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Kabthiyal & Baisoya Share Lead at Chhattisgarh Open After Sizzling 63s

Anshul Kabthiyal and Honey Baisoya both shot rounds of six-under 63 to move into a joint lead at 21-under par after the third round of the Chhattisgarh Open. American golfer Jhared Hack is just one stroke behind the leaders following his own 63. Kabthiyal credited his improved course management and error-free play for his strong performance. Baisoya highlighted the benefits of his off-season work on his short game, which has been key to his success this week.

Key Points: Chhattisgarh Open: Kabthiyal, Baisoya Joint Leaders After Round 3

  • Anshul Kabthiyal fires a 63
  • Honey Baisoya matches with a 63
  • Leaders tied at 21-under 186
  • Jhared Hack one shot back in third
3 min read

Chhattisgarh Open: Kabthiyal, Baisoya emerge joint leaders in Round 3

Anshul Kabthiyal & Honey Baisoya shoot 63 to lead Chhattisgarh Open at 21-under. American Jhared Hack is one shot back in third.

"I've kept the errors out this week, having dropped just one bogey in the tournament so far. - Anshul Kabthiyal"

Naya Raipur, Feb 5

Anshul Kabthiyal and Honey Baisoya took the honours in the third round of the INR 1.5 crore Chhattisgarh Open 2026 after both golfers fired scores of six-under 63 to move up one spot and emerge joint leaders at a total of 21-under 186 at the Fairway Golf & Lake Resort in Naya Raipur.

American Jhared Hack also produced a 63 on Thursday to gain one place and end the day in third position at 20-under 187 at the DP World PGTI's opening event of the season. Veer Ahlawat (62) and Akshay Sharma (69) occupied tied fourth place at 18-under 189.

The 21-year-old Anshul Kabthiyal (62-61-63), who was overnight tied second, had an early break with his 45-foot birdie conversion on the second. After a dry spell till the 10th, Kabthiyal, yet to win a title, got back to picking up birdies from the 11th hole onwards. Kabthiyal then had a flurry of birdies on the 14th, 15th, 17th, and 18th, where he sank a 25-footer and three other putts from a range of nine to 12 feet.

Kabthiyal, who posted seven top-10s last year to finish inside the top-30 of the PGTI Ranking, said, "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 hadn't fared too well at this course last year, but this year I've adjusted to the course much better. I have my game plan in place and a much-improved mindset this time around," he said.

Baisoya, a seven-time winner on the DP World PGTI, made five birdies over his first 11 holes, which included three conversions from a range of 10 to 25 feet. Honey's bogey on the 12th did not slow him down as he rallied with a 15-foot eagle conversion on the 13th and a birdie on the 15th. Baisoya, who bagged eight top-10s on the DP World PGTI last year, including a runner-up finish, then dropped his third bogey of the week on the 16th.

Baisoya, who was overnight tied second along with Kabthiyal, said, "I had an up and down day today. I worked hard on my 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 in the course and enjoying myself out there."

The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) serves as the official governing and sanctioning body for men's professional golf in India. It is a recognised member of the International Golf Federation and the 'International Federation of PGA Tours'. PGTI also enjoys strategic alliances with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour (European Tour). PGTI events offer 'Official World Golf Ranking' (OWGR) points. The Tour is led by its President, Padma Bhushan Kapil Dev, who is an iconic sporting legend who continues to inspire athletes and audiences nationwide.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone who follows golf globally, it's impressive to see the scoring at this event. 21-under through three rounds is world-class. The PGTI's alliance with the DP World Tour is clearly raising the standard. Jhared Hack being right there shows the competition is strong.
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Vikram M
Honey Baisoya is a proven champion, but full marks to Anshul for keeping pace. The kid has nerves of steel, sinking those long putts. Hope he gets his maiden title soon! The tournament is being played beautifully in Naya Raipur, a great showcase for the new capital.
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Priya S
While the golf is exciting, I wish there was more mainstream TV coverage for these events. So many of us would love to watch but it's hard to find. Star Sports or Sony should pick up more PGTI tournaments. These athletes deserve a bigger audience.
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Rohit P
Kapil Dev as President gives the tour such credibility. A legend inspiring the next generation. The scores are unbelievable - 62, 61, 63! These guys are on fire. Final round will be a thriller. Jai Ho Indian golf! 🏌️‍♂️
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Michael C
Interesting to see the mix of youth and experience at the top. Baisoya's comment about working on his short game during the break shows the dedication required. The OWGR points on offer are crucial for these players to get into bigger international events. Good for the sport's growth in India.

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