NEW DELHI: Richie Ramsay of Scotland held on to his lead despite struggling with a cold putter in the third round of the Hero Indian Open yesterday.
Ramsay, who has held on to the lead since day one, posted a one-under-par 70 for 11-under-par 202 to hold a narrow one-shot lead over Asian Tour Qualifying School graduate Jaakko Makitalo of Finland.
Makitalo, playing one flight in front of Ramsay, charged into contention for a first Asian Tour win as he returned with a 68 at the $1.25m event.
Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant (67), winner of the 2005 Hero Indian Open and 19-year-old Panuphol Pittayarat (69) were a further shot back, along with James Morrison (67) of England at the Karnataka Golf Association course.
Ramsay, who is playing on a sponsor’s invitation, knows it will be a close race to the finishing line.
“I found it tough to play with the wind blowing all over the place. I needed to make some putts, which I didn’t. It was a case of being close but not close enough today,” said Ramsay, a two-time winner in Europe.
“It is surprising to be leading in a tournament with the way I putted. If I can putt better, then I think there’s a better score out there,” he added.AFP
