Tour Member Shiv Kapur of India wielded a red-hot putter in a sizzling nine under par round of 63 to share the third round lead with Challenge Tour Member Rikard Karlberg of Sweden at the SAIL Open on the Asian Tour.
Kapur, who needed only 22 putts, posted a flawless round which featured an eagle and seven birdies to reel in overnight leader Karlberg, who signed for a 68 to join the experienced Indian on 14 under par.
The Swede, winner of the Order of Merit on his domestic Tour in 2007, holed a monster 30 foot birdie putt on the first hole and closed with a birdie to ensure a share of the lead which he has held since the opening day.
Karlberg, 23, said: “I looked at the scoreboard after nine holes and saw Shiv right up there, but there wasn’t any pressure as I was just sticking to my game plan.
“It’s a great feeling to be in contention. It would mean a lot to me to win as I would get to play more in Asia, so hopefully I can finish the job off tomorrow.”
Kapur, who grew up near the venerable Delhi Golf Club which hosts the third edition of the US$300,000 event, got off to the perfect start with five birdies in his opening six holes.
After an eagle at the eighth hole, where his three iron approach ended ten feet from the pin, the 28 year old reached the turn in a scarcely believable 29.
The 28 year old, who lost out in a play-off to Scotland’s Richie Ramsay at the South African Open Championship last December, said: “I’ve been in decent form. Most parts of my game have been good, but I haven’t been able to put together four good rounds together. I’ve had good starts but haven’t capitalized on them, but today I kept it going.
“I don’t really play 18 holes here very often – I usually come out and play about five holes on the front nine and that’s maybe why I played them so well,” said the Indian, who was one shot shy of his best score on the course.
